Obituary of Mary Alice Hirlston

Mary Alice Mathias Hirlston, age 92, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was called home to Glory, Sunday morning, October 8, 2023, with family and friends by her side. She was preceded in death by her parents, AJ Carl & Lillie Bell Goostree Mathias; stepfather, Jess Thornton; husband, Monroe “Bill” Hirlston; brothers, JT, Carnell, Harvey, John Robert, Riley, and James Donald; sisters, Viola Summers Hinton, and Eva Nell Thacker; daughters in-law, Joyce, Janis, Betty, Judy, and Melvina; son in-law, Keith Pope; grandsons, James Daniel “JD”, and Brad Davenport; grandson-in-law, Danny Harrison; and three great-grandsons. She is survived by her children: Carl (Patsy), James, Sherry Davenport Craddock (Roy), and Dora Pope; son in-law, Steve Davenport; grandchildren, Carla Richards, Karen Harrison, Carl II (Kasey), Chris Johnston (Andrea), Kim Porter Warrick (John Sr.), Jimmy Jr., Jackie, Jerry, Craig Davenport (Jamie), and Brandon Pope (Courtney); granddaughter-in-law, Ashley Davenport O’Leary (Terry); twenty-five great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, including beloved caregiver, Susan Carlton. She had a deep love of GOD and Country. She was a faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church. She was a Past Matron of Murfreesboro Chapter 363, and Past State Representative to Montana in Tennessee, of the Order of the Eastern Star. She served as Mother Advisor of Henry Lee Fox Assembly, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. Additionally, she was a member of two local chapters of the Red Hat Society. She was employed in Quality Control at General Electric, retiring after 35 years. Her career in Quality Control highlighted her attention to detail, and pursuit of excellence in all things. In retirement she became a compassionate caregiver and devoted companion for those needing assistance with activities of daily living. She enjoyed collecting Avon bottles, Barbies, Precious Moments Figurines, bells, trinket boxes, teddy bears, red glass, coins, and stamps. She also enjoyed cooking and baking for others, with her specialties including German chocolate cake, coconut cake, sausage balls, bourbon balls, and loaves of banana or hummingbird bread. Her competitive spirit could be seen on the basketball court, both in High School (Portland), and at General Electric. She was a loyal fan of the Atlanta Braves and Tennessee Titans. She was known to “shoot the moon” in Rook, and was always up for a game of Dominos or Hand and Foot. She was a passionate and active person, always on the go, and serving GOD by helping others. This was her purpose. With her huge smile, love of GOD, and persuasive personality, she led her family and her many friends, into fun adventures and benevolent endeavors. She will be greatly missed. Services will be held at Murfreesboro Funeral Home, with visitation on Friday, October 13th, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, and Saturday, October 14th, 12:00 to 1:00 pm. Funeral service is Saturday at 1:00 pm with Doctor Clark Harrell officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to your favorite charity.