Mary Pat Sowell Denning

Mary Patricia “Mary Pat” Sowell Denning, 67, retired librarian at Highland Park Elementary School and resident of Columbia, died Monday, December 31, 2018 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 1:00 P.M. at Westminster Presbyterian Church with Rev. Jeff Kane officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Thursday after 4:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Mary Pat suggested memorials to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2800 Trotwood Avenue, Columbia, TN 38401 or Rose Hill Cemetery, P. O. Box 1015, Columbia, TN 38402. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born August 22, 1951 in Columbia, she was the daughter of the late Jack Pat Sowell and the late Mary Elizabeth Johnson Sowell. Mary Pat attended McDowell Elementary School and was a 1969 graduate of Columbia Central High School, where she played for three years with the Lady Lions Basketball team. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University, and earned her Master’s of Library Science from George Peabody College for Teachers. She had a long, distinguished career as an educator and librarian at Highland Park Elementary School, where she positively impacted the lives of countless students and staff for several years. Mary Pat was a longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she served several terms as Elder, being the first female elected Elder at the church, and was currently on the Board of Directors. She enjoyed Bible studies, was a member of the Women of the Church, and a faithful member of the choir and handbell choir. After her retirement from Highland Park Elementary, she volunteered in the church office. She was also a faithful member and very active in the Middle Tennessee Presbytery. Mary Pat served as secretary on the Board of Trustees for Rose Hill Cemetery for the past several years. She enjoyed fellowshipping with her former high school classmates and retired teachers of Highland Park. She also enjoyed playing trivia where she was a very knowledgeable and fierce competitor. Survivors include her daughter, Rachel Denning (Jesse) Wrenn of Murfreesboro; son, Patrick William (Ellen) Denning of Memphis; grandchildren, Adrienne Wrenn, Lilly Wrenn, and Caleb Denning; sister, Frances Sowell McCain of Columbia; nephews, David (Vanessa) McCain, John (Ciara) Sowell, and Jack (Jessica) Sowell; niece, Rebecca Sowell (David) Gibbs; sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Liz” Sowell; three aunts and six great nieces. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Mike Sowell. Active pallbearers will be David McCain, John Sowell, Jack Sowell, David Gibbs, Tony Sowell, Matt Sowell, Joe Tom Sowell, and Larry Johnson. Honorary pallbearers will include Elders of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Classmates of 1969, and Highland Park Elementary School Retired Teachers.