Mary Ellen Minnear Alexander Luke

Funeral Services for Mary Ellen Minnear Alexander Luke, age 87, of Cookeville will be held Thursday, October 20, 2011, 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Dyer Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, October 19, 2011 from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery. Mary passed away Monday, October 17, 2011 peacefully at her home. She was born March 21, 1924 in Jackson County TN to the late Thomas Washington Minnear and Eliza Ellen Mathis Minnear. Mrs. Luke was a member of the Eastern Star and the Golden Star Wives of America, an organization of military widows/widowers whose spouse died while on active duty or from service connected disabilities. She was a hairdresser and owned a beauty school for several years. Mary was a member of the Church of Christ and attended the Samaria Church of Christ. Mrs. Luke is survived by one daughter, Donna Jo Gentry (husband Paul T.) of Cookeville and one step daughter, Linda Paulette Owens of Brentwood TN. She is also survived by two grandchildren; Brandi Renee Sliger (husband Boone) and Thomas Alexander Gentry “Alex” both of Cookeville as well as three step grandchildren; Tara, Lindsey and Zane Owens, and two great grandchildren; Kassee Mackenzie Sliger and Noah Richard Gentry. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by two husbands, both of whom served in the military. Paul L. Alexander served in the U.S. Navy and Orville Luke retired from the U.S. Army. Mrs. Luke is also preceded in death by her nine brothers and sisters; Myrtle, Nancy, Sarah Lee, Amanda, Tom, Red, Frank, Talbert and Joe. Brother Mike Madden will officiate at the services. Pallbearers will be Mike Alexander, Tommy Howard, Ken Minnear, James Gentry, Fred Terry Burton and Michael Alexander (Bubbah). Online Guestbook may be signed at www.dyerfuneralservices.com