Mary Faye Nolan

Mary Faye Nolan, age 74 of Rocky Top, Tennessee, peacefully returned home on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Mary was born to the late Clarence and Lillie York on December 12, 1950 in Briceville, Tennessee. Mary was a small town girl with a big time heart. She was the youngest of 10 children, raised in a household with strong values about right and wrong. Her religious upbringing and knowledge of the Bible got her through many tough times.

Though Mary did not grow up in a home of wealth, she was certainly spoiled in the riches of love and affection. She was fortunate enough to carry this theme throughout her lifetime. 

She married her late husband, David, young and started her own family. She worked hard alongside her new husband to provide for and love her children. 

Time with the Lord and with her family meant everything to Mary.  She and her family loved to travel and camp while soaking up the sun. Whether on the beach or on her porch counting the passing cars, she took in warmth that she later handed out to those close to her. In her later years, she got a taste for the ocean and constantly dreamed of sunshine while cruising.

Mary often kept herself busy using her thrifty knowledge. She sewed, thrifted, and woke up many early Saturday mornings to go yard-saling.

Her fuel of choice was always swayed by her ever-apparent sweet tooth. No matter the occasion, a sweet treat was rarely out of reach. Little Debbie cakes, peeps, popsicles, and ice cream kept her going on many hot summer days spent at DollyWood with her family.

Mary's loved ones stood by her side as she fought off breast cancer, lost the love of her life, and later, as she took her last breath.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents: Clarence and Lillie York, her husband: David Nolan, her brothers: Leon and Glenn Poore, and Tommy and Jimmy Harness, and her sisters: Margie Craig, and Rosalee Hooks. 

Mary is survived by:
Children:  Tina Momin (Akbar), Sandra Brown (Brian), Paul Nolan (Michelle), Delecia Nolan (William), and Karen Nelson

Grandchildren: Heather Phillips (Brad), Jessica Coop, Shameem Wood (Aaron), Paul Nolan, Adam Nolan (Hannah), Jasmin Momin, Krystine Owens, Tryst Brown, Abi Brown, Sophia Pruitt, and unborn baby Pruitt

Great Grandchildren:  Alyvia Phillips, Kayleigh Phillips, Emmalyne Phillips, Kinleigh Coop, SJ Valentine, and Kiara Valentine

Sisters: Ann Wilson, Brenda Tinker, and Joyce Carroll

In Laws: Curtis and Mary Nolan, Shirley and Lonnie McKamey, Tommy Mitchell, and Betty Poore

And a host of other family members and friends.

She paved the way for many generations of strong women around her. Her legacy will live on through the countless hearts she was able to touch.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to her friends Trula Hill and Tonya Criag for holding Mary's hand in the darkest of times, and Amedysis Hospice for lighting the road to comfortably carry her back home. 

Visitation: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Hatmaker Funeral Home.

Funeral Service: 7:00 PM, Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in the Hatmaker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bubby Hooks and Rev. Doug Walden officiating.

Family and Friends will meet at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Hatmaker Funeral Home in Rocky Top to go in procession to the Sunset Cemetery in Clinton, Tennessee for an 11:00 AM graveside service.