Mary Elizabeth "Sug" Hedge Perry passed away August 12th, 2026, peacefully in her home in McEwen, TN.

A resident of McEwen, TN, Mary recalled her many days exploring Yellow Creek and the surrounding areas. She was the kind of neighbor everyone seemed to know. From 1960-1976, she worked as the well-loved receptionist at Federal Fertilizer Chemical Company. She had a keen eye for detail that kept their files immaculate and their pennies counted. She welcomed Eva into the world in 1971. Devoted to raising her daughter and her faith, she took to working as the church secretary at Pomona Baptist Church in Dickson, TN. As her family grew, finding her next calling was easy. As a teachers aid at Dickson Junior Highschool from 1985-1986, she worked with a wide range of students, including special needs children. Life then led her to join First Baptist Church, where she would stay for 33 years. She spent her Sunday mornings working with kindergarteners and 1st graders where she taught Sunday school. 

Mary is proceeded in death by her husband of 33 years, Fred Perry. They first met at the Union 76 Gas Station off of Charlotte Pike, where Mary always seemed to be waited on by the same gentleman. Sharing his love of mechanics with her, they often spent their dates riding around town - and little known, racing about. Madly in love, they married in 1970. 

She is also proceeded by her parents, Emmitt "Vonnie" LeVaughn Hedge and Mary Frances Wilson Hedge, brother, Larry Vaughn Hedge, and sister, Peggy Odell Betty.

She is survived by her daughter, Eva Tucker and her son-in-law, Brent, and their children Luke and Elaina. Her sister, Mildred Adell Smith. As well as many nieces and nephews. 

As a woman of faith, she inherited the virtues of the Lord. No emotion or situation could unsettle her. She remained calm, devoted, and loving in the face of all. She took great joy in spending time with her grandchildren and being able to pass these traits on to them. 

In her later years, Mary had a great fascination with the bible. From its original texts to modern translations, each year, she read through a new version. She spoke with local pastors about her new understandings of the Lord and was a minister to the ministry. It is said that she had a contagious faith.

No one left Mary's house with their hands empty, nor without taking God's word with them. She leaves behind this saying: Keep calm and carry on - God is in control.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for monetary donations. Items can be mailed to Eva Tucker at 4260 Bold Springs Rd., McEwen, TN.