Mary Ann Hartzfeldt

Mrs. Mary Ann Hartzfeldt, 87, of Paris died Monday, August 11, 2025, at Patriot Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Progressive Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

Mary Ann Hartzfeldt, beloved daughter of the late John Bell Olive and Ora Clark, entered this world on March 9, 1938. Her life was a beautiful tapestry woven with faith, service, and love for her family, friends, and community.

A proud 1957 graduate of Central High School, Mary Ann was a dedicated member of the Central High School Alumni Association, Inc. from its very beginning. She held the honor of being the last remaining member of the original organizers of the Paris Chapter. Her leadership was evident as she served two terms as Alumni Association president, four years as treasurer, and gave countless hours organizing “Chat and Chew” gatherings and compiling souvenir reunion booklets. Her willingness to help wherever needed earned her recognition and the heartfelt gratitude of her fellow alumni.

Mary Ann married Wilhelm H. Hartzfeldt, Jr., Class of 1950, and together they built a life rooted in love and family. They were blessed with three children, Gale (Samuel) Tharpe, Vernesser Payne, and Wilhelm H. (Tonya) Hartzfeldt III. She beamed with pride over her grandchildren, Jonathan D. Taylor, Taqunnee Hartzfeldt, Javon Hartzfeldt, Wendell Sturdivant, and Jerry Clark, Jr.; great-grandchildren Leilani Taylor, Kanye Taylor, Kyra Taylor, Mason Taylor, Dre Vion Hartzfeldt, TaKera Hartzfeldt, Timothy Hightower, Amei’Zyn Hartzfeldt, Emily Sturdivant, Jasmine Clark, Nathan Clark, bonus grandchildren Kina McDonald, Christy Long, Jazmyn McDonald, Zola McDonald, Precious McDonald Elizabeth McDonald, and Isaiah McDonald. Known affectionately as “Mat Mat” and “Sweet Thang,” Mary Ann’s love for her family was boundless and her presence unforgettable.

A founding member of Progressive Baptist Church, Mary Ann served faithfully in many roles until her health no longer allowed. Whether driving the church van, assisting with Vacation Bible School, teaching, helping in Food Service, or contributing to various ministries, her service was given joyfully and wholeheartedly. Her dedication extended far beyond the church walls. Mary Ann worked at John R. Miller School as a helper and cook, and with the Northwest Head Start Program as a home visitor for four years. She went on to serve the Henry County School System as a teacher’s assistant for 36 years, retiring in 2001, though she often continued as a substitute, touching even more young lives.

Her community involvement was extensive and inspiring. As a member of the Paris Lioness Club, she was honored as Lioness of the Year. She was also a proud member and past president of the Friendly Sisters Club and lent her time and talents to the Henry County Election Commission. Mary Ann’s life was defined by a servant’s heart, an unwavering commitment to others, and a joy that could light up a room. She gave her time freely, loved deeply, and lived faithfully, leaving behind a legacy of service, family devotion, and kindness that will be cherished forever.

McPhearson-Rawls Funeral Home - Paris 731-642-1515