Mary Judith Pryor

Mary Judith Hunt Pryor, born October 22, 1937, and a lifelong resident of Clarksville, Tennessee, left this world on November 5, 2025.

She was married to Wheeler Wayne Pryor, Jr., whom she affectionately called "Wheaty," for 67 years. Her family finds peace in knowing that she is now reunited with her beloved Wheaty.

Mary Judith ("Judy") was a devout Catholic and a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Church. She attended St. Mary's School before graduating from Clarksville High School in 1955.

Judy was poised, yet her presence filled every room. She was truly beautiful, inside and out. Her warmth and humor drew people in, and her laughter had a way of lightening even the heaviest of moments. Judy had a sharp wit and a playful spirit, finding a joke – or simply telling the truth so honestly it became funny itself – in nearly every circumstance. Music was one of her greatest joys, especially big band music, and she always seemed to have a song or lyric to fit the moment.

Judy lived a full and vibrant life. She loved to stay active and was an excellent tennis player. She founded the Aqua Program at Clarksville Athletic Club, where she served as an instructor for many years, and started several programs geared toward the senior community, building a strong circle of friendship, laughter, and encouragement. She also loved to travel and visited many countries with her husband and friends, cherishing the memories they made together.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Wheeler Wayne Pryor, Jr., her parents, William Finis Hunt and Sadie Augusta Sheppard Hunt, and her siblings, William Thomas Hunt, Augusta Hunt Fabrizi, Sally Hunt Williams and Janet Hunt Massey. She is survived by her brother, Joseph Francis Hunt.

Judy is survived by her four children, Mark Wayne Pryor (Tangi), Matthew Hunt Pryor, Margo Pryor Purvis (Jeff) and Martin Joseph Pryor (Denise), who were the joy of her life. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Wheeler Hunt Pryor, Sadie Augusta Pryor, Patrick Hunt Turner (Kaci), Paul Conroy Turner (Mary), Mary Margo Turner Lankford (Bronson), Thomas Aaron Purvis, Clay Elliot Purvis (Stacy), Brandon Finis Pryor (Lacey), Scarlett Margurette Pryor and Matthew William Pryor (Shannon) and her great-grandchildren, Mark Hunt Turner, Edward Graham Turner, Poppy Hinkel Turner, Ella McClure Turner, Evelyn Margurette Turner, Robert Drake Lankford, Cole Wallis Lankford, Margo Judith Lankford, Augustus Turner Lankford and Jackson Brandon Pryor.

Judy's faith, humor, and love for life will continue to shine through her family and all who were blessed to know her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for the family at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with Rev. Eric Fowlkes as celebrant. Judy's grandsons will serve as her pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Immaculate Conception School (formerly St. Mary's School) and/or Immaculate Conception Church. Contributions may be mailed to Immaculate Conception Church, 709 Franklin Street, Clarksville, TN 37040.

May Judy's soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.