Mary Gaither

Mary Fowler Gaither, a life-long resident of Chattanooga, passed away Feb. 8, 2016, at her home surrounded by loving family and caregivers. She was born in Chattanooga on Aug. 3, 1917. Mary attended Bright School and GPS in Chattanooga, and Briarcliff College and Finch College in New York. As a member of First Presbyterian Church for 87 years, she was actively involved in a variety programs. She was also active in the Junior League for many years and was a volunteer with Senior Neighbors. She loved to be outdoors, working in her gardens, enjoying the lake, and being with her animals. She was artistic, enjoying creating and learning new techniques throughout her life. Her family will remember her strength, love and wry sense of humor. She was preceded in death by her parents, John O. And Lena Fowler; her husband of 52 years, John P. Gaither; her sister, Charlotte Fowler Maclellan; three brothers, John O. Fowler, Calvin Fowler and James Fowler; her son-in-law, William Martin; and her grandson-in-law, Ted Howard. She is survived by her three daughters, Eleanor Gaither Goodson, Martha Gaither Martin, Helen Gaither Aiken (Dr. Robert); grandchildren, Mary Goodson, Ann Morgan Goodson Wade (Dan), Robert G. Aiken and Adrian M. Aiken; and great-grandson, John Daniel Wade. The family would like to thank her wonderful caregivers, Holly and Wendy, and BrightStar Care of Chattanooga, for their years of care. and, in the final days, Hospice of Chattanooga. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 9, at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church with visitation at 1 p.m. Private burial will follow in Forest Hills Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to First Presbyterian Church, Hospice of Chattanooga, or a charity of choice. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home & Cremation Center, at the foot of historic Lookout Mountain, 4000 Tennessee Ave., Chattanooga, 423-821-7551. Share your memories, stories and photos at wannfuneralhome.com.