Mary Edith Farrar

Tupelo- Mary Edith Baptist Farrar went to Heaven Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Born February 29, 1928, in Lee County to Thomas and Grace Baptist, she grew up in the Palmetto Community and established her lifelong homestead in Tupelo in 1944. Mary graduated from Verona High School in 1946, among a class of 11 girls and 1 boy, and later earned a business degree from Draughon’s Business College in Memphis, Tennessee. She worked for L.P. McCarty and Sons in Tupelo, where she made many lifelong friends.

In 1950, Mary married James Farrar, and together they raised two children, Margaret and Tommy. At the age of 37, she made the decision to earn a teaching degree. Alongside her friend, Doris Belk, she attended Itawamba Junior College and subsequently Blue Mountain College, and later earned her Master’s degree from University of Mississippi. She began teaching at Verona High School in 1968. Mary’s impact spanned 19 years as a beloved educator. 

For over 70 years, Mary an active member of Verona Methodist Church. She loved her church family dearly. She taught adult Sunday School and was involved in every activity and service of her church. She was a prayer warrior, praying for anyone who needed prayer. She was also active with James in the Verona Lions Club and was a Lady Lioness member. 

She spent the best of her days as the most wonderful mother and grandmother. She has given herself in every loving way possible to her children and grandchildren. There was never a need unmet by her for her family, no matter the need. She picked up grandchildren from school, attended recitals, birthday parties, church programs, school programs, sports events, doctor visits, emergency room visits, graduations, and weddings. She was always available to listen, she was understanding, and non-judgmental. She left a beautiful memory with everyone she knew. Her moral standard and Christian faith is her greatest gift to her family. 

Mary leaves behind one daughter, Margaret Farrar Robinson and her husband, Mike; one son, Tommy Farrar and his wife, Denise, all of Tupelo; four grandchildren, Molly Crawford (Chet) of Pontotoc, Mary Frances Strange (Nathan) of Tupelo, Amanda Robinson Turner (Barry) of Tupelo, Matt Robinson (Brittany) of Brewer; and four great-grandchildren, Ethan Strange, Clayton Strange, Jay Strange, and Ella Robinson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Grace Baptist; husband, James Farrar; and one grandson, Jay Elmore. 

Visitation will be 1 p.m. until service time Friday, March 29, 2024, at Pegues, Tupelo.

Services honoring her life will be 2 p.m. Friday, March 29, 2024, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues with Bro. David Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Verona City Cemetery. 

Pallbearers will be Chet Crawford, Nathan Strange, Barry Turner, Matt Robinson, Greg Smith, and Bill Hines.

Ray Payne of Okinawa, Japan, will serve as honorary pallbearer.

Memorials may be made to Methodist Senior Services, P.O. Box 1567, Tupelo, MS 38802 and Parkgate Pregnancy Clinic 150 S. Industrial Rd., Tupelo, MS 38801.