Mary Anna Hitchcock passed away August 26, 2020, in St. Thomas Midtown in Nashville after a short illness.
She was born December 21, 1932, to the late Reverdy James and Amanda Bryant Grissom in Laurel Cove, Van Buren County, Tennessee.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Bill Grissom and Glenn Grissom, sister-in-law Bernice Hayes Grissom, niece Jennifer Grissom, nephew Rodney Grissom and great-granddaughter Anna Jane Peterson.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Gerald Hitchcock; son Jerry Hitchcock (Silvana) of Rocklin, CA; daughter Terry Thornton (John) of Bone Cave, TN; son Michael Hitchcock (Christine) of Mesa, AZ; daughter Marsha Hawkins (Mike) of Cookeville, TN; brother Jack Grissom of Spencer, TN; and sister-in-law Aleta Grissom of Spencer, TN. They are especially grateful for their grandchildren Julee Ellsworth (Dan), Bryce Hitchcock (Keeley), Mandy Goodwill (Mathew), Lori Jones (Patrick), Blake Hitchcock (Lauren), Brett Hitchcock, John Remus, Monica Rettke (Matt), Aaron Thornton (Jasmine), Tyler Thornton, Anna Thornton, Mariah Thornton, Noah Thornton, Matthew Hitchcock (Kimber), Jared Hitchcock (Kourtney), Rebecca Peterson (Scott), Elizabeth Holt (McKay), Emmalee Packer (Danny), Nathan Hitchcock, Tanner Hitchcock, Leah Hitchcock, Maryann Hitchcock, and great-grandchildren Layla Crawford, Olivia Crawford, Porter Goodwill, Chisum Goodwill, Baylor Hitchcock, Kyndal Hitchcock, Kimber Hitchcock, Ceseley Ellsworth, Natalie Ellsworth, William Jones, Jack Jones, Samuel Jones, Luke Jones, Charlotte Hitchcock, Arianna Rettke, Reese Rettke, Cam Rettke, Jack Thornton, Ella Thornton, Michael Peterson, Lauren Peterson, Maddie Peterson, Tyson Hitchcock, Hallie Hitchcock, Lexi Hitchcock, and Jenna Packer.
She loved playing basketball in high school. We’ve heard rumors that she was quite determined to steal and hang on to the ball as she guarded the other team. She felt that same intensity when she watched her children playing basketball.
She found fulfillment in raising a vegetable garden, milking cows, sewing clothes and quilts, and cooking delicious food to show her family how much she loved them. Being a wife, mother and grandmother was her greatest ambition and she exemplified the power of a mother’s love. She told great bed-time stories to the grandchildren spending the night with her. She hiked in the woods with her children and nieces and nephews. She fulfilled a desire to learn to paint with oil and blessed our homes with lovely paintings.
Mary joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints August 5, 1949. She loved and admired her grandmother, Violet Passons Grissom, and wanted to be like her, and to find the same joy and peace Granny Grissom had. She served faithfully in many ways such as playing the organ, teaching classes, visiting the homebound and being true to the covenants she made to our Heavenly Father. Her strong testimony of Jesus Christ and faithful commitment has blessed her family for generations and will continue to be part of her legacy.
Funeral services will be Sunday, August 30, 2020 at 2:00 pm in the Layne Chapel with Presidents David Day and Spencer Miller Grissom officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, August 29, 2020 from 3:00-9:00 pm and Sunday noon until time of service at 2:00pm. Burial will follow in the Long Cemetery in Van Buren County, TN.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations to the Long Cemetery Trust Fund. Donations may be made at Layne Funeral Home or any branch of Citizens Tri-County Bank. Make checks payable to Long Cemetery Trust.
The family suggests attendees to wear masks and practice safe distancing during their time at the funeral home.
Send condolences to the family at www.laynefuneralhome.com
Layne Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Spencer in charge of arrangements. (931) 946-4444
