Mary Louise Case

1950 - 2018

Mary Louise Case

Knoxville, TN

Mary L. (Heim) Case, age 67, born June 19, 1950, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018, at her home in Knoxville after a lengthy illness. She was the loving wife of Dr. Jeffrey Case, and devoted mother of three: Elizabeth Ellen Gibson (Tom), Nancy Christine Case, and Natalie Maureen Rice (Tim). Mary was the adored "Grammy" of Kylie Marie Case, Carson Dean Rice, and Evelynn Mae Rice. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Nancy, her parents, Alfred & Elizabeth Heim, and her sisters Judy Georges and Nancy Knowles. Mary had a brilliant mind and was an excellent scholar. Mary graduated from North Posey High School, Poseyville, Indiana, in 1968. She was class Valedictorian and served as the Indiana State President of Future Homemakers of America. She received her Associate In Applied Science with Highest Distinction (Nursing) and became a Registered Nurse in 1970 and Bachelor of Science Degree with Highest Distinction in Nursing in 1972, both from Purdue University. While attending Purdue, she was active in the Christian Campus House, through which she later met Jeff. They married in 1976. Early in her career, she served in various nursing roles, including intensive care, cardiac care, public health, school nurse, pediatrician's office nurse, and home health nurse. She taught nursing and served as continuing education coordinator in the Nursing Department at Purdue University Calumet. Mary moved with Jeff and the girls from Indiana to Tennessee in late 1985, which allowed her to be near her beloved sister, Nancy Knowles. They were very close. Mary was the owner and CEO of SNMP Research International, Inc., a software firm, that, while working side-by-side with Jeff and his company, SNMP Research, Inc., created, licensed, and supported software for managing the Internet based on the Simple Network Management Protocol and related standards. Her list of customers reads like a "Who's Who" of the computer and communications industries. She was known locally and abroad as "MrsSNMP," the moniker on her license plate. To some extent, she acted as a surrogate mother to dozens of software developers where seemingly half were named David. She had a deep and abiding faith in Jesus. Mary has been a member of the Seymour Heights Christian Church since 1986. Mary and Jeff led the nursery classes at churches in Illinois and Tennessee for over 25 years, until chronic illnesses rendered her unable to continue teaching. In recent years, Mary and Jeff attended Woodlawn Christian Church whenever her health allowed. Mary's passion for Christ and for families was demonstrated in her work at Hope Resource Center. Beginning as a volunteer, stuffing envelopes and answering phones, she soon became a counselor helping young women in crisis. Her leadership skills and business acumen led to a position on the Board, eventually serving as Board Chair. Mary was a wife, partner, mother, friend, sister, Grammy, nurse, counselor, homemaker, and devoted follower of Christ. Mary was a skilled and gracious hostess for numerous family and church gatherings. She gave generously of her time, her talents, and her resources. In lieu of flowers, Mary would prefer that memorial contributions be made to provide clean water in Jesus' name in vulnerable communities such as in Africa via the TivaWater Project, www.tivawater.com/give.html, or to support Christian education via a memorial fund in her name at Johnson University www.JohnsonU.edu/mcasememorial. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 9, from 4 pm to 7:45 pm at Seymour Heights Christian Church, 122 Boyds Creek Hwy, Seymour TN, 37865. A Celebration of Life will follow at 8 pm. A private interment service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Seymour, 122 Peacock Ct., Seymour, TN 37865 (865) 577-2807. Online condolences may be made at (www.atchleyfuneralhome.com)