AUGUST 22, 1918 – MARCH 31, 2024
Mabel Bonner Womack, 105, passed away on March 31, 2024, in Jackson.
She was born in 1918 in Hernando, Miss., to James E. Bonner and Adra Hicks Bonner. In 1939 she graduated from Lambuth College in Jackson and in 2023, Mabel was honored as the oldest living alumna ever from Lambuth.
In 1938, she married Richard Womack and they had two sons, James (Jim) and John Womack. Mabel taught school for 44 years in several states including Tennessee, Colorado and California. She always placed a high emphasis on the value of education. When living in Jamestown, Tenn, she became friends with Sgt. Alvin C. York and his wife, Gracie, and taught several of their children in school.
Traveling was one of Mabel’s passions. She visited more than 70 countries and enjoyed telling stories about her travels. She also enjoyed reading good books, listening to classical music, and she swam at the Lift Wellness Center until she was 103. She was a member of Aldersgate Methodist Church in Jackson.
Mabel was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sons, and her sisters Ruth Jowers and Elizabeth Spain,
Mabel is survived by her sister, Ida Newman of Lexington, Tenn., and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by dear friends and neighbors Rebecca and Steve Beverly who lovingly looked after Mabel in her later years.
A graveside service will be held at Highland Memorial Gardens in Jackson at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Aldersgate Methodist Church, 1050 N. Parkway, Jackson, TN, 38305 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.
