Mary Catherine Gaddes

Mary Catherine Henderson Gaddes peacefully entered her heavenly home on Sunday July 28th, 2024, surrounded by her family. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Clay and Ada Henderson, and husband, William “Pick” Gaddes. She is survived by her daughter, Johnia (David) Browning; two grandchildren, Katie (Jesse) Stewart and Nathaniel Browning; and great-grandson, John William Stewart. 

Mary was born on March 28, 1932, in Elkmont, Alabama to Clay and Ada Henderson and was their only child. She moved to Nashville to attend Nashville Business College. After graduating, she worked for Braid Electric Company until her retirement in 1997. Everyone in the electrical business knew Mary’s sweet face that greeted them as they entered the building. Two years following her retirement from Braid, Mary missed working so she decided to start working part-time at Saint Thomas Hospital in patient information. 

Mary met her husband, William “Pick”, in Nashville after being set up by mutual friends on a blind date. They were married on October 14, 1953. They were married for 63 years until his passing in 2017. 

Mary and Pick had one daughter, Johnia Lea, and raised her in Bellevue, TN. They were long time members of the Bellevue Methodist Church and in their later years of life attended Christ Church and Aspen Grove Christian Church. 

Mary and Pick also had two grandchildren, Katie and Nathaniel, who were the light of their lives. They spent most of their days enjoying the company of their grandchildren, never missing a sporting event, dance, or music recital. Mary was an avid artist and could always be found painting or quilting. She was also known to many as “the Avon lady”.

Mary is remembered by most for her kind smile, joyful laugh, and beautiful blue eyes. Other than her family, the thing Mary held most dear was her faith in Jesus. 

The Browning and Stewart Families want to extend a special word of gratitude to Mary’s longtime companion and caregiver, Helen Cary. We are so thankful for all the love you showed Mary throughout the years.