In Memory

Mary Inman (Jeffries)

Mary Inman (Jeffries)

JEFFRIES, Mary Kent, Aug. 21, 1946 – Oct. 15, 2015, age 69, of Winchester, died on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015, following a brief illness. She was a loving wife, mother and friend to so many and she will be deeply missed. Mary was born in Pulaski to Mary Catherine and Oscar Inman. The family moved to Huntsville, Ala. in the 1950s, where Mary attended Huntsville City Schools, culminating in graduation from Huntsville High School. She was one of the founders of the Silver Circle, which today still exists. She cherished her many friendships and is remembered fondly for her beauty, her love of life and her loyalty to her friends. As is typical of her life and nature, Mary was always a behind-the-scenes fixture of strength and intelligence. Mary quickly developed a reputation in the business community as the "go to" administrative assistant to the founder of start-up companies like Dynetics and Nichols Research. This is a testament to both Mary's gifts of organizational detail and stellar work ethic. In 1968, Mary married Buddy Kent. Although Mary and Buddy later divorced, they partnered together raising their son, Mark, and remained close friends until Buddy's death in 2013. Mary was devoted to raising Mark, providing and positioning him in every possible opportunity for his success. Her home is remembered as one that was both loving but a place of discipline and structure where Mark and his friends were not allowed to get away with any shenanigans. Mary later married Russell L. Jeffries, to whom she was happily devoted to for 30 years. Russ and Mary retired to Winchester, where they became a fixture in the community. Mary was a member of the Southern Tennessee Ladies Society, a social and service organization committed to making a difference in the lives of graduating high school seniors. She loved her 'pups' Barney and Beasley and ardently supported the Franklin County Humane Society. She and Russ joined the First United Methodist Church and were active in the Open Door Sunday School class. Mary served on the Shalom committee, which assisted those in the church who'd lost a spouse. Her many deep friendships in Winchester came through her relationships at FUMC. Mary is survived by her loving husband, Russ Jeffries of Winchester; her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Anna Kent of Huntsville, Ala.; grandchildren, McLaine and Maddie Kent; her aunt, Margaret Birdsong; and cousins, Bev, Jerry, and Tommy Birdsong. She leaves behind a legacy of love and loyalty to her many friends in Huntsville, Ala. and in Winchester. A graveside funeral service was conducted on Monday, Oct. 19, 2015, at 10 a.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery with Laughlin Service Funeral Home directing. A memorial service followed at 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Winchester. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Winchester, TN or the Franklin County Humane Society. Laughlin Service Funeral Home 
2320 Bob Wallace Ave. SW Huntsville, AL 35805-4725 (256) 534-2471 www.laughlinservice.com

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