Mary Louise Williams Brewer, 92, died Friday, May 19, 2023 at her home in Rogersville surrounded by her daughter and son. Visitation will be Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 at Rogersville United Methodist Church. Funeral service will follow at the church with Pastor Holly Woodall officiating. Burial will be in Nance – McLemore Cemetery. Family and friends will service as pallbearers. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, John and Hettie Williams; her brother, John D. Williams; and her grandson, Carson M. Brewer. She is survived by her children, Susan Brewer (Kevin) McGraw and Michael (Mary Frances) Brewer; grandchildren, Michael Andrew (Jillian) McGraw, Rebecca (Will) Gerig, Parker Brewer and Graham Brewer, and great-grandchildren, Noah Jarvis Gerig and Elsie Charlotte Gerig.
Mary was born and grew up in Rogersville, Alabama. She attended Florence State Teachers College (UNA) and while at Florence State, she met and married Jarvis Lee Brewer in 1951. Mary and Jarvis enjoyed a wonderful life together and were married for 64 years, and then the next seven years Mary continued to enjoy her life at home in Rogersville, surrounded by her friends, as well as being immersed in many of her children and grandchildren’s school and sports activities in Georgia and Virginia. She lived to become a Great-Grandmother, and fondly became known as Great-GrandMary during their visits and many Zoom calls.
Following graduation in 1953, Mary became a teacher at Lauderdale County High School – the same school that her Mother had attended. In 1954, Jarvis joined the Treasury Department’s newly formed Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) as a special agent and investigator. This started the next phase of Mary’s life where she would raise and move the family frequently in support of Jarvis’ career. Over the years Mary continued to serve as a teacher, substitute teacher, Girl Scout leader, and church leader. With each move Mary added more lifelong friends, faithfully keeping up with them through visits, letters and phone calls.
After Jarvis’ retirement from government service in 1980, Mary’s dream to return to her family home in Rogersville was realized, and she and Jarvis became active members of the Rogersville United Methodist Church where they both served in a number of volunteer capacities. Whenever possible, Mary enjoyed traveling with her husband and family, spending time with her many friends, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. While living in Rogersville Mary was the official “on call” babysitter for her grandchildren and would leave for Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina or anywhere on a day’s notice to spend time with her family. Mary had many titles of distinction during her life, but her proudest titles were Mama and Grandmother. She lived a life of service, was loved by all who knew her, and made a positive difference in the lives of many. Mary will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
In Mary’s last years she was supported by many friends and extended family members, allowing her to stay in her home which was her greatest wish. The family would like to especially thank Pat Johnson, Ellen Fuqua, and Deborah Thompson for their love, fellowship and support. We know that you are all angels on earth.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to: The Rogersville United Methodist Church.
