Funeral services for Mary Ann Tate, 81, of Brooksville, Florida, are 10 a.m. Monday at Mallory-Martin Chapel in Spiro.
Burial will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Panama, under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home in Spiro.
Read more: Funeral services for Mary Ann Tate set
Mary Ann was born Sept. 24, 1943, in Greenwood, Arkansas, to Marsoleete (Featherston) Williams and Judd Williams. She passed away June 22, 2025, in Brooksville, Florida.
Mary Ann had a deep love for music and played the bass for bluegrass bands. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking and traveling—especially when her sisters visited her in Florida. Family reunions were among her favorite times, and she cherished every moment spent with her loved ones.
Known for her vibrant spirit and generous heart, Mary Ann loved fiercely and selflessly, always putting others before herself.
She had a passion for shopping, particularly for clothes, and was affectionately called “Dolly Parton” by staff at the rehab center—an endearment she wore with pride and a glowing smile.
Mary Ann is survived by her loving partner of 15 years, Joseph Haley; her children daughter Gloria Kozderka and sons Lonny Fred Gossett and Johnny Dion Gossett and wife Emily; grandchildren Jennifer Vaughn, Ariel Tucker, Edward Kozderka, Charles Kozderka, Randall Gossett, Lonny Fred Gossett, Jr., and Christian Gossett; great-grandchildren Tristen Gossett, Taylor Gossett, Megan Calcaterra, Hunter Mayes, Abby Mayes, Aubry Mayes, Linux Gossett, Rya Gossett, Calanti Gossett, Quinton Gossett, Travis Tucker and Trevor Tucker; great-great-grandchild, Harlyn Calcaterra; sisters Gail Gill and husband Don, Carolin Willhite and husband Perry Don; brother Kenneth Williams and wife Linda; and brother-in-law, Billie Stockwell; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many cherished friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers James Marshall Williams, Clarence Williams, Virgil Williams, Jackie Williams; and sisters Irene Kelly, Betty Moorie, Dorothy Richards, Ruby Carr and Norma Wallace.
Pallbearers are Lonny Gossett, Johnny Gossett, Joseph Haley, Edward Kozderka, Charles Kozderka and Wayne Williams. Honorary pallbearer is Travis Tucker.
Viewing is Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., with family present to greet friends from 3 to 5 p.m.
You may leave an online message for the family at www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com.
