Mary Brister Obituary

Mary Brister

Yazoo City

On Wednesday, November 28, 2012, Yazoo City's favorite kindergarten teacher left this earth to be joyfully reunited with so many that had gone before her. What a joyous occasion as she was welcomed by her "Mama", "Muddear", J.P., Billy and the dozens of cats and dogs she took in over the years that were lucky enough to have found her.

Mary Martha Edwards Brister was a stranger to no one. She was born and lived her entire life in Yazoo City. She married the handsome William Harlow Brister in the very house she would call home for the next 75 years. They had four children and were both very active in Yazoo City's social circles.

Mary's greatest pleasure came when she was formally elected by the First Presbyterian Church of Yazoo City as the inaugural teacher of their new kindergarten program. Several years prior to that, she had successfully organized her own kindergarten, which met daily in her home. For eighteen years, Mrs. Brister taught hundreds of the town's precious children. It was her greatest joy.

Mary was a life-long member of Trinity Episcopal Church. She loved to play the piano, sing, plant flowers, work crossword puzzles and more than anything, loved to visit with her friends. For decades, they met at her kitchen table for coffee and their long awaited reunion will be extraordinary - Nancy, Gwendolyn, Elsie, Helen, Johnnie, Anita, Margie and Little Mary, together again.

Mary leaves behind four children; William H. Brister Jr., Mary Brister Downey, Martha Brister Williams and John P. Brister (wife Marylyn). She leaves two grand-children; John Bowman Salomon (wife Susan), and Mary Ann Kirby (husband Michael) and a great grandson, Parker Kirby.

But more than anything, she leaves a legacy of kindness - boundless kindness that knew no race, no color or creed. She lived a long, loving and wonderful life and will be remembered fondly for many years come.

Visitation will be 1:00 to 3:00 pm with service at 3:00 on Friday, November 30 at Trinity Church, Yazoo City, with burial in Glenwood Cemetery, Yazoo City.

Published by Clarion Ledger on Nov. 30, 2012.
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6 Entries

My sweet "Little Mary", I will miss your laughter, talks about past generations, and how kind you were to me... your loving cousin, Diane Elliott

Diane Elliott

December 4, 2012

Many prayers for the family of Mrs. Brister. She was my kindergarten teacher and I loved her since that time in the mid 60's. Many years could go by between the times I would see her and she always remembered me on sight and was one of the sweetest ladies I ever knew. ~May you rest in peace Mrs. Brister~

Lisa Morgan - Thibodeaux

December 1, 2012

I have such fond memories of "Miss Mary" and still remember the countless hours spent at the Brister home. She was a wonderful lady. Sandra and I are so sorry for your loss and know she will have a special place in HIS kingdom!

Campbell King

November 30, 2012

John,and family so sorry for your loss. Your mother was such a kind spirit and always had a smile on her face. She seemed always happy and at peace. She will be missed by many.

Evelyn and Don Corley

November 30, 2012

Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time, I'm so very sorry for your loss, death is something we are never prepared for, but please find comfort in knowing God has promised He will do away with sickness, pain and death for His word is truth.

November 30, 2012

May you rest in peace, our dear, sweet friend. Your precious spirit will be forever missed.
Love,
Pam, Logan, & Maryl Ellis

November 29, 2012

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