Marie Dumont Fienup's Obituary
Marie Dumont Fienup, 103, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on February 24, 2025.
Marie was born May 25, 1921 in St. Louis, Missouri to parents Oscar and Augusta Dumont. Marie was a member of the Greatest Generation, surviving the Great Depression and
World War II.
As a child, she and her brother showed their business acumen by raising chickens, growing fruits and vegetables, selling and delivering in their neighborhood to help her family. Marie was a graduate of Webster Groves High School in Missouri and Business school. Upon graduation, Marie took her first job as a secretary, at Prince Gardner with no pay to prove she was worthy of employment. It did not take long before her supervisor recognized her determination, work ethic, and perseverance and hired her in a full time position. “Back then, you were lucky just to have a job,” Marie would tell as she recalled that important time in her life. She carried that determination and perseverance throughout her life and was grateful for all the Lord had blessed her with.
On June 18, 1949, Marie married the love of her life, Henry, in Webster Groves, Missouri. They raised five children and Marie spent her life as a loving devoted wife and mother. Marie had a love of life, a quiet strength, and a deep devotion to family. She always happily added a plate to the table for unexpected guests. She loved hiking, tennis, the beach and mountains. Marie was generous, thoughtful, loving and kind. She was genuine in her laughter and always wore a smile.
Marie was a faithful member of Buntyn Presbyterian Church from the time she and Henry moved to Memphis. She was a member of the Cherry Estates Garden Club and Buntyn Women’s Circle and was an avid participant in the YMCA’s water aerobics program well into her nineties.
Marie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Henry W. Fienup, her oldest daughter Barbara Jackson, her parents, Oscar and Augusta Dumont, and her brother Harold J. Dumont.
She is survived by her son, Craig (Karen) of Germantown, TN, her daughters, Margo Garnett (Bruce) of Hot Springs, AR, Lori Fairless (Cary), and Lisa Brown Williams (Tabb) of Germantown, TN.
Marie also leaves 12 dearly loved grandchildren: Robert and Keith Jackson, Jessica and Matthew Garnett, Chris, Kevin, and Katie (Donaldson) Fienup, Jason and Brandon Fairless, and Steven, Shay, and Cara Brown, along with 16 great grandchildren.
The family will hold a private graveside service on Saturday, March 1st, 2025 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Memphis TN.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to:
Buntyn Presbyterian Church, 561 Prescott, Memphis, TN 38111
or to a charity of your choice.
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