Mary Stanley

Mary E. Williamson Stanley, age 89, died on Thursday, September 15, 2022, at Villa South Assisted Living in Florence, MS. Services will be held at Brandon First United Methodist Church 1:00 pm on Tuesday, September 20, 2022. Burial will follow in Natchez Trace Cemetery in Madison, MS. Visitation will be 11:00 am until 12:45 pm on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at the church.

Mrs. Stanley, a Brandon native since 1993, was born in Madison County, in 1933, to Berry K. & Minnie Jane Williamson. She was a graduate of Madison-Ridgeland High School, Millsaps College and received her Masters in Education at Jackson State University. She also did graduate work through Mississippi State University and was certified to teach Gifted education. She taught for many years and retired from the Madison County School System in 1993.

Mrs. Stanley has always been active in her Church, being a member of the United Methodist Church wherever she resided. At her death she was a member of Brandon First United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the United Methodist Women having served as President 2000-2001. She enjoyed being a member of the Senior Group (DMA) which planned trips, programs, and meals for the group. She was also a member of the Congeniality Sunday School Class whose members became her dearest and most loved friends along with her 4 Roses Group.

Mrs. Stanley has always enjoyed children, and in her later years, especially her grandchildren. She was always proud to have been a teacher and to have in some small way reach out to children in helping them to love learning.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, and sisters, Elois Schmidt and Athalee Stormant, son-in-law, Ken Townsend, and great-grandchild Lily Jane Phillips. Survivors include her daughters, Chris Townsend of Florence, MS Kim Brake and her husband, Bill Brake of Florence, MS, sons, Rusty Alliston and wife Betty of Opelika, AL, and Richmond Alliston and wife Bennie Gayle of Morton, MS. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Billy (Kacy) Brake, Shelley (Alan) Trinh, Nathan (Caroline) Phillips, Mitchell Phillips, Reed Alliston, Courtney (Rob) Wilson, and Samantha (Chase) Bridges; eight great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brandon First United Methodist Church.