Mary Ollie Andrews

Mary Ollie was born on a mountain farm in East Tennessee on December 18, 1928 to Burton and Frances Teague. She was named after her Aunt Ollie and was very proud of her name. She was the oldest of three children and was surrounded at an early age by relatives who were educators and mentors. These people served as role models for Mary Ollie and instilled in her a strong work ethic and love of family.

Mary Ollie developed an early passion for helping others to learn and grow. In an autobiography for a 1950 Tennessee Wesleyan class Mary Ollie wrote, “Children are the greatest gift of God, therefore teaching children will be my greatest concern in my future work”. She took this to heart and dedicated 47 years to teaching children in Campbell County.

During this time, Mary Ollie touched many lives in many positive ways. She had a genuine concern for her students and was able to recognize most by name many years after teaching them. In some cases, she taught several generations within the same Campbell County family.

Mary Ollie’s true passion for education and learning motivated her to go above and beyond in teaching her students. She constantly inspired others to dream; whether through school plays, learning foreign languages, or field trips. There was always a certain joy when former students spoke of “Mrs. Andrews”.

Mary Ollie also enjoyed her friends and activities in the Delta Kappa Gamma society and travelled extensively with these friends and colleagues. She served as the group’s Treasurer for many years and took pride in the group’s activities. She received the Order of the Rose honor in recognition of her accomplishments. She cherished these life-long friendships and loved to recount her experiences with the group.

Mary Ollie was also a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and great grandmother and took great pride in her grandchildren’s and nieces’ and nephews’ accomplishments. She lovingly cared for her parents, her friends, and her family and lived life to the fullest. Mary loved to recount her early experiences such as logging dozens of hours flying trainer jets in the early 1960s and extensively travelling the US West Coast.

She was a member of Fincastle Methodist Church and was very involved with the youth group and many church committees over the years. She loved to share her beautiful flowers with her church family every Sunday that she was able.

Even though Mary Ollie faced many adversities late in life, her faith in God always allowed her to have a smile that shined through whatever she was going through. She was truly a beautiful woman and a wonderful mother and grandmother who will be missed very much.

Mary Ollie was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Taft Andrews; her parents, Burton and Frances Teague; her sister and brother-in-law, Martha and Ray Claiborne; and her brother and sister-in-law, Joshua and Nina Teague.

Mary Ollie is survived by her son and wife Bill and Melissa Andrews, daughter and husband Mary Lee and Charles Atkins; Grandchildren, Andy and Melanie Atkins, Charla and Joe Walston, Luke Andrews, and Olivia Andrews; Great-Grandchildren Claudia Atkins, Aleah Walston, and Jozah Walston. As well as many precious nieces and nephews that are remembered fondly.

Special friends Shirley Chapman, Belinda Baker, and Sharon Wishoun who cared for her deeply and who she loved very much.

Family will receive friends 5-7 PM, Wednesday, April 26th at Cross-Smith Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at 12 Noon, Thursday, April 27th at Fincastle United Methodist Church, Rev. Steve Evans officiating. The body will be moved to the church at 11 AM on Thursday, April 27th. Interment will follow funeral services at Fincastle Cemetery.

Arrangements by Cross-Smith Funeral Home

Condolences may be given online at http://www.cross-smithfuneralhome.com