Mary Perkins Bragg HILLIS

Mary Hillis died July 25, 2007 at Asbury Place in Kingsport, TN. Mary Perkins Bragg Hillis was born February 26, 1913, in Dibrell, Tennessee, Warren County, later moving to McMinnville, Tennessee, where she spent most of her life. She attended David Lipscomb College and Middle Tennessee State College. She was employed in the family nursery business as a young woman and was later employed by the State of Tennessee Department of Employment Security until her retirement. She was a long-time member of the Westwood Church of Christ in McMinnville. She moved to Kingsport, Tennessee, in 1994. Known as ?Perkie? from her youth, she was a devoted mother with varied interests, always supporting her family. She was a wonderful cook, organized housekeeper, effective employee, enthusiastic reader, and music lover. She saw to it that her daughters were exposed to music, dance, and other cultural events. She made it possible for her husband, Wayman, to be active in many community interests by her support and skill at homemaking. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayman E. Hillis; her parents, Thomas Perkins Bragg and Ruby Wilson Bragg; a sister, Georgia Bragg Cordell; a brother, W. W. (Doc) Bragg; and several half-brothers. Surviving are her two daughters and sons-in-law: Ellen and Jim Finney of Kingsport, Tennessee, and Susan and Dan Rambo of Memphis; four grandchildren and spouses: John Finney, Anne (and Sustin) Anderson, Richard (and Mary Katherine) Rambo, and Andrew (and Molly) Rambo; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Bettie Ruth Lemley of Tallahassee Florida. The family wishes to express its gratitude to special caregivers Carrie Hogan of McMinnville, Missy Haga, Dorothy Johnson, Geneva McLain, Joan Robinson, Wellmont Hospice, and the staff of Asbury Place at Kingsport. A graveside service was held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 28, 2007 at Mt. View Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the or to the .