Mary Estes Sullivan

Mary Sullivan, 90, passed away on May 15, 2024 at North Mississippi Medical Center surrounded by loved ones.  She was born March 26, 1934 and was the middle child of eleven raised by Grady Lee Richardson and Trudy Whitlock Richardson in Nettleton. She attended Nettleton schools. Following school, she worked several years at Hunter Sadler before pursuing her passion in cosmetology.

In October of 1952, she married her first love Billy Estes and they moved to Tupelo shortly after. She began working at the largest beauty shop in Tupelo at the time, the Powder Puff. Later, she opened Broadway Beauty Shop with coworker and lifelong friend Christine Gibson. Upon Christine’s retirement, Mary opened Sunshine Beauty shop at her home where she worked until her death. She enjoyed over sixty years doing what she loved, and cherished her job as an opportunity to spend time with her customers who she considered a second family.

The happiest day of her life was when she and Billy adopted their daughter Lisa. She never failed to make sure others knew that Lisa was her pride and joy. In 1988, she married Bill Sullivan and they enjoyed twenty happy years together until his death.

She loved giving of her time as well as her talents. She was a person that others could count on in need. She will be remembered for the many beautiful afghans she crocheted and gifted, her famous teacakes, and her chocolate pies with five-inch high meringue. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, her family, friends, and her church.

She was preceded in death by her parents Grady Lee and Trudy Whitlock Richardson; her husbands William E. “Billy” Estes and Clarence Leonard ”Bill” Sullivan Jr.; sisters Lillie Mae Anthony, Lena Shumpert, and Martha Millwood; brothers Tommie Richardson, James Richardson, and Leroy (Pete) Richardson; and stepson, Len Sullivan.
Among those remaining to cherish her memories are her daughter Lisa (Wayne) and grandsons Forrest William Ford and Hunter Wayne Ford of Tuscaloosa, AL; sisters Ophie Wildman, Judy Richardson, Geneva Hall (Thomas) all of Nettleton, and Peggy Hill (Aaron) of Columbus; stepchildren Dennis Sullivan (Kathleen), Phyllis Sullivan and step grandsons Dennis Jr., Ben (Jessica), Joshua (Tracy), Micaiah (Melissa) and step granddaughter Rachel Ann Burkett (Ben) as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until service time Monday, May 20, 2024 at Harrisburg Baptist Church.  A celebration of Mary’s life will follow at noon on Monday at the church with Bro. David Smith, Dr. Forrest Sheffield and Pastor. Rob Armstrong officiating. Burial will be at Lee Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Forrest Ford, Hunter Ford, Bruce Hall, James Mason, Carey Carnathan, and Mike McCraw.

A special thanks is extended to her great niece Riley Roebuck Williams for the devotion and loving care throughout her time of sickness.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Harrisburg Baptist Church, Tupelo Lee Humane Society or to the charity of your choice.
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at PeguesFuneralHome.com.