Mary Nelle Roberson of Jonesborough, age 98, passed away at the Johnson City Medical Center on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

She was born on February 25, 1926, to the late Frank E. and Mae Julian Bacon, in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Mary Nelle graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia with a degree in Chemistry, and went on to become the first female chemist at the S. E. Massengill Company. Mary Nelle was a devoted, lifelong member of the Jonesborough United Methodist Church, as well as a member of the United Methodist Women, Jonesborough Schubert Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Jonesborough Garden Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, William E. Roberson Jr.; sons, Craig Roberson and Brian Roberson; and brother, Francis M. Bacon.

Survivors include her daughter, Ann Roberson (Steve Price) of Jonesborough; grandchildren, Julian Green (Raymonda Doncev) of Maryville, TN, Derek Green of Nashville, TN, Katie Shands (Daniel) of Franklin, TN, Laura Tedesco of Doylestown, PA, and J.D. Trevathan (Joon) of San Francisco, CA; great-grandchildren, Fitzgerald Green, Gisele Green, Nora Shands, Ellis Shands, Lillian Shands, Oliver Shands, Asa Tedesco, Carolina Tedesco, Frankie Tedesco, and Maribelle Trevathan; nieces and nephews, Frank Bacon, Barbara Bacon, and Martin Bacon.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 pm, Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Michael Lester officiating. The family will receive friends at Dillow-Taylor from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm prior to the service. A graveside service will be held afterwards at Monte Vista Burial Park.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.dillow-taylor.com

Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821