Dr. Mary Aundretta Paris' Obituary
Minister Dr. Mary Aundretta Dobbins (Miller) Paris, 75, of Chattanooga, passed away, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the residence of her daughter in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She was born December 26, 1949, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mary accepted Christ at an early age and later received her calling into the ministry. She attended Riverside High School and then proudly became a military wife.
Upon returning from Anchorage, AK, Mary graduated from Soddy-Daisy High School and later received an Associate of Science degree from John C. Calhoun Community College, bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Tennessee Temple University, a PhD in Theology from North Carolina School of Theology, and a Doctoral degree in Ministry. She was a member of Christian Fellowship Cumberland Presbyterian Church and had been a longtime member of Miracle Missionary Baptist Church where she sang in the choir. Mary formerly worked at TVA Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, Chattanooga Housing Authority, Sweet Sue Kitchens, Mason Funeral Home in Athens, Alabama, and Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.
Mary’s passions included spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, singing, fashion and hairstyling, yard and estate sales, vintage and art collectibles, cooking, and making cherry cream cheese and sweet potato pies. But most of all, she loved spending time and talking on the telephone with her family and friends and being a compassionate caregiver.
Mary was preceded in death by her former husband of 48 years, Mr. Edward Paris; parents, Mr. and Mrs. David and Annie Pearl Calloway, Sr., father, Mr. Sonny Miller; brother, David Calloway, Jr.; and sister, Celestine Calloway.
She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Tammy D. Paris, of Murfreesboro, TN; son, Mr. William L. (Mrs. Chia) Paris of Monterey, CA and Mr. Corey Paris of Chattanooga; sisters, Rev. Dr. Martha A. Dobbins (Rev. Dr. Jerry Lewis) of Knoxville, TN, Mrs. Uhonta (Mr. Franklin) McFarland, Mrs. Debra (Rev. Dr. William) Sullivan, Ms. Jeannie Calloway, Ms. Yolanda Calloway, Ms. Dedra Calloway, Ms. Abigail Hammonds, all of Chattanooga, and Ms. Pearl Calloway of Detroit, MI; her brother, Mr. Rawland Calloway of Chattanooga; 6 grandchildren, Tiana Swafford, Talisha Paris, Tamia Paris-Kelley, Jojo Paris, Yenna Paris, and Sylvia Paris; three great-grandchildren, Zara Swafford, Corvez France, and Zaelen Figgins; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Mary will lie-in-state on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel.
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