Mary Alice Ringer Barrow was born to the late Judson Ringer and Emma Lou Jackson Ringer on August 29, 1943, in Chattanooga. The second child and first daughter of six children, Mary was blessed with extraordinary talents and personal qualities that shaped her life for the good.
On December 10, 1966, she married her cherished and devoted husband, Llewellyn Barrow and this union was blessed with two children, Charita Lynn Barrow and Brian Lamar Barrow. Mary embraced Christianity at an early age and lived with grace and generosity, according to the tenets of her faith. Mary was an amazing mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. On Friday June 23, 2023, she was welcomed into heaven.
Mary loved learning and excelled academically. She attended Calvin Donaldson Elementary School and graduated from Howard High School in 1961. In 1965 she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Education at Tennessee State University in Nashville, and in 1983, completed a Master’s degree in Library Science at Middle Tennessee State University with high honors.
Mary enjoyed a varied and successful professional life. From 1965 to1966, she was employed by Tennessee Valley Authority in Oak Ridge, Tn. Between 1966 until her retirement in 2008, she was employed as an educator and librarian in the Chattanooga City Schools and later Hamilton County teaching at Eastside Middle School, Howard High School, Calvin Donaldson Elementary and as librarian and media specialist at Tyner High School.
Mary had a passion for her profession and had a positive impact on innumerable students as well as new teachers. In addition to teaching in the classroom, she devoted herself to the mission of serving as a home bound teacher where she took the classroom to the students who were confined. Mary was a devoted educator and known by her students and colleagues to be a caring and compassionate person concerned about their learning and educational progress. She spent decades helping to create an environment that supports learning. Her towering intellect made each interaction edifying.
Mary possessed a peaceful demeanor, was kindhearted, and soft-spoken. She epitomized the best of a strong and empathic leader. Her integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, empathy and gratitude toward her peers, students, friends and colleagues were admired by many. Mary was courteous—a model of discretion in conversation and manner. She listened more than she spoke.
Mary’s commitment to service and helping others was emphasized by her parents along with the belief that a good education and hard work, combined with honesty and integrity, there were no boundaries. She carried this credo with her throughout her life by helping those that were in need not counting the cost but knowing that God required her best. She did not strive to serve her own desires but to serve others and live a life based on God’s love. It was her faith that sustained her during her extended illness.
A voracious reader and student of literature and history, Mary’s passion for travel was infectious. Her travels took her to Europe and China. Her love and passion for travel broaden her horizon and perspectives on life.
Mary served as an officer for the State of Tennessee National Teacher Union where she attended conventions all over the county. In addition, to serving as union leader, Mary was twice elected president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Pi Omega Chapter; a former member of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporation the Greater Chattanooga Chapter; held financialpositions with the Chattanooga Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; and an active member of the Chattanooga Chapter of Karts.
She was a member of Second Baptist Church. Prior to joining Second Baptist, Mary was a member of Wiley United Methodist Church for over 35 years, the church where her children were baptized and confirmed.
Mary lived with courage, generosity, optimism, adventurousness, and purpose; she loved and supported her family; she laid foundations for others to build upon; and she left every member of her family a legacy of love and precious memories.
Mary Alice Ringer Barrow made her peaceful transition on Friday, June 23, 2023, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.
Mary leaves to celebrate her life and mourn her passing her husband, Llewellyn Barrow; beloved children Charita Lynn Barrow; Brian Lamar Barrow (Emily) granddaughter, Ada Marie Barrow; sisters Velma Ringer Jackson (Reginald) Richmond, Ca.; Thelma Ringer Smith, Atlanta; Willena Ringer Isom Cameron (James) Atlanta; brothers Howard Edward Ringer Sr. (Olivia) Chattanooga; Windon Ringer (Carole) McLean, VA; brother- in-law, Joseph Barrow (Ruth) Washington, DC; aunt, Viola Ringer, Cincinnati; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.