Mary Ann Word

Mary Ann Word, age 88 of Hendersonville, passed away September 24, 2023, surrounded by her family. Mary Ann was born on July 30, 1935, in Old Forge, Pennsylvania to the late Anthony and Margaret Kelly.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Ann Evangeline Schoen and Cathering Celestine “Cookie” Mergenthaler.

Mary Ann is survived by her children, Carl Edward Chellman (LeeAnn), Gloria Jean Shelton (Richard), Michelle Lee “Shelly” Louallen (Randy), and Eric Lawrence Chellman; grandchildren, Derrick, Steven, David, Cody, Kandace, Shanna, and James; and great-grandchildren, Keaton, Kayleigh, Gavin, Sylvia, Calee, Savanna, Sebastian, Bentley, and Hunter.

She was loved and raised alongside her grandparents, Edward & Mary Ann Donovan. Mary Ann was named after her Grandmother and she adored her Grandfather. When she was almost seven her father died suddenly when a car hit him. His sudden death caused her to be placed in a Catholic orphanage until she was 14 years old.  Where she got the nick name “Hell Cat Kelly”.   She went to live with her oldest sister Ann until she turned 18. In 1994, she was reunited with her sisters and their families who she was separated from.

At 18 she married Charles “Chuck” Alfred Chellman in 1953 - 1969. In 1975 she married Harry Word. She was a devoted wife and mother and had four children who she loved more than life itself. Mary Ann loved God and always maintained her strong Christian lifestyle and held fast to her Christian beliefs all her life. She had the heart and spirit of an angel and would give you her last dime if you needed it; and would be your confidant & greatest warrior when needed one. She retired from Opryland Hotel as a tradition maker, loved to travel, and enjoyed her visits back to Ireland.

Mary Ann picked up numerous other “children” along the way in her life. She was called Momma by many, even her doctors started to call her Momma! She had a great voice and loved to sing, you could often see her "shacking a leg" on the dance floor. To coin a phrase “to know her was to love her” as many would agree. We started calling her the “Margarita Momma” she would only have one, but she could nurse that baby! When she would introduce herself, she would “Always” say - “Hello - My name is Mary Ann Word and am the last “Word” & don’t you forget it!”

She will live forever in our hearts & she will never be forgotten…

Rest now our sweet Momma and save a place for us in heaven.

A Celebration of Mary Ann’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. from the Chapel of Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside with Dr. David West officiating. Visitation with the family will be on Saturday from 11:00 A.M. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made at the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/mary-ann-word?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

Arrangements Entrusted to: Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside, Hendersonville (615) 822-4442 www.sumnerfuneral.com Proud to be family owned and operated.