Mary Elizabeth Mery, 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Louisville, KY.  Originally from Mountain City, TN, Mary was born to the late J. Grady and Pauline Dunn Icenhour on June 4, 1930. Mary was an exceptionally loving, caring, and generous lady to all who were blessed to know her.  She had friends all over the world, having travelled to 89 countries on 6 continents during her lifetime. She was the consummate hostess who loved to throw lavish parties and welcomed many international visitors in her home through the years. Mary had a love for teaching, grammar, music, piano, and singing.  Mary received her Bachelor of Education at the University of Delaware, Master and Rank 1 at Eastern Kentucky University, was certified in English as a Second Language, studied Spanish language at Yale University, and completed additional certifications at the University of Louisville.  She taught elementary, middle, and high school in Louisville, KY, Delaware, Florida, and Connecticut.  Mary also taught English to students in China and Russia on many occasions over the years and had the privilege to speak on the floor of the Kremlin during one of her visits to Russia. Mary was an active member of Highview Baptist Church, PEO Chapter B, Sister Cities of Louisville, Greater Louisville International Professionals, Crane House, People to People International, Friendship International, Women's Missionary Union, as well as many other organizations dear to her heart.

Mary is survived by her son, Martin Hugh Mery (Martha); granddaughter, Cindy Bischoff (Tony); grandsons, Brandon Mery and Joe'siah Mery; stepdaughter Diane Frederick (Tom); partner Stan Hornbeck; step grandson, Ray Grasmick; great-grandchildren, Luke and Nick Bischoff; step great-grandchildren, Brandon and Justin Grasmick, Matthew and Erin Frederick; sisters, Becki Icenhower and Sue Pleasant, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Edward Mery, Jr; son, Joseph Edward Mery; granddaughter, Melissa Mery Bennett (Peter); daughter in law, Linda Mery; siblings George and John Eisenhower, Ruth Hawkins, and Betty Leonard.

Visitation services will be held at Fern Creek Funeral Home on Thursday March 20, 2025, from 1-3pm with a memorial service to follow at 3:00pm. Private burial at Resthaven Memorial Park. Donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, KY/WV Chapter in memory of Mary's beloved granddaughter, Melissa Mery Bennett, and her husband, Peter. https://www.cff.org/chapters/kentuckywest-virginia-chapter