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Mary Gist Obituary
Mary Belle Gist
February 21, 2026
Mary Belle Gist passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, after a hard fought battle with brain cancer. Mary was a woman whose warmth and generous spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Mary’s greatest joy in life was her family. She loved deeply and unconditionally, always placing the needs of those she loved above her own. Mary treasured every moment spent with her family.
Mary had an insatiable curiosity about the world. Even after completing her doctorate, she wanted to get additional degrees just for fun. Her love of learning was infectious to the people around her.
Mary had a great sense of humor. She knew how to make every single person in a room laugh and never failed to remind her family that she won best sense of humor 1979.
Mary also had a passion for traveling. She delighted in exploring new destinations, experiencing different cultures and experiencing new adventures off the beaten path.
Working with children brought Mary special fulfillment. She had a natural gift for connecting with young people, offering patience, encouragement, and kindness. She believed deeply in nurturing curiosity and confidence in every child she encountered, and her positive influence will be remembered by many.
Mary is survived by her wife, Jodi Melind; her daughter, Maya Melind; her brother, Hal Gist, and sister-in-law, Pam Gist; her nieces, Lauren Sobansky and Katlyn Bowlin; her nephews-in-law, Ed Sobansky and Eric Bowlin; and her great-nephew, Miles Bowlin. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held April 4, 2026 from 3:00 to 6:00 at 1778 Haley Road, Duck River, Tn 38454.
Mary’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.
Share online condolences with the family, here, in the guestbook.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Gist
28 Entries
Derion Marshall
March 19, 2026
Rest up MRS. Gist. you will be missed
Jatori Waddell
March 18, 2026
Long live Mrs.Gist you’ll be missed get your rest
stephen travagline
March 18, 2026
Rip Mrs gist may God rest your soul
How you can show support
Donna Geise
March 12, 2026
Mary was a good friend when we were both teaching at Rogers High. We had a lot of laughs together. She will be missed.
Tony Scott
March 4, 2026
mary this world will never be the same prayers for your family
Angie Phillips Danley
March 3, 2026
A great friend always happy and fun to be around . She will be missed .
Becky Groves
March 1, 2026
Jodi and Maya, We are so very sorry for your loss. We know Mary’s light will shine brightly through you always. Our hearts are holding you in God’s love.
Lisa Vest
February 28, 2026
Mary will surely be remembered for not only her dedication to the education world but for her humor and friendships made down through the years. We had some great times with the Class of ‘79 at Rogers, as well as in Commuter’s Club at UNA. Praying for her family in the days ahead.
Mike Gallien
February 27, 2026
Mary, what a light you were to people around you, always. Your infectious attitude will be missed.
Randy Melind
February 25, 2026
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and Maya at this sorrowful time.
Love Uncle Randy and Aunt Judy.
Doris Garner
February 25, 2026
I’m so sorry for your loss! Prayers for family and friends during this difficult time!❤
Rhonda Jeffreys
February 25, 2026
Deepest Sympathy to all the family. Mrs. Mary Gist was a beautiful person inside & out. She will be missed by so many that loved her.
Dona Jill Golden
February 25, 2026
Mary will always be remember for her kindness and hard work. Total dedication to education. So sorry for such a great loss of life
Janie Oaks
February 25, 2026
I am so sorry for your loss. Continued thoughts and prayers.
Frances Gist
February 24, 2026
May the light that shone through Mary live on through all of us left behind so that the world will be brighter and better moving forward.
Vicky Michael
February 24, 2026
I’ve had the joy of Mary’s friendship through elementary and high school, college at UNA, and teaching together at our alma mater for several years. She was a wonderful and funny friend that was special to all of us at Roger’s High School. She will be greatly missed, but leaves with us many special memories. RHS Class of 1979
Terry Cozart
February 24, 2026
My prayers are with Jodi and Maya. I am so sorry for the loss of this precious human. Mary was kind and thoughtful; always a genuine friend.
Lisa Hendon
February 24, 2026
Mary was one of the sweetest and kindest people I’ve ever known. She is the reason my wife Mamee and I met and for that I will forever be grateful to her. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Maya and Jodi. ❤
Mandy Melind
February 24, 2026
One of the kindest most helpful people I’ve ever met I love Mary so much she was the salt of the earth❤she will be missed greatly by anyone who was lucky enough to know her.
Charlie & Stephanie Warner
February 24, 2026
What a joy to have known Mary. Her warmth and kindness was a light to anyone blessed enough to have called her friend.
Eugenia James
February 24, 2026
Dr. Gist was a wonderful woman and a joy to work with at Williston Middle School. May God continue to bless her and the family.
Amy Oots
February 24, 2026
I didn’t know Dr. Gist well but I had the opportunity to work with her briefly. She was a true lifelong learner. She radiated kindness and I will remember her always as a very gentle soul who touch others.
My sincerest sympathy to her family and close friends
Terry Shrader
February 24, 2026
I worked with Mary at Freedom Middle School, and we were in the same doctoral cohort at Trevecca. Everything in the obituary is so true, and more! She loved deeply and I love her deeply! Mary is amazing! I miss her! My only solace is that she is in heaven with my son!
Connie Ayers-Bryant
February 24, 2026
Mary was one of a kind ! My best friend in elementary school ! She will be missed by so many !
Brenda Ross parker
February 24, 2026
Lovely and sweet lady. Fond memories of her from Rogers school.
Christine Weigel
February 24, 2026
Jodi, Maya, and family. We are so very sorry to hear of Mary's passing, and feel fortunate to know her if even for a short time. We know how courageous she was with her battle and know that she fought to the very end. We pray that you all will find comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain and is at peace.
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