Mary Jane Carlisle

Mary Jane Carlisle passed away in her home on December 15, 2021.  Mary was born in Plano, Texas on March 19, 1928.  She was a graduate of Plano High School where she was known for her artistic and musical talents.  Mary and her high school sweetheart, Bill, attended the University of Texas and married in 1948.  His career took them to Dallas, Tulsa, and Jackson.  Mary passionately nurtured the lives of their two children, Margaret and Don, and supported Bill’s career.  She had a flair for fashion, interior design, and entertaining.  She could play you a song on her piano, paint you a picture, compose you a poem, cook you a delicious meal, or crack you up with her sly and often self-deprecating wit.  Above all, Mary was devoted to Bill, her soulmate of 73 years. They were rarely apart and continued to bask in each other’s company every day of their lives together. They treasured their many lifelong friends, Montbrook Drive neighbors, and extended family members.  Both Mary and Bill were active members of Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Jackson for over 45 years.  Mary delivered Meals on Wheels for over 20 years, served on the congregational care and flower committees, and was awarded an Honorary Life Membership in the Presbyterian Women of the Presbyterian Church USA.  

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Joseph Vavra; her three siblings, Anna, Helen, and Joseph; and her beloved grandson, Drew.  She is survived by her children, Margaret Ladtkow and husband Bruce (Dallas,TX) and Don Carlisle and wife Sharla (Gulf Breeze, FL); her grandchildren Joseph Carlisle and wife Kaylee (Hattiesburg, MS), Beth Holbert and husband Rob (Mobile, AL), and Bobby Ladtkow and wife Emily (Dallas, TX); her precious great grandchild, Vivi McKee of Mobile, and by nieces and nephews in Texas, Tennessee, and Colorado.  

Mary’s family is forever grateful for the love and support of her cherished friends who have nourished and upheld them with tender care over the course of the past few weeks.  

A memorial service honoring Mary’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 21 at 11:00 a.m. at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Jackson.  Visitation will precede the service at 10:00 a.m. at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to Briarwood Presbyterian Church or to the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi.

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