Mary Colleen Garner Jarrell died March 6 at the age of 87.
The daughter of Verner Allen Garner and Jane Wright Garner, she grew up in Viola. She graduated as valedictorian of McMinnville Central High School in 1946, and from George Peabody College in 1950, with a degree in math and science. In 1954, she married Phillip Wayne Jarrell, and they settled in Morrison to raise their family.
She is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Janie Jarrell Smart and Wayne of Overland Park, Kan., Phyllis Jarrell of Plano, Texas and Kate Jarrell Novitsky and Ed Hesson of Gallatin; three granddaughters, Kelly Dyan Krempa, Shauna Carroll and Brittney Smart, all of Kansas City, Mo.; two grandsons, Erik Smart of Missouri and Colin Hesson of Gallatin; great-grandson, Clayton Carroll of Missouri; sister-in-law, Mozelle Spain of Nashville; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, William Euclid and Mary Mansfield Garner; maternal grandparents, Benjamin Franklin and Sara Wright; and son-in-law, Brian Smith.
She had a long career as a teacher in the Warren County School System, teaching algebra, geometry, physics and chemistry, and impacting the lives of thousands of students. After retirement, she volunteered her time to various community causes, including the Morrison Public Library and the Black House. She served as an alderman for the town of Morrison. She continued to tutor students in math until her final illness. She loved her family and friends, and was a member of the Viola Girls Lunch Club. She enjoyed live music, good conversation, gardening and dessert.
Funeral service was held Tuesday at High’s with Kevin Deason officiating. Burial followed at Shady Grove Cemetery in Coffee County. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Morrison Public Library, Animal Rescue, or the charity of your choice.
High Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Southern Standard
(McMinnville, Tenn.) March 11, 2015