SHARP, Mary Nell

SHARP, Mary Nell

Female 1922 - 2009  (86 years)

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  • Name SHARP, Mary Nell 
    Birth 25 Jul 1922  Knoxville, Knox, Tennessee, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 2
    Gender Female 
    Residence 5 Apr 1930  Knoxville, Knox, Tennessee, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  [1
    Attended School 
    Death 1 Mar 2009  Knox County, Tennessee, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  [2
    • Mary Nell Sharp McFee, 86, died Sunday, March 1, 2009.

      Born July 25, 1922, in Knoxville, she was the daughter of Alvin Boyd and Hessie Toole Sharp, both of whom preceded her in death. She attended Blue Grass School, Farragut High School and Berea College, where she developed an interest in art and weaving. After college, she returned to Knoxville, where she was employed by the Knoxville Coal and Coke Co. during World War II. She and her husband began their married lives in a home on the McFee family farm, which became a TVA demonstration farm. The family met many international guests during their visits to the farm. She was active in her children's school's PTA, and served as president for one year.

      As a result of her interest in the area's history, she wrote a booklet, "The Admirals Voyage," that describes the history of Farragut School and the Concord community. She worked at the Farragut High School and the First Utility District, served as a board member of the Pleasant Forest Cemetery committee and the historical Ramsey House. A founding member of Cavett Daughters of the American Revolution and a member of First Families of Tennessee, she gave many talks and tours of historical sites.

      She chaired the Heritage Committee in Farragut during the 1982 bicentennial celebration and was one of the principal organizers of the Farragut Folk Life Museum, where she served as its first curator and director for many years. In this capacity, she located and was the driving force in acquiring the Adm. David Farragut Collection for the town of Farragut, which became the museum's centerpiece attraction.

      She shared her joy of life and love of people by frequently hosting parties. She loved to read and play the piano, and she was involved in several bridge clubs. She collected antiques and was a member of Athene and Questers study groups. She found time to sew samplers and weave textiles and baskets. A lifelong member of Concord Presbyterian Church, she was the pianist for several years.

      In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and high school sweetheart, Thomas Russell McFee, whom she married following World War II.

      Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ellen and Gerald Alton of Kingston; son and daughter-in-law, Marshall Thomas and Wendy McFee of Kingston; granddaughter, Emily McFee of Kingston; brother and sister-in-law, Boyd and Mary Jane Sharp of Knoxville; sisters, Rebecca Knott of Knoxville and Martha Tillery of Madisonville; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Anne and Bill Shipley of Concord; brother-in-laws and sister-in-law, Alfred McFee of Loudon County and Bill and Anella McFee of Lafayette, Ind.; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

      The family will receive friends from 5 to 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, in Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel. Funeral service will follow, with the Rev. David Maude officiating. Graveside service and burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, at Virtue Cemetery.
    Person ID I7343  Pickel_Bartlett
    Last Modified 24 Oct 2009 

    Father SHARP, Alvin Boyd,   b. 7 Oct 1882, Tennessee, United States Find all individuals with events at this locationd. Yes, date unknown 
    Mother TOOLE, Hessie,   b. 16 Sep 1890, Tennessee, United States Find all individuals with events at this locationd. Jul 1972, Knoxville, Knox, Tennessee, United States Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 81 years) 
    Marriage Abt 1922  Tennessee, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Residence 5 Apr 1930  Knoxville, Knox, Tennessee, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  [1
    Saleman for shoe company 
    Family ID F2116  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family MCFEE, Thomas Russell 
    Family ID F2117  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 16 May 2022 

  • Photos
    Mary Nell Sharp McFee
    Mary Nell Sharp McFee
    (1922-2009)

  • Sources 
    1. [S366] 1930 Federal Census, 14th District, Knox County, Tennessee ED 62 Page 4A Dwelling 105.

    2. [S82] Obituary, Knoxville News Sentinal, March 2. 2009.