Mary Frances Winters

Mary Frances Pennington Winters, 96, passed into glory with her Savior on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Poplar Estates in Columbia surrounded by family.

A graveside service will be conducted on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 10 AM at Polk Memorial Gardens with Rev. Jeff Jacob officiating.

Memorials may be made to Bigbyville Methodist Church at 3894 Bigbyville Road, Columbia or to The Family Center at 921 Beckett Street, Columbia.

Born November 17, 1928 in Lawrence County, TN, she was the daughter of Frank Monroe Pennington and Margaret (Maggie) Clift Pennington. She was married to Thomas J. Winters who preceded her in death on April 9, 1976. Mary first worked for the Tillmans at the Fountain Drive-In which was the local hangout for all the teenagers.When Tom became ill, she worked for Kenneth Cherry, managing his laundromat which was near her home. After the passing of her husband, she worked at Maury Regional Hospital as a pharmacy messenger. She will be remembered as a friend to many who never met a stranger. She was a great cook known for her delicious fried chicken, spaghetti, and fried apple pies. She looked forward to Sunday dinners when she prepared her fried chicken to share with family and grandchildren.Since many of her relatives lived in Michigan, Mary would always cook for them when they came to Tennessee. Mary was a longtime member of Craft Memorial Methodist Church and is preceded by many dear friends who were members there. Her life serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and how we should live as faithful servants of the Lord.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Diane Mary (Michael) Patterson and grandchildren Jennifer Mary (Keith) O'Dell and John Michael Thomas (Jenny) Patterson. Great grandchildren are Foster Patterson O'Dell, Mary Monroe O'Dell, Griffen Margaret O'Dell, Jack Miller Patterson, and Finn Marshall Patterson. Mary has two sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Winters (Donald Ray) Ford and Betty Winters Campbell and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A special thanks to caregivers Ramona and Shelley for the wonderful loving care you provided at Poplar Estates.