Mary Fanning Obituary

Mary Kathleen Templeton Fanning, 93, of Taylors, passed away Friday, January 30, 2026.

Kathleen was born in Fayetteville, TN on March 25, 1932, daughter of the late Hurley Marcus Templeton of Cold Water in rural Lincoln County, TN and Mamie Lindsay Templeton of Molina in rural Lincoln County, TN.

She married the late Dale Middleton Fanning of Lynchburg, TN on October 8, 1955. Kathleen served many roles in her life. Her earlier years were devoted to Dale and the children as a housewife and mother. Later, as the children matured, she worked as Dale's assistant in underground utilities. Always the mother, she managed everything from payroll to purchasing. Always together in work and play, now together again, forever. As she was ushered into the waiting arms of God on Friday evening.

Surviving are three children, Ted M. Fanning, CDR, USN, RET and wife, Helen Elizabeth, of St. Mary's, GA, Pamela Dale DiVittorio and husband, John of Taylors and Patricia Kay Pirkle of Taylors; six grandchildren, Kathleen Fanning Swain and husband, Joe, Matt and family, Mark Middleton Fanning and wife , Emily Ann, Dale Pirkle and family, Kathleen Grace Howard and husband, Austin, and Mary Hannah DiVittorio; and nine great granddaughters, Abigail Hannah Swain, Hailey Elizabeth Swain, Rebecca Kathleen Swain, Addalyn Ann Fanning, Brenda Kaye, Penelope and three minors; seven great grandsons, Mason Middleton Fanning, Mitch, Zeke, Ducky, Karter and two minors. May our separation from our beloved 'Kathleen' be but a brief passing of the night.

A funeral service conducted by her son, Ted M. Fanning, will be held Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. at Taylors First Baptist Church with burial of Dale and Kathleen in Lynchburg, TN on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Amedisys – Greenville, SC Hospice, 10 Patewood Drive Suite 375, Greenville SC 29615.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Kathleen with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".