Mary Elizabeth Perdue

Mary Elizabeth Perdue, 90, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on September 15, 2026. She was born on October 20, 1935, in Portland, Tennessee, to the late Odell and Emma Poole. Mary was one of four children, alongside her siblings, James Williams, Ronald Poole, and Janet Lane.

Mary is survived by her children, Gary and Denise Perdue, Gayla and Fred Hamilton, and Linda Gray; her grandchildren, Erica and Chris Schutt, James and Dawn Perdue, Erin Hester and Brad Stickles, Jessi and Jeremy Lindley, Emily Hester and Jason Burton, and Steven and Molly Gray; and her great-grandchildren, Jace and Kaitlyn Hardebeck, Reis Hardebeck, Carter Schutt, Malik Schutt, Yvette Gray, Matthew Gray, and Ripley Schutt.

She is also survived by other beloved family members, including Deconn Jacobs, Ty Jacobs, Jenna Carel and Ramero Williams, Trayton Highbaugh, Ramire Williams, Rinsley Williams, and Remy Williams.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Gather Perdue; her son, Bobby Perdue; her son-in-law, Ronnie Gray; her grandson, Christopher Gray; her parents, Odell and Emma Poole; and her siblings, James Williams, Ronald Poole, and Janet Lane.

Mary will be remembered for her caring nature, wonderful sense of humor, and adventurous spirit. She treasured time spent with her family and especially enjoyed fishing tournaments with her husband. She could often be found shopping with her friend, Lucille Gray, or spending time with her McDonald’s family.

Throughout her life, Mary stayed active in her community, serving as treasurer of the Little League team and as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed traveling, visiting Tennessee and Gayla’s farm, and making trips to the casino. At home, Mary enjoyed listening to country music and treasured the companionship of her beloved dog, Penny, who preceded her in death and held a special place in her heart.

Mary’s family will cherish countless memories of her, from her banana nut muffins and unforgettable smile to dancing together as a family. They will also fondly remember the stories that made Mary uniquely herself. As a young girl, she loved walking through the fields with her grandfather each day. At family gatherings, she was even known to occasionally hide beneath the kitchen table so she could listen in on everyone’s conversations.

Above all, Mary loved her family, and the memories they created together will continue to be treasured by those who knew and loved her.

Mary will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Greenwood, Indiana.

In Mary’s memory, the family asks that memorial contributions be considered to a breast cancer organization, a cause that was especially dear to her heart.