Mary Nell Calhoun, 93, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on Nov. 1, 1931, in Ringgold, Ga., Mary Nell was the daughter of the late Will and Catherine Carr Rhudy. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Howard Calhoun, who passed in 1986, and two cherished sons, Kevin Dwight Calhoun and Thomas Ricky Calhoun. Mary Nell endured these profound losses with strength and grace, always keeping her family close and uplifted.
She was the next to the last surviving sibling of a large and loving family, having also been preceded in death by her sisters: Bernice Leigh, Violet Price, Mozelle Nichols, Willie Lou Worley, Delores Williams, and Geneva Witt; and her brothers: Deo Rhudy, Alvin Rhudy, Mitchell Rhudy, John Rhudy, Gene Rhudy, and Herbert Rhudy.
Mary Nell was a retired employee of Shaw Industries, where her diligence and work ethic were well known. A tireless and resilient woman, she was deeply committed to her family and home. After the loss of her husband, she became the rock of the family, holding everyone together with quiet strength, wisdom, and unshakeable love.
She is survived by her devoted children, Catherine and Larry Harwood of Dalton, GA; Chet and Sue Calhoun of Dalton, GA; and Billy Calhoun of Tunnel Hill, GA. She was a proud grandmother to Eric Harwood, Thomas and Casey Harwood, Jennifer and Davin Swafford, David and Kendall Calhoun, Dennis and Yamila Calhoun, Kevin Neil Cornett, Jonathan Calhoun, Craig and Anna Glover, Clint and Stephanie Glover, and Chris Glover. Her legacy also continues through her seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter, as well as numerous loving nieces and nephews.
Services to celebrate the remarkable life of Mrs. Mary Nell Calhoun will be held on Tuesday, June 24, at 3 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel, with Reverend Tim Swinney officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at West Hill Cemetery, with her grandsons honored to serve as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday beginning at 1:00 p.m. until the service hour.
Arrangements are by Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, Ga. 30721, 706 226-4002, www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org