Mary Stonecipher

Mary Arthur Stonecipher, 83, of Cleveland, passed away Monday afternoon, May 25, 2009 in a local health care facility. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Many beyond her immediate family affectionately called her "Granny". No one ever left her house hungry. Many friends abound with precious memories of cookouts, homemade ice cream, Canasta, flowers, gardening, camping, and trips to our surrounding mountains. Mary grew up in Mascot, TN, a close-knit zinc mining town with heavy influences from her entrepreneur grandfather, Alexander Alan Arthur, the founder of Middlesboro, KY. She was a graduate of UT at Knoxville with a degree in Home Economics. Mary came to Cleveland to work with the Electric System (now Cleveland Utilities), doing field work and giving seminars. She gave in-home training on getting electricity for the first time, how to cook on an electric stove, canning, etc. Mary married Clifford Stonecipher in July 1950. Together, they bought Bradley Interiors in 1958. She truly enjoyed working with so many people on decorating their homes and treated them more as friends rather than clients. She was great at blending the job and enriching her children's lives with Boy and Girl Scouts, church youth groups, and being a supportive wife and mother. As a grandmother, she encouraged her grandchildren to achieve their goals and enjoy life. Mary was a charter member of Northside Presbyterian Church and active helper in many events until her later years. She kept close ties with the Mascot and Middlesboro, KY, friends and the Arthur family legacy. Preceded by her precious husband of 52 years, Clifford Stonecipher; parents, Percy Macaulay (P. M.) and Catherine Arthur of Knoxville, TN; brother Alex Arthur of Wilmington, DE; sister Catherine Arthur of Mascot, TN; and granddaughter Candace Jill Stonecipher of Mount Juliet. She is survived by 3 beloved children: Paul and Pam Stonecipher of Mount Juliet; Sara and Johnny Morgan of Charleston; Alice and Mike Kiger of King, NC; Six cherished grandchildren: Christy and Katie Stonecipher, Andrew and Amy Morgan, Benjamin Wallace and Sonsera Kiger; Her sister, Margaret Pickett of Conway, SC; and nieces, nephews and many dear friends. The funeral will be conducted Thursday at 2 p.m. May 28, 2009 in the Fike Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Renny Whittenbarger and Rev. David Tullock officiating. Interment will follow in Hilcrest Memorial Gardens with Johnny Morgan, Andrew Morgan, Mike Kiger, Ed Pickett, Ben Wallace and Tom Cloud serving as pallbearers. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the services. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. As a tribute to her life, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the History Branch of Cleveland Public Library, 833 North Ocoee St., Cleveland, TN 37311; or the charity of your choice. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Stonecipher family guest book at www.fikefh.com. .