Mary Beth Blackburn, a woman whose life was marked by boundless generosity and a deep commitment to her community, passed away on October 7, 2024, at the age of 73 in Kingsport, Tennessee. Born in 1951 in Independence, Missouri, to the late George and Gladys Clayton, Mary embodied the spirit of giving from an early age. Her passion for helping others and making the world a better place became her life’s work, touching the lives of countless individuals in her hometown and beyond.

Mary graduated with a master’s degree in nursing from Central Michigan University and worked at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. as a Labor and Delivery Nurse for 19 years. Her life was dedicated to both her patients and her country. After retirement from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel, Mary’s service went beyond her military career. A devoted wife, mother, and friend, Mary was best known for her volunteer work and community service. She started the Leadership of Hickman program along with Bill McDonald, she launched Downtown Revitalization in Centerville, Tennessee, volunteering, and mentoring young people. Mary had a special way of bringing people together, and her leadership within Centerville and surrounding communities was admirable.

Her love for people naturally overflowed into the work and the love she had for her plants. Her shamrocks were famous among friends and family-lush, vibrant and always thriving. To Mary, these delicate plants symbolized the love she had for those around her.

Mary Beth is survived by her husband of 38 years, John Blackburn of Centerville, Tennessee, her daughters, Kaitlin Blackburn (Kyle Bell) of Woodland, Washington, and Corey Blackburn of Columbia, Tennessee, sisters, Kathy (Mike) Thayer of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Jan Privett of Independence, Missouri, and Sandy (Ron) Pinare of Mt. Vernon, Washington, nephews Greg Thayer of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Chris Thayer of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, Andy Pinare, of Potomac, Maryland, Niece’s Jessica Jasper of Sedro-Wolley, Washington and Rachel Nordgren. Brother-in-law Dean Smyth of Derby, Kansas, Stacia Martin of Independence, Missouri, and Emily Smyth of Topeka. Alongside her family, Mary leaves behind two dear friends, Natalie Bruce and Linda Hickerson, of Centerville, Tennessee. They both held a special place in Mary’s heart.

In addition to her parents, Mary Beth is preceded in death by her sister Becky Smyth and Nephew Allen Pinare. Her humility was matched only by the impact she had—she made a lasting difference not only in the lives of those she helped but also in the hearts of everyone who knew her.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that all donations be made in Mary’s name to the
Heritage Scholarship Fund at the Centerville United Methodist Church.
Centerville United Methodist Church
103 College Ave
Centerville, TN. 37033

The family of Mary Beth will honor her wishes for cremation and a celebration of life will be held at the Shipps Bend United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Visitation with the family will be from 9:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM.  Burial will be at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, Nashville, TN.  

McDonald Funeral Home in Centerville is honored to be serving the Blackburn Family during this difficult time.