Mary Lee Dolvin Bagwell went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by the love of her family on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Her life was a beautiful testimony to faith in action, rooted in Christ, poured out in service, and anchored in deep love for her family, friends, and community.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and stepmother, Mary Lee cherished her family above all earthly things. She is survived by her husband, David Bagwell; daughters Melissa (Charlie) Scheurer and Marsha (Michael) Ferguson; grandchildren Hannah and Sarah Scheurer, Emily and William Hammond, and Zachary Ferguson. She is also survived by her sister, Midge Dolvin Schultz, and by her beloved nieces and nephews. She embraced her stepsons, David (Marty) Bagwell, Jr. and Andrew Bagwell, along with their children and grandchildren, with the same warmth and generosity that defined her life.
Mary Lee lived her faith with joy and purpose. As a longtime member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church, she sang in the choir, participated in multiple Bible study groups, and served in ministries across the church. One of her greatest joys was serving alongside her grandson William in the Firewood Ministry. She also supported special needs outreach, Kairos ministries, the Emmaus Community, and lovingly oversaw the Prayer Chapel and Meals on Wheels. Her heart for others was constant, steady, and unmistakably Christlike.
Mary Lee lived a life of extraordinary service to her community. She served two terms as a Washington County, Tennessee Commissioner and held leadership roles in numerous civic organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors for Comcare International, and as President and former member of the Junior Monday Club, the Johnson City Evening Rotary Club, and P.E.O. International. She was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
Professionally, Mary Lee was an audiologist and the owner of East Tennessee Hearing Center for more than 40 years. Through her work, and through her involvement with Tennessee Infant Parent Services (TIPS), she helped countless families and children with hearing and developmental needs. Her calling was never just a career; it was a ministry of compassion, patience, and life changing care.
Her servant’s heart extended far beyond East Tennessee. Mary Lee completed 12 Comcare International mission trips, traveling to remote areas across multiple continents to bring the gift of hearing to those who had no access to care. She loved people fiercely and believed deeply in meeting others where they were, whether across the world or across the street.
Mary Lee was a proud graduate of Maryville College and the University of Tennessee. She loved to travel and visited nearly 25 countries. She also traveled across the United States with her family during her cousin President Jimmy Carter’s campaign, proudly serving as a district delegate for East Tennessee.
She found joy in simple fellowship, especially with her beloved friends, whose laughter and companionship enriched her life for many years. She was happiest around water, swimming, water aerobics, skiing, floating, or simply watching the waves. She had a lifelong love of music and delighted in learning new instruments, beginning to study the harp just a couple of years ago.
Mary Lee leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love that will continue to shine through the countless lives she touched. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now in the presence of her Savior, whole and at peace.
A Celebration of Life for Mary Lee will be held on Tuesday, May 19, at 3:30 p.m. at First Broad Street United Methodist Church in Kingsport, Tennessee, with visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Broad Street United Methodist Church.
