of Memphis, TN
November 15, 1948 - October 16, 2016
Mary Ann Main passed away peacefully on October 16, 2016 at the Methodist hospice residence after suffering a series of strokes. She was 67 years old.
She was the only child of John and Virginia Main, a graduate from East High School and attended Memphis State University. She worked for the Memphis Fire Department in the alarm office for almost 35 years. She was one of the first "females" to be hired on with the Memphis Fire Department in 1974. Mary was a senior-operator, and 2nd in command on shift. She also held the "position" of watch commander on numerous occasions. After her retirement she worked part-time at the Memphis Fire Museum until March of this year. She was an early participant in the Memphis in May world championship barbecue contest as a member of the Pig Diamonds Team. She enjoyed crafting and was a master gardener and a member of the Memphis Herb Society & Designing Women, a garden club.
In times of celebration she always was there with abundant food and drink as well as good cheer. She was an amazing cook, noted for her potato salad and banana pudding!
Mary was a "friend" to any and all animals that came her way always donating to numerous animal welfare causes. Mary had the absolute assurance of her salvation by her deep belief in Jesus Christ as her Savior, and knowing that the reunion with her parents awaited her when she passed from her earthly life to an eternal one. She was a devoted godmother to Nickey Shah Jr & Dana Shah Bishop, who also served as Mary's caregiver during her illness. She (Dana) and son, Joshua Ethan Bishop, where the "apple" of her eyes. She referred to Dana as her "mouse".
She leaves a cousin, JoAnn Brewer of Senatobia Mississippi and her family. Also left to mourn her passing are her longtime friends: Brenda Shah, Diane Fogle, Joe Lowry, Dennis Ellis, Glenda Matheson, her Fire Department family, as well as fellow members of the late Saul Brown's ''Harem:'' Karen Brehm, Celeste Bursi, Mary Frank Crawford, Jennifer Fox, Chris Gang, Debbie Sweeney, Mary Lohrenz, Lady Dell Martin, Anna Neal, Kimberly Novarese, Nancy Jane Skaggs, Helen Smith, Sonja Thorsen and Nancy Tucker.
Although she left us far too soon, she left us with a heart full of love and an abundance of life experiences to reflect on in the years ahead.
I love you Auntie.
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made Last Chance Corral, St. Jude Children's Hospital or Meadow Wood Rescue.
The family will receive friends on Friday, October 21, between 9:30 A.M. until service time at 10:30 A.M.
The committal service will be in Ashburn Music Cemetery, Bassett, AR
Roller Family Funeral Home