Mary France Crawford Brister's Obituary
Mary France Crawford was born on August 28, 1914, in Williston, Fayette County, Tennessee, to the late Ruby Morton and Whit Crawford.She attended Williston School and graduated from Somerville High School. She attended State Teachers College in Memphis, from 1932-1934, earning her teaching certificate. Mary Frances taught in Fayette County schools in Macon, Moscow, and Somerville until her marriage in 1939 to James O. Brister of Tchula, Mississippi. Mr. Brister preceded his wife in death in 1996. After the war, Mrs. Brister and her husband attended Memphis State College where she was awarded a BS degree. She taught second grade for 26 years in Memphis City School at Lenox, Colonial, and Sea Isle Elementary Schools. Mrs. Brister was longtime member of Aldersgate Methodist Church where she was active in the United Methodist women group. She was a member of the American Association of University Women, the P.E.O. Sisterhood, and the Retired Teachers Association. After retirement she enjoyed reading, working cross-word puzzles, playing board games, and meeting and lunching with school and church friends.She cared very much for her family. She saw to the care of her elderly parents in Williston until their death as well her husband during his long illness. She always said “she wanted each day to be one where she could help somebody”. She will be sorely missed by family and friends.Mary France is survived by her three sons; James W. Brister and wife Sandra of Bartlett, Ronald C. Brister and wife Letitia of Bartlett, and Robert W. Brister and wife Whitney of Salt Lake City, UT; two grandsons, James Brister and wife Jennifer, Michael Brister and wife Lori, and a great granddaughter, Kristen Brister.Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 13, from 10:30-11:30 at Memorial Park Funeral Home with funeral services to follow at 11:30 in the chapel.
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