Sources |
- [S76] Atchley Funeral Home Records, Volume III, 1974-1986, Larry D. Fox, (Smoky Mountain Historical Society), 11 Nov 1977.
Paul Bernard "Tiny" Birden obituary
- [S23] Atchley Funeral Home, (http://www.atchleyfuneralhome.com/), 30 Aug 2002.
Mary Emma Cook Birden
January 14, 1925 - August 30, 2002
Birthplace: Asheville, Alabama
Resided In: Sevierville Tennessee USA
Visitation: September 03, 2002
Service: September 03, 2002
Cemetery: Pleasant View Cemetery
Mary Emma Cook Birden, age 77 of Sevierville, died Friday, August 30, 2002 at Sevier County Health Care Center. She was a long time member and ordained Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Sevierville.
She was born January 14, 1925 in Alabama to Ollis and Mary Jane Williams Cook. Mary retired from Smoky Mountain Vending following 47 years of service as the kitchen manager responsible for purchasing and preparation of food items. Mary’s other interest included teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, the Women’s Association of the church in which she served several terms as President. Outside the church, Mary also served several terms as President of the Sevier County Medical Center volunteers and was a faithful volunteer at the Sevier Food Ministries. Within her housing complex she taught a weekly Bible study and published a monthly newsletter for residents. In 1999, Mary was nominated and selected as one of twelve Sevier County residents to be designated a Living Treasure in Mary O. Stone’s book, “Sevier County Living Treasures – Celebrating Affirmative Aging”.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul B. Birden, who died in 1977, her parents and seven siblings.
Survivors:
Brothers and Sisters-in-law: Reverend Gabriel and Della Cook of Gadsden, Alabama; James and Sylvia Cook of Randall, Ohio
Sister-in-law: Lucille Birden White of Champagne, Illinois
Brothers-in-law: Charles Birden of Knoxville; James Birden of Springfield, Ohio
Step-Son: Paul B. Birden, Jr. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A host of nieces and nephews
Special Friends: Charlotte Wilhoit, Willie Kate Burden, Terry Wright, Doris Emory, and Patricia Pellerin
Funeral service 7 PM Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church of Sevierville with The Reverend Don Grady officiating. Interment 10 AM Wednesday in Pleasant View Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5-7 PM Tuesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Mary Birden Memorial Fund in care of the First Presbyterian Church—500 Belle Avenue—Sevierville, Tennessee 37862 or to the Sevier County Food Ministries—890 Old Knoxville Highway—Sevierville, Tennessee 37862. (www.atchleyfuneralhome.com)
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