Mary Lois Brisson Ramsey, beloved wife, mother, and devoted caregiver, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025. Born on November 23, 1929, in Bladen County, North Carolina, she was the second of nine children born to Nelson and Lydia Brisson. Growing up on a farm, Mary cherished the love of her large family and the close bonds she formed with friends, shaping her life of compassion and service.
Mary pursued a career in nursing, attending Hamlet School of Nursing in North Carolina before continuing her education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at University of Alabama – Birmingham. During her training, she began working weekends in Marshall County, AL. After graduating, Mary accepted an offer from the Boaz-Albertville Hospital to become the first Certified Nurse Anesthetist in Marshall County, often traveling to provide services to patients in need at hospitals throughout Marshall, DeKalb, and Jackson counties. She served as head of anesthesia at Boaz-Albertville Hospital, a position she held with distinction for over 35 years.
Soon after relocating to Marshall County, Mary found love and partnership with William O. (Bill) Ramsey, a Gainesville, Georgia, native who had also recently moved to the area in connection with his career with Goldkist. The two married and built a beautiful life together in Albertville, raising their two children, Kristin and Jonathon. Their home was always full of love, not only for their own children but also for the 23 foster children they welcomed with open arms over many years. To advance the cause of foster children and foster families, Mary and Bill helped found the Foster Parents Association of Marshall County. They were also active members of the First United Methodist Church of Albertville for many years.
In 1987, Mary and Bill moved to Lake Guntersville, where they continued their tradition of generosity and kindness. Their love extended beyond people to the many animals they rescued over several decades. Mary had a special place in her heart for every dog she saved, and her compassion for all creatures was a defining aspect of her life.
Mary’s legacy is one of selflessness, dedication, and unwavering love for her family, her patients, and every life she touched. She leaves behind a family who adored her, a community she served with excellence, and a world made better by her presence. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
In addition to her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her sisters Mildred Guyton and Georgia Blake. She is survived by her husband Bill; her daughter Kristin Ramsey Clyde (Tom); son Jonathon Ramsey (Bronwyn); grandchildren Sophie Clyde, Ramsey Clyde and Emma Ramsey; siblings Ernestine Guyton, Ola Grace Hamill, Emma Pait, Nelson Brisson, William Brisson, and Ronald Brisson, many nieces and nephews and extended family, all of whom she loved dearly.
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm, Monday, February 3rd at the Guntersville First Methodist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Second Chance Shelter at 130 County Road 398, Boaz, AL 35957 or The Child Advocacy Center of Marshall County at 1620 Railroad Avenue, Guntersville, AL 35976.
