Mary was born on April 28, 1948, to Chlorine (Clifton) and Leroy Sylvester of Kosciusko, MS. Mary was the youngest of four children: Emmett (Ellen), Roy (Judy), and Carol (Harold). She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Roy.
Mary was a proud graduate of Kosciusko High School class of 1966, where she was active in school activities and known for her charm and grace. She was crowned Miss Attala County in 1966, an honor she proudly held. She went on to compete in Miss Mississippi.
Mary was a devoted mother to her two sons, Hal (Cynthia) Nowell and Russ C.Nowell (Amy), who were the loves of her life. Her greatest joy, however, came from being a proud Mimi to her five granddaughters: Mackenzie Tollison (Tyler), Darby Nowell, Hallie Nowell, Layton Nowell, and Neely Nowell. She started each morning with a prayer over her family, always putting their needs before her own.
Mary’s love for life's simple things was evident to everyone who knew her. She was a creature of habit, finding peace on her back porch, where she would spend countless hours with an ice-cold Coca-Cola in hand, looking out over her pond. No matter the season, you could find her there, enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Fishing and mowing the grass were some of her favorite pastimes, and she took great joy in being outside.
Mary’s kitchen was always full of love, and she cherished cooking for her granddaughters—especially when making her famous homemade French fries. A true lover of dogs, she was always accompanied by her loyal companions—Little Bit, Jesse, and Bosley—who brought her much comfort.
One of the things that will always be remembered about Mary is the way she made everyone feel loved and special. She had a warm, welcoming spirit and always greeted others with a heartfelt “Hey, baby,” making every person feel like they were the most important in the room.
Mary’s legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to her family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the joy she brought to everyone around her.
Coleman Funeral Home of Ackerman, MS, will be in charge of arrangements, with funeral service and visitation being held at Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, MS. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. till service time. Burial will follow at Evergreen Baptist Cemetery in Louisville, MS.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.
