Mary Jean Barber Howe, age 78, originally of Nashville, passed away suddenly Thursday, September 5, 2024, surrounded by family.
Mary Jean was born on October 9, 1945, in Nashville. After graduating in the very first class of Overton High School in 1963, she attended Tennessee Tech University and was crowned Miss Tennessee. She went on to represent her state in the Miss USA pageant. Soon after, Mary Jean met the love of her life, David, and they were married a few months later. Mary Jean and David traveled all over the world in the early years of their marriage during David’s time with the Air Force. She had a great appreciation for international travel and the many experiences and friends they made across the world.
For many years, Mary Jean was a dedicated volunteer at Cheekwood Gardens and Belmont Mansion. She always had a love for history, art, antiques, and literature, but her main focus in her life was always her family.
In 2007, she and David moved to Shelbyville, where they enjoyed 15 years of retirement together. They eventually moved to Knoxville to be closer to her daughter and family. She tirelessly and lovingly cared for the needs of her husband until her very last breath. She was a long-time, active member of Brentwood United Methodist Church as well as First United Methodist Church of Shelbyville.
Mary Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Inez and James Lytle Barber. She is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, David William Howe; daughter Jeanette Howe Priest Bell (Eric); granddaughters Katherine Priest and Annie Priest, all of Knoxville; sister-in-law Kathy Totten of Maine (Larry) and brother-in-law Dan Howe of California (Sandy), as well as many life-long dear friends.
A graveside service will be at Woodlawn Roesch Patton Cemetery in Nashville at a later date.
The family requests memorials be made to First United Methodist Church of Shelbyville.
