Mary Frances Lundy

Our beloved mother and grandmother Mary Frances Lundy, 90, of Charleston, SC, passed away on May 5, 2026. She was born January 1, 1936, in Knoxville, Tennessee, a New Year’s baby, to Emma (Billie) Walker Lipps and James C. Gray Sr.

Mary Frances grew up in Harrogate, TN, and graduated from Middlesboro High School. She was the president of her senior class. She was an accomplished baton twirler who marched in the Orange Bowl Parade. She earned her undergraduate degree from Lincoln Memorial University and a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University.

Mary Frances taught in the Claiborne County School System and served as president of the Claiborne County Education Association. She also worked as a park ranger at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and Grand Canyon National Park. Later she moved to Charleston, SC, joined the Bethel United Methodist Church which she adored. She taught students with visual impairments and was recognized as Teacher of the Year in Charleston county.

An active and honored community member, Mary Frances belonged to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the Colonial Dames of America, the National Society of Washington Family Descendants. She received recognition from the U.S. National Park Service for her support and contributions to the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park film.

Mary Frances was known for her warmth, generosity, and the way she made every friend feel like her best friend. She touched many lives through her teaching, service, and friendship.

She is survived by her children: Francie Criner (George), Dee Lundy, Dan Lundy, and Florence (Wayne) Rimer. Grandchildren: Amanda, Matthew, Luke, and Ryan (Jennifer). Great-grandchildren: Lily, Charlie, Willow, Parker, and Oakley; a brother James Charles Gray Jr. (Judy), nieces Melinda and Rebecca. The father of her children Lowell Walker Lundy also survives her.

Memorial contributions may be made to Respite Care Charleston, 1605 Harbor View Road, Charleston, SC 29412, or to the Mary Frances Lundy Endowment Scholarship at Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN 37752 www.LMUnet.edu/give (in memory of James Charles Gray Sr.)

A funeral will be held Saturday, June 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charleston, with a reception to follow.