Mary Evelyn Putman, 63, of McCarley passed away peacefully from this life to be with her heavenly Father on Wednesday, February 14, 2018, while at home among family and friends. Oliver Funeral Home of Winona was in charge of the services.
Visitation was held from 1 p.m. until time of the service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2018, at the First Baptist Church in Winona. The services were led by Dr. Tim Mims, Rev. John L. Walker and Rev. Ed McDaniel. Nathan Crenshaw was the soloist. Her physical body was laid to rest in the Malone Cemetery at Coxburg.
Mary was born in Yazoo City on April 2, 1954, to Willie Warren Smith and Lorene Pierce Smith. She was not only a homemaker, but had also served as the office manager for the Winona office of Blakeman, Brister, and Putman. Mary was an active member of First Baptist Church. Though unable to attend services in recent times, she so enjoyed this fellowship of believers by way of the weekly radio broadcast, the writing of cards, and phone calls of encouragement to others. The annual fall senior adult outing held on the lake bank at her home was a special time, especially this past two years.
Mary was a completely selfless and gracious lady who had long served as mentor, encourager, caretaker, and confidant to both family and friends. Her motives were always pure, her compassion was sincere, and her love for others was true.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Sandra McGuire (Dave), and her brothers, Billy Smith and Jimmy Smith. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, David Putman; her son John Harvey Putman and his wife, Mariclaire; three grandchildren, Ava, Jacob, and Kate; two sisters, Bitsy Turner (Terry) and Nancy Parker (Russ); her mother in law, Edna Ruth Putman; several nieces and nephews; and her caregiver and guardian angel, Kim Purnell.
Pallbearers were Warren Ray Parker, Talmadge “Tee” Golding, Bill Bowie, Mike Brister, Stan Acy, Michael Harber, James Mitchell, and Mac Ables. Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Tom Dulin, Ed Meeks, Hugh Dendy, David McCaulla, and Glenn Taylor.
Memorials may be made to The Christ’s Cross at the Crossroads, P.O. Box 521, Winona, MS 38967; or a charity of the donor's choice.
An online guestbook is available at www.ofhwinona.com.
