Mary Elaine DePersio Hendrix was born September 28, 1948 in Omaha, NE, grew up in Oak Ridge, TN, spent many years living in Morristown, TN, Atlanta, GA and Tallahassee, FL before retiring in Hilton Head, SC. She passed away September 5, 2017 at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, GA under the longtime care of Dr. Suresh Ramalingam at the Emory Winship Cancer Institute.
Mary attended St. Mary's Catholic School (Oak Ridge, TN), Oak Ridge High School (Oak Ridge, TN) and the University of Tennessee Knoxville where she received her undergraduate and masters degrees. She worked at Walter State Community College in Morristown, TN before working for ACT in their southern and eastern divisions for 29 years.
Mary was preceded by her parents Dr. Robert E. DePersio and Mrs. Rosemary DePersio, and her brother Robert DePersio. She is survived by her daughter Elaine Hendrix; her significant other of 40 years Bill Wooten and his sons Eric Wooten and Corby Wooten; her siblings and their spouses Ken & Colleen DePersio, Joanne DePersio Ramsey & Richard Ramsey, John & Marianne DePersio, Tommy DePersio, Susan DePersio Smith & Steven Smith and Patricia DePersio Clarke; nieces and nephews Robert Ramsey, Rowan Clarke, Gregory DePersio, Patrick Clarke, Dominick DePersio, Garrett Smith, Katherine Ramsey Post, Michael DePersio, Natalie Smith Rock, Mary DePersio, Richard Clarke, Harrison Smith, Mary Elaine Ramsey, Mary Charles Clarke, Andrew DePersio, Stuart Smith, Christian DePersio and Ava DePersio; and countless other family members and friends who all loved her dearly.
Mary lived a celebratory life full of activities and community service. Her favorite hobbies included spending time with family and friends, walking, golf, wine, the beach and simply enjoying every day to the fullest. Honoring her generous spirit, her corneas were donated to the Georgia Eye Bank. Services will be held for family and close friends at a later date and location to be determined. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Mary's chosen philanthropies at the links below.
