We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Mills Perdue, age 87, of Fayetteville, TN. Mrs. Perdue was born November 22, 1936, in Knox County, KY to the late Carnes and Escilene Jackson Mills. She passed away January 22, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family.
Mrs. Perdue was an elementary school teacher in the Lincoln County Schools for 31 years. She obtained her Master’s degree from MTSU and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fayetteville. Mrs. Perdue enjoyed reading, gardening, and quilting and she was happiest at home surrounded by her children, granddaughter and great-grandsons.
Survivors include her husband of 66 years, Edward A. Perdue; daughter, Cheryl P. Graham and husband Jesse of Tullahoma; son, Christopher Perdue and wife Cindy Ruby of Los Angeles, CA; granddaughter, Ariel Farmer and husband Blake; great-grandchildren, Brody Phelps, Brock Farmer, and Bronner Farmer; brother, Randall Mills and wife Anna Sue of Carlisle, OH; and sister, Phyllis Taylor of Dayton, OH. In addition to her parents Mrs. Perdue was preceded in death by her sister, Joyce Powell.
A private burial will take place at Cedar Hills Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to the Fayetteville Lincoln County Public Library, 306 Elk Avenue N, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Mills Perdue.
Aunt Mary, you gave me the love of books and literature. Also crafting and sewing. I loved and miss our big family Christmases. Her gift wrapping was too pretty to open. “Use your indoor voice Amelia.” *wink* I loved you.
Mr. Perdue and family, sorry for your loss, I enjoyed talking with Mrs. Perdue each time we would see each other in town. I have fond memories of the years I have known you both.
My loving sister that i enjoyed visiting with, i have many great memories of our family together. I will miss our phone calls. I havent lost you . i know where you are. just gone on ahead of us, and i will see you soon, Love you.
My Aunt Mary, what a Grande Lady ! So noble, sassy and kind! I will miss you very much. And I’m very thankful of all my happy and loving memories of her that I will carry with me always. God Bless. Ed, Cheryl and Chris, I love you and my prayers are for you to treasure your memories of your beloved wife/mother. And, why is it, as I type this, I feel she’s grading me on my sentence structures!! I love you Aunt Mary.
I am so sorry for your loss. She always seemed happy to see me and would stop and spend a few minutes talking with me. I appreciate those memories.
Praying for comfort for the family- Mrs. Perdue was a very big help when she taught our son- he became the” best reader” his last year at Flintville Elementary – So grateful for her help- We would talk and work together in his earlier classes- grateful for her care and kindness-I bet she was a great grandmother !
Areil Tim and I here at Intergrated Packaging and Design send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. Tim Jennings and Debbie Street
Mr. Perdue and children
So sorry for your loss. She was always a sweet and kind individual. God Bless you all.
Ariel so sorry about your grandma I know how much you loved and cherished her. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time and always. Sending prayers for Mrs Mary’s family. Connie Arnold
So sorry for the loss of your loved one! She was a wonderful lady and prayers are for God’s love to comfort you and the memories you share sustain you each day.
I had only known Mrs. Mary for a short time, but enjoyed her quite & compassionate ways. She loved her family; would call each day & check on them, especially her great grandboys. She will be missed. Enjoyed my short time with her.
My friend, my neighbor, my traveling buddy, my shopping companion, my gardener, and sharing meals. A wonderful lady, who enjoyed teaching in the classroom while sharing ideas and discussing how to work with children to better their learning styles as well as making the classroom a place where children enjoy spending their day. She loved her flower garden and working to make her garden a beauty spot on the street. Her best hobby was reading. She said you could travel the world with a book as you read. A lovely lady, my friend, and one who loved her family.
She was always so kind to me throughout several years. I taught school with her and my mother and grandmother worked at the hospital with her husband.
So sorry for your loss.