Mary Dunavant

Mary Wall Dunavant, 85, of Union City passed away Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, at The Waters in Union City surrounded by family.
Mrs. Dunavant has requested there be no visitation, service or burial. She has donated her body to The Genesis Program in Memphis.
Mrs. Dunavant has also requested there be no flowers sent. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to charities of the donor’s choice.
Mary was a member of the Saint James Episcopal Church in Union City. She attended Memphis State where she was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority and graduated from the University of Tennessee.
She was an educator and employee for the Obion County Board of Education for over 30 years. Mary was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she held the office of Regent for the Reelfoot Chapter of Union City and was also a member of the James Buckley Chapter of Martin. She enjoyed helping other young ladies trace their lineage and complete their papers to become DAR members. She was an active member in many clubs and served office on several committees in her community. One of her greatest joys was visiting with her son, Ralph, each day at 4:15 p.m. as he would bring her the local paper.
Many that knew her will agree, Mary was strong willed and things were done on her terms even up until her passing. The family would like to express their appreciation to all that have been a part of her life. Thank you to the staff at The Etheridge House in Union City, where she lived for several years; the staff at The Waters; and a special thank you to her hospice nurse, Gay Ross, RN.
She is survived by her children, Hank Riley (Wanda) of Union City, Ellen “Ellie” Provience (Lanny) of Germantown, Ralph Riley of Union City and Maria Baddour (John David) of Collierville; also, Bedford F. Dunavant IV (Lindy) of Union City and Lynne Dunavant of Nashville; three siblings, Johnny Wall and Connie Haley, both of Tennessee, and Jean Ridgeway of Georgia; her grandchildren, Clint Riley (Charity) of Martin, Randy Provience and Richard Provience, both of Germantown, Johnny Baddour of Chicago, Zach Baddour of Fort Worth, Texas, and Kara Dunavant of Union City. She also has two great-grandchildren, Kizer Riley of Martin and Millie Provience of Germantown.
Mrs. Dunavant was preceded in death by her husband, Bedford Forrest Dunavant III; and her parents, Tom K. and Gertrude Wall of Union City.
Published 9.1.17