Faye Olivia McClary

Faye Olivia Newberry McClary, 81, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on Thanksgiving morning, November 24, 2022.

Faye was born on August 25, 1941, to the late Fred and Irene Posey Newberry in the Goodsprings community of Etowah.  She graduated from Etowah High School and followed by attending Southeastern School of Banking in Nashville. 

In June 1968, she married Mr. Roy Thomas McClary, and together raised their two sons, David, and Daniel.  Ms. Faye was a dedicated employee of the former First Bank of Tennessee where she held the office of vice-president and retired in 2009.

She was a faithful and dedicated member of Zion Baptist Church, where she was a devout pianist for over 45 years and loved to sing.  She was a founding member of Polk County Education Foundation, served as a board member for Camp Agape, and was also a board member and helped in establishing the Ocoee Regional Health Corporation. 

Her family was her pride and joy. A few of her fondest memories included traveling with friends until she wasn’t able, playing the piano, and singing. Loved dearly by all who had the blessing of knowing her, she will be missed deeply. 

In addition to her parents, Fred, and Irene Newberry, she was preceded by her sister, Linda Newberry Buell. 

Left to cherish the many memories include her loving husband of 54 years, Tom McClary; beloved sons, David (Lynne) McClary, and Daniel (Belinda) McClary; cherished grandchildren, Haley (Blake) Cross, Alex Pell, and Ben McClary; great-grandchildren, Lincoln, Declan, and Roman Cross.  Several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends also survive. 

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Zion Baptist Church, with Pastor Mike Hazlewood officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Brandon Calhoun, Andrew Morgan, Chris Peak, Blake Cross, Eddie Sloan, Lige Thomason, Gary Rogers, and Russell Rogers serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Campbell and Wilson Rogers. 

Family and friends will gather from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the service at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Polk County Education Foundation, P.O. Box 752, Benton, TN 37307, or Zion Baptist Church, 953 Parksville Road, Benton, TN 37307.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.