Mary L. Cloyd, 86, passed away early Friday morning at the residence home, Modern Caregivers, Johnson City. Her family spent time with her on Thanksgiving afternoon. Mary fought a long battle with the complications of Parkinson’s disease.
She was born on January 4 of 1939, but Dr. Willis put the old year of 1938, and she never had it changed; thus, she was always a year older than actual. Mary was the daughter of A.H. Cloyd and Velma Jones Cloyd.
Mary grew up in the Conklin community and attended Mt. Wesley Methodist Church. She graduated from Lamar High School in 1958. Later she joined Fairhaven Methodist Church, Johnson City. Mary enjoyed her church work, singing in the choir, traveling, her dog Toby, dining out with friends, and visits with her family. As Mary didn’t have children, she treated her nephews, Alan and David Campbell as if they were her own.
In 1975, she went to work for Dr. Robert Hines, a Johnson City neurologist. When Dr. Hines and his PA, Scott Hardy arrived from Memphis, Mary already had them a furnished office, complete with a refrigerator and sandwiches. Dr. Hines along with Dr. Horace Cupp, formed the Appalachian Neurosurgical Clinic and practiced medicine for more than three decades. Mary was a vital part of the staff for 35 years until Dr. Hines’s retirement. He always said that Mary was like a sister to him.
Mary is survived by one sister, Frances Campbell of Washington College, two nephews Alan (Debra) and David Campbell, one great-niece, Lacey Campbell; and two great-nephews, Seth Campbell and Luke Campbell of Nashville.
The family extends appreciation to the caregivers of Modern Caregivers whose care was one of devotion and compassion. Also, thanks to our many friends for their support, food, phone calls, and prayers during this time.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home. The funeral service will be after the visitation at 7:00 p.m. Pastor Jeremy Dykes and Reverend Paul Longmire will lead the service.
Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m., December 4 at Mt. Wesley Church Cemetery, Jonesborough, TN.
Memorial donations may be made to Fairhaven Methodist Church, 3131 W Walnut Street, Johnson City, TN 37604.
Mary was a dear friend. She shared so much with her friends. I am grateful to have known her.
12/03/2025
David and Sandra Holt
Mary was an extra special neighbor and friend. Our boys often referred to her as Aunt Mary when they were growing up. She made our Christmas eve's special when we were farming her mother's farm back in the 1980's. She always custom made our favorite snacks and bought the boys their favorite transformer toys. One Christmas that we will never forget was when we were sitting in the living room sipping punch and eating our snacks and there was a knock on the door. It was Santa Claus! We thought that it was a surprise that she cooked up for the night but instead he was a guest that none of us knew! He passed out $1 bills to each of us that he tore of a tablet. Needless to say, he looked around the room and asked where were the little children? By this time, our boys were teenagers! He suddenly left in a hurry after saying, ho,ho,ho and Merry Christmas! We decided that he must have stopped at the wrong house! This story was talked about for years among us! We will always remember Mary's kindness and compassion for others! Rest in Peace Ms. Mary! Everyone loved sweet Mary! Please know dear Campbell family that you all are in our thoughts and prayers!
I was fortunate to have worked with Mary beginning in 1982 when I joined Appalachian Neurosurgical Clinic. We were a small group which gave us the opportunity to form both professional and personal relationships. Mary was dedicated to that practice. She was firm in her stance but very fair. She always treated people as she would have wanted to be treated. She was instrumental in the day to day operation of that practice. She will be missed. May she rest in peace.
I was privileged to know and work with Mary for about 25 years. She was a very giving person and I truly enjoyed her. Rest in peace Mary.
