Mary Frances Combs, a beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, entered glory peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, October 4th, 2026, at home in Birmingham, Alabama.

Mary Frances was born on September 1, 1928, in Lovingston, Virginia, to Virginia Leigh Dixon and George Thomas Gleason. Raised in St. Albans, West Virginia, she was the proud eldest sibling and only sister to four brothers whom she loved dearly. Some of her happiest childhood memories were made at her grandparents' farm in Dixie, Kentucky. Decades later, she could still remember the scent of her grandmother's soft blackberry jam cakes, and she was forever tickled that one Christmas they had surprised her with a real pony.

Several years after graduating from Saint Albans High School in West Virginia, Mary Frances reconnected with her high school friend Okey Combs, and the two started a life together. She adored Okey and never stopped appreciating his hard work and the sacrifices he made for their family. She loved that her husband built and fixed things and knew his hard-headed determination would get them through anything life brought their way.

Raising their four children was her greatest joy and adventure, one that included more than 10 moves and more than a few broken bones (every one of them Robert Lee's). Wherever they lived, she was the glue that held the family together, and their final return to St. Albans felt like a happy homecoming to the little town she adored.

There, as a faithful member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church, she gave wholeheartedly to her community, with a special heart for the marginalized. Some of her fondest memories were made with her friends on the ecumenical council and in the church's women's club, especially at their bake sales, which raised funds for various needs in the city. Following in her father's footsteps as an educator, she served as a teacher's aide with Head Start, and her years there only deepened her compassion for children.

Mary Frances created the warmest and most welcoming home. Their door was always open and the table set with a warm roast accompanied by "granny rolls." She believed she always had enough to share. The neighborhood kids declared the Combs' yard "Switzerland" because it was the one place all the kids were allowed to play.

Mary Frances loved without judgment, and that gave her children the courage and security to chase their dreams, which took them all over the world. Nothing made her happier than watching the people she loved flourish, and she cheered on every career, every new home, and every growing family. No matter how close or far, she carved out a special and specific relationship with her adult children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren, who were her absolute delight.

Mary Frances, also known lovingly as Mama Combs, GT, Chi-Chi, and MF, was simply magnetic. She had a warm, infectious personality, and her unwavering joy felt larger than life, living inside the tiniest frame. She was gentle, yet full of strength, dignity and conviction. She naturally developed deep and lasting friendships wherever she lived and with whomever she encountered, evidenced by the birthday cards that flooded her room yearly even through her 98th birthday.

She was spellbound by the present moment and never hurried through a conversation or a meal. She had little self-concern; instead she worried constantly about others and was overwhelmingly generous with her time and resources. A lifelong learner, Mary Frances kept a childlike sense of wonder well into her 90s. She was endlessly fascinated by documentaries, filled the margins of her church bulletin with sermon notes, and her honest questions and attentive ears had a way of opening the door to deep, thought-provoking conversations. She overflowed with gratitude and contentment and the simplest joys thrilled her: ice cream, cinnamon toast, coffee with milk, solitaire, walks, flowers, phone calls with her brothers and friends, and short books with little sayings.

She blessed many with her letter writing, her words always wrapped in generosity and encouragement. She had not a condescending bone in her body- she used every conversation to encourage and uplift, never to tear down or pick apart. She kept a notebook of everyone's birthdays and anniversaries to make sure no one was forgotten. A faithful follower of Jesus, Mary Frances understood the gift of each day and the beauty of each person, often saying "I can't believe I get to live another day. I have to ask God what he wants me to do with it."

Without a doubt, she left her mark on the world, and those who had the great joy of dancing in her orbit will eternally be grateful. Forevermore, she will continue to remind us "Not to worry," "All is well," and "I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck."

Survived by:

Brothers: Robert "Bobby" Gleason (Peggy); William "Bill" Gleason (Judy)

Daughters: Mary Margaret Head; Barbara Heng and Richard Heng; Linda Orteza and Luis Orteza

Grandchildren: Charles Heng and Odile Heng; Audrey Vermilyea and Paul Vermilyea; Joseph Heng and Claire Lugrin; Carrie Clay and Stuart Clay

Great-Grandchildren: Margot Vermilyea, Rory Clay, Madeleine Heng, Francis Vermilyea, Joseph Heng, Martin Heng, Pete Vermilyea, and Wilfred Clay

Preceded in death:

Husband: Okey Harlan Combs, Jr.

Parents: George Thomas Gleason and Virginia Leigh Gleason

Son: Robert Lee Combs

Brothers: George Gleason, Jr. (Peggy Jo) ; Charles Gleason (Anna)

Grandson: John Bennett Orteza

Please come join us for a Celebration of Life Service Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 2:00 at Altadena Valley Presbyterian Church. 4660 Caldwell Mill Road, Birmingham, AL 35243