Mary Jean Levett

Mary Jean Levett, formerly Mary Jean Eddings, was born on March 19, 1929, in Fayetteville, Tennessee, to the loving parents of Sadie and Sam Eddings. She was the oldest of seven siblings. She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings William, Sadie Francis, Nancy, David, and Sam. She leaves to cherish in her memory, her youngest sister, Josephine.

Mary graduated from Lincoln County High School in Fayetteville, TN and shortly thereafter relocated to Louisville, Kentucky with her then Aunt Anna Laura where she would build a beautiful life filled with faith, family, love, and purpose. She eventually married, Thomas Levett who proceeded her in death, and together they were blessed with seven children: Carol, Beverly, Thomas (Crystal), Steven (Denise), Darryl (deceased), Ronnie (Cindy), and Ernest.

Mary’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who had a special way of making every person feel loved, valued, and important. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Deidra, La’Kita, Lisa, Greg Jr., Thomas Jr., Darryl Jr., Dontay, Ronetta, Steven Jr., and Starr, as well as twelve great-grandchildren, who will forever carry her love and memories in their hearts.

Mary was a woman of strong faith and lived her life with the belief that God was always present. Growing up, she played the piano every Sunday for her church, sharing her gift of music with others. Throughout her life, she remained dedicated to her faith and served as a deaconess. She was also a devoted member of the Golden Girls, a group she treasured for the fellowship, day trips, arts and crafts, laughter, and friendships they shared.

Mary had a gift for bringing people together. For many years, Sunday dinner was a tradition because of her. Her cooking filled more than stomachs—it filled hearts and brought family together around the table. Her home became a place where memories were made, stories were shared, and everyone knew they were welcome.

And then there was Mary herself—her personality, her humor, and those unforgettable one-line zingers that have stayed with her family and will continue to bring smiles and laughter for years to come.

Mary loved to dress up and was well known for her beautiful hats. She enjoyed looking her best and carried herself with a quiet confidence that was uniquely hers. She also loved gardening and looked forward to planting her flowers every spring, creating a beautiful display along her screened-in front porch.

That porch was one of Mary’s favorite places. She could sit there for hours, enjoying the outdoors and quietly observing the neighborhood. Long before the phrase “neighborhood watch” became common, Mary had perfected the art of watching everything from her porch—never getting involved, just quietly observing. Those who knew her best can picture her there now.

Mary also loved to travel. She loved to ride, explore, and enjoy the journey, and she was always willing to make one important stop along the way: ice cream.Those simple moments of riding, traveling, laughing, and enjoying life became treasured memories for her family.

Mary lived with a heart of a lion and a soul of a lamb. She possessed a strong work ethic, tremendous determination, and an unwavering commitment to the people she loved. She would give her last to make sure her children and grandchildren were cared for, and she rarely complained. Her strength was not always loud; sometimes it was simply the quiet determination to keep going, keep loving, and keep believing.

One of Mary’s favorite sayings was, “As long as I have my health and my strength.” She lived those words. Even as time passed and her health began to decline, Mary never stopped singing, praying, and praising the Lord. Her faith remained a source of strength until the very end.

On August 4, 2026, Mary Jean Levett peacefully made her departure from this world as we know it. While her family mourns her absence, they can find comfort knowing that she has completed her earthly journey and is now resting until Jesus returns.

Mary was a woman who loved deeply, gave freely, worked hard, laughed often, prayed faithfully, and made each person she encountered feel special. Her presence was a gift, her memories are treasures, and her legacy will continue through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

One less soldier here on Earth, but one more angel called home to rest and suffer no more.

Today, we do not only mourn the passing of Mary Jean Levett—we celebrate her life.

We celebrate the mother who gave endlessly. 

We celebrate the grandmother who made everyone feel special. 

We celebrate the woman who filled her home with food, laughter, music, flowers, and love.

We celebrate the woman of faith who continued to sing and praise the Lord even when her strength began to fade.

And we celebrate the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.

Rest peacefully, Mary. Your work here is done. Your suffering is over. Your songs have been heard. Your love remains.

Until we meet again, you will forever be loved, cherished, remembered, and missed.

A funeral service for Mrs. Mary Jean Levett will be held at 12 PM on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Magazine Street Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1942 Magazine Street, Louisville, Kentucky. Visitation will be held from 10 AM to 12 PM at the church, prior to the service. Entombment at Louisville Memorial Gardens West will follow the funeral service.