Smith Funeral Directors, Inc. | Nashville, TN

Obituary For Mary Churchwell

Mary Elizabeth Buckingham Churchwell

Mary Elizabeth Buckingham Churchwell left us on February 16, 2020, to join her late, beloved husband, Robert. She was born in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, as the second of four children of Henry E. Buckingham and Viola Buckingham. Mary was born January 8, 1931 and often noted with her warm smile, that she and Elvis Presley had the same month and day of birth.

Mrs. Churchwell graduated from Pearl High School and while attending Tennessee State University, met a dashing World War II veteran, Robert Churchwell, who, at the time, was attending Fisk University. The profound love manifest by this couple led to their marriage on June 2, 1951. From their union, five children were born. The commitment to their children's education and success was such that all graduated from college and three went on to obtain medical degrees. Mary completed TSU while running a busy household and obtained bachelor's and master's degrees in education. She served as an elementary school teacher in the Metropolitan School System for over thirty years. As a teacher and mentor, she influenced the lives of hundreds of school children. In addition, she was a woman of faith and served in many roles at the family church, Seay-Hubbard United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her father, Henry, and mother, Viola Buckingham, her sisters, Theapolis and Eloise, and brother, Henry Buckingham.

Her children Robert Jr., André (Doreatha), Marisa, Kevin (Gloria) and Keith (Leslie) were instructed by Mary and Robert on the value of an education and have passed this passion on to their children. She will be remembered by all who knew and loved her and her grandchildren: Crystal (Victor Evans), André Jr., William Ross (Azia), Robert Benjamin, Edmeasia, Maria, Eddie, Katherine, Alexandria, Arthur, John and Lauren Churchwell; devoted daughter-in-law, Mary E. Davis and her great-grandchild, Elijah.

Mary will also be remembered by her countless friends from her days as a school teacher and all members, both past and present, of Seay-Hubbard United Methodist and Church; and a host of relatives.

Please Note:

•Visitation from 10 AM - 11 AM

•Funeral Service from 11 AM on February 22, 2020 at

Seay-Hubbard United Methodist Church

1116 1st Avenue South & Chestnut Street

Nashville, TN 37210

Phone: (615) 254-7544

Funeral services provided by:

Smith Funeral Directors

706 Monroe St

Nashville, TN 37208

(615) 726-1476

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