Mary Edith "Edie" Dalton

Mary Edith “Edie” Dalton was born November 3, 1963, and passed away peacefully January 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Much of Edie’s childhood was spent at Varallo’s Chili Parlor in Nashville, the restaurant founded by her grandfather, where she developed her strong work ethic and deep love for her family. She attended St. Bernard Academy and Glencliff High School where she met her first love and later husband, Benton Dalton.

Edie moved to Texas to attend Baylor University and made lifelong friendships as a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. During her college years, her faith became the central pillar of her life and remained unwavering through many challenges. Edie was the person you would call to get things done! She joyfully served for many years in the children’s and women’s ministry at Grace Bible Church in College Station, Texas, as well as most recently at Community Church of Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Edie spent over 35 years as a preschool and public school teacher. You would often see her dressed up to celebrate and reinforce whatever lesson was being taught that week; she always went above and beyond for her students. Whenever she wasn’t in the classroom, you could find her hiking up a mountain or swimming under a waterfall, really anywhere outside. Her love of nature led her to select Larkspur Conservatory as her final resting place, where her legacy will help preserve the land for generations to come.

She is joined in rest by her grandparents, Frank and Eva Varallo, her parents, Genie Varallo and David Brantley Sr., and her brother David Brantley Jr. She is survived by her husband, Benton Dalton; her children, Abby Cooner (and son-in-law Nathan) Savannah Hedge and Zac Hedge; her grandchildren, Julianna, Emma Grace, and Caleb Cooner; her brother, Ernie Wright (and his wife Dana); her sister, Chelsea Nixon (and her husband Luke); and her nieces and nephews.

With a large family tree and friendships across the country, Edie’s memory will be deeply cherished by many.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Community Church of Hendersonville on Sunday, January 18th. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., with a service and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, Edie requested donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, where her granddaughter is currently receiving care.