Mary Nell (Broyles) Bales died peacefully on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at Four Oaks Health Care, Jonesborough, TN. Born May 4, 1930, Mrs. Bales, who was the daughter of Horace and Jenny Broyles, is preceded in death by her husband, R.K. “Pinky” Bales, as well as two of her children, Kathy (Bales) Byrd and R. Kenneth “Ken” Bales, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Jane (Bales) Turner; and four grandchildren. Shannon M. Turner, Jennifer (Brian) Schlomer, Justin Byrd, and Bryan (Amira) Byrd. She also has four great-grandchildren. Tessa & Brixan Schlomer, Carson & Bentley Byrd, and a special niece, Betty Joyce Martin.
Known for her love of find-a-word puzzles, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy!; the best homemade cornbread (which should never be sweet), and her mischievous cat, Annie. Mary Nell always had a joke (or three) ready to entertain visitors. She developed a unique, personal, calligraphy style during long hours while running her family’s grocery store at age of 17. She was often commissioned to dedicate Bibles, certificates, and other meaningful documents with her beautiful handwriting. Dedicated to Christian charity, Mrs. Bales was a faithful member of Bulls Gap UMC for more than sixty years, where she often played the piano as a guest musician.
Her life will be celebrated in a small, private family ceremony. A public visitation will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2-4pm, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Bulls Gap First United Methodist Church, PO Box 66, Bulls Gap, TN 37711 or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, PO Box 37920, Boone, IA 50037-0920 (jdrf.org).
10/03/2020
Rev. Fabion Story
Mary Nell and my grandmother Kay Spoon were Often times inseparable. I had the privilege of being around pinky and Mary Nell quite often and found Mary Nell to be incredibly funny And quick witted. She was always happy and friendly and she will be missed. She left her mark on her community, her church, and anyone she came in contact with. My memories of her or very fond and I wish you peace and comfort in your time of loss.
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Mary Nell. She was a special lady, and I know you are really going to miss her. She is with Kathy and Ken and Pinky now, and I'm sure she is in a wonderful happy place. My condolences to all of you.
10/02/2020
Janice & Ed Simerly
Jane so sorry to hear the sad news of your mothers passing. Ed & I Will be praying for your family that God will come
Will be praying for your family that God will Give you peace and comfort during this hard time. With much love and many prayers
Ed and Janice Simerly
