Mary Elizabeth Peters Abernathy died peacefully at her home in October 7, 2016. She was born on October 28, 1938 to Ervin M. and Rosalee McCulley Peters in Clarkrange, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother and her husband, Judge Thomas Jerome Abernathy. Mary Elizabeth spent her elementary and high school years on the Cumberland Plateau. In 1961, she graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a degree in English Education. Later that year, she and Jerome were married and they lived in Knoxville for a year, at which time she began what would become a distinguished career in education. In 1962, they relocated to Nashville and she taught high school English in the Metropolitan Nashville system. In 1967, Jerome and Mary Elizabeth moved to Pulaski where she would continue to devote herself to her profession and her students for another 37 years- first at Jones High School in Lynnville, and ultimately at Giles County High School. There, she taught Senior English and became English Department Chairman and Drama Director. An impassioned anglophile, she thoroughly enjoyed her tips to England and Scotland as she thirsted in her life-long study of the history of the English language. A voracious reader, she relished her association with her literary club and the Friends of Giles County Public Library. Her relatives and friends are very grateful for the care and companionship of her dear friend Nadene White, particularly during her illness. A memorial service will be held at the Church of Messiah on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Giles County Public Library, 122 S. 2nd Street, or the Church of the Messiah, 114 N. 3rd Street, Pulaski, TN 38478. Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements for Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Peters Abernathy.
