Mary Ellen Ware

McMinnville, TN resident and Warren County, TN native Mary Ellen Ware, age 92, was born August 3, 1930 and died March 5, 2023 at Willow Branch Health and Rehabilitation in McMinnville following an extended illness.           

A retired nursery worker and member of Hebron Church of Christ, she was the daughter of the late James Claude and Holly Rogers Cunningham. She was married to I.W. Ware, Jr. on July 16, 1947 who preceded her in death on August 1, 2005. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Stevie Lynn Ware in 1974 and Jeffery Kent Ware in 2012 and brothers and sisters, Roy Cunningham, Audrey Tucker, Fred Cunningham, Leon Cunningham, Ella Mae Muncey and Ollene Hale.

Mrs. Ware is survived by two special granddaughters, Jasmine (Ethan) Evans and India (Joey) Laxson, both of McMinnville, TN; grandson, Skyler Ware of McMinnville, TN; two great-grandchildren and "Her Special Buddies", Zara and Isham "Turtle" Laxson; daughter-in-law, Vanessa (Terry) Panter of McMinnville, TN; special nieces and nephews, Sherri (John) Blair of McMinnville, TN, Roxanne (Neal) Campbell of Putnam County, James Cunningham of Cookeville, TN and Tom Cunningham of McMinnville, TN and other family members, Roger Ware and several great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2023 in High’s Chapel with Chris Perry and Derrick Stiles officiating. Burial will follow at Hebron Cemetery in Warren County, TN. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at High’s.  

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.