Mary James Dockery

Mary James Dockery, age 89, died Thursday, September 10, 2009 at her residence, Appalachian Christian Village in Johnson City, Tennessee.She was a native of Cocke County, Tennessee but lived most of her adult life in Johnson City. She was the daughter of the late John and Mattie Lunsford James. Mrs. Dockery attended Tacoma Church of God for many years while raising her children. Later she joined First Christian Church where she attended for over 30 years. She was an integral part of the church serving as a Sunday school teacher to both children and adults as well as a Cub Scout leader. The oldest girl of nine siblings, Marys mother died when Mary was only sixteen years of age. Though receiving the opportunity to attend college on a scholarship, she chose to stay home and to act as mother to her eight siblings. Later she graduated from Dorland-Bell School in Marshall, North Carolina in the class of 1937. She always had a special love for her children and grandchildren. An avid gardener, Mrs. Dockery enjoyed growing both flowers and vegetables. Mary was an accomplished quilter. Her favorite quotation was, 'Our role on this earth is to serve.'? Mary Dockery firmly believed in the power of prayer. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Eston Ray Dockery, three brothers, Homer, Clydus, John D. James and one sister, Ruby James Freshour and one infant granddaughter, Sarah Kathleen Brown. She is survived by three children, Ray Dockery and his wife Susan of Rock Hill, SC; Brenda Brown of Denver, Colorado; David Dockery and wife Stacy of Johnson City; grandchildren, John Henry Dockery, Patricia Joyce Dockery of Cincinnati, Ohio, Michael Ray Dockery of Rock Hill, SC, Joshua Mark Dockery of Charlotte, Hannah Emrie Brown of Lakewood, Colorado, Nathan Rundell Brown of Denver, Colorado, James David Dockery II of Johnson City, Kelsi Elizabeth Moore Dockery of Johnson City; four great grandchildren; three brothers, Paul James of Newport, Tennessee, Oscar James of Newport, Jimmie James of Dandridge, Tennessee and one sister, Joyce Cox of Greeneville, Tennessee. Funeral services for Mrs. Dockery will be held at 1:00 PM, Sunday, September 13, 2009 at Morris-Baker Funeral Home South Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 11:30 AM on Sunday. Graveside services and burial will follow at Monte Vista Memorial Park. Rev. Dan Stansberry will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to a favorite charity.