Mary Wilmer

1930 - 2021

WILMER (FITZPATRICK), Mary Charles

Mary Charles Fitzpatrick Wilmer, age 90, of Atlanta, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 15, 2020. She was the wife of the late Dr. John Grant Wilmer. She was born August 25, 1930 to William Knox Fitzpatrick and Harriott Creighton (Thomas) Fitzpatrick, and with her late brother Dr. William Knox Fitzpatrick, Jr., who she was devoted to, grew up on Rosewood Drive in Virginia Highlands, one of several streets in a neighborhood developed by her maternal grandfather Charles E. Thomas. She was named for her maternal grandparents, Mary and Charles Thomas. She attended Samuel M. Inman School as a young girl, Washington Seminary (now The Westminster Schools), and then Wellesley College on a merit scholarship.

She was engaged to Dr. John Grant Wilmer, of Washington, D.C., after completing her sophomore year at Wellesley. They married in December of 1950, and she moved to Agnes Scott College in Decatur to continue her degree. Her eldest son, Grant Wilmer, Jr., interrupted her senior year, but she went back and completed her college degree the same year that Grant, Jr. graduated from high school. She then pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Atlanta College of Art (now Savannah College of Art and Design). Mary Charles was a gifted artist, a talent she shared with her daughter Catherine. She showed at the David Heath Gallery, the Swan Coach House Gallery, and the Frances Aronson Gallery amongst others.

Mary Charles was a creative force throughout her life. She used her art in its various forms to convey her love of life and of her desire to make the world a better place. This drive was apparent not only in her work, but also all around her and in everything she did: her house, her friends, her love for intellectual stimulation and her passion for travel and through it, connecting with different cultures. She adored Paris and all French things in life, another love she shared with daughter Catherine, but she was interested in all cultures and traveled extensively to Europe and beyond. She particularly enjoyed taking her children and grandchildren on trips to France, to share the French culture.

In her quiet way, Mary Charles had an impact on everyone she met. A free spirit, a feminist and an independent thinker, she was also one of those rare people whose life can be defined because of who she was, without it needing to be defined by who she was related to or what organizations she was a part of. Her positive energy and kindness, her optimism, and her willingness to take risks will be greatly missed by those who knew her.

Mary Charles was a member of the Junior League of Atlanta, the Forward Arts Foundation, Piedmont Garden Club, St. Elizabeth's Guild at the Cathedral of St. Philip, and an avid supporter and Circle member of the High Museum of Art. She was also very fond of and enjoyed visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden. She had a fountain built there in memory of her parents Knox and Harriott Fitzpatrick, who lived nearby and also loved the gardens. The fountain was designed to reflect downtown Atlanta, and in parallel, the serenity and peace of the gardens. Her hope was that generations of Atlantans would come to enjoy the fountain and surrounding as much as she and her family have over the years.

Mary Charles was a founding and active member of her study club, founded in 1970. She dearly loved her study club friends -- all bright, forward-thinking and delightful women who have contributed in bringing arts and culture to the forefront of Atlanta.

Mary Charles cherished her children, grandchildren, and dear friends. She will be deeply missed by family and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her grace and kind manner will always be remembered, as will the twinkle in her eye, her gentle laugh and sweet smile.

Mary Charles is survived by sons Grant Wilmer (Janice), Knox Wilmer (Kim), Charles Wilmer (Karen), and daughter Catherine Wilmer, with whom she lived; grandson Knox Wilmer, Jr. (Kathleen); granddaughters Natalie Wilmer Ho (Vincent), Bonnie Wilmer Jones (Joseph), Karen Wilmer West (Dan), Annie Wilmer, Lizzie Wilmer, and Grant Wilmer; great granddaughters Marian Wilmer, Elaine Wilmer, and Charlotte Ho. All were greatly and individually loved by Mary Charles.

Special thanks and gratitude to Rena Banks, her long-time caregiver and friend.

A private service will be held at the Cathedral of St. Philip. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of Mary Charles Wilmer at the High Museum of Art, Attn: Development Dept., 1280 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309, or in honor of Mary Charles Wilmer at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. https://atlantabg.org/donate/tribute-and-memorial-gifts/