Mary Carol Tilson

Mary Carol Irwin Tilson, age 77, of Maryville passed away at her home on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, in the arms of her loving husband of 55 years, Paul. Mary was born at her family home in Rockford in 1942 to Willah Troxler and Silas Waterhouse Irwin. She followed in her mother's footsteps by choosing a career in teaching, earning her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and Master's in Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She started her teaching career teaching 7th grade at Eagleton and then moved into her chosen subject area- Home Economics- at Cleveland High School. After moving back home to Maryville and being a stay at home mom for a few years, she returned to teaching Home Ec first at Maryville Junior High School and then Maryville High School where she finished out her 42 year career in teaching. She retired in 2012 when her rheumatoid arthritis made teaching too difficult physically. Otherwise, she likely would have been serving as a surrogate mama to as many kids as possible until her last day. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willah and Silas Irwin, and sister, Faye Irwin Rule. Her very favorite thing in the world was taking care of her family, which she did so well. Her grandsons were her pride and joy, and whether it was watching Connor on a horse, Mason playing football, or Silas playing with his trucks, every moment spent with them brought her great joy. She is survived by husband Paul, daughter Tammy Hobby Hicks and son-in-law John Hicks, son Chad Tilson and daughter-in-law Kayti Ryba Tilson, grandchildren Connor and Mason Hobby, Callie Hicks, and Silas Tilson, sister Frankie Hensley, and numerous wonderful extended family members and friends. The family will receive friends from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Smith Trinity Chapel on Saturday, September 28 with her nephew, Joel Tilson, preaching her funeral at 3:00. Her great nephew, Seth Patton, and his wife Elizabeth will be singing. The processional will leave for Clark's Grove Cemetery immediately following the funeral for a graveside service there. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mary Carol Tilson please visit our Sympathy Store.