Mary Lavada Hickman Vanoer, 93, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2023.  Mary was born on January 19, 1930 in Cleveland, TN to Charlie and Nell Hickman.  She lived in Cleveland until the age of 12, at which time she moved to Chattanooga with her family.  Mary graduated from East Chattanooga Elementary School, and Hardy Jr. High School, graduating in 1949 from Central High School.  She worked for several years for Miller Brothers Department Store, then in 1951, she married Clyde Vanoer.  After becoming a military spouse, Mary traveled extensively with Clyde over the course of his 30-year career with the United States Air Force.  They were able to settle back in Chattanooga when he retired in 1975.

In addition to being a dedicated wife and mother, Mary was an accomplished cook and seamstress who was passionate about crafts, exercise and physical activity.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Vanoer; parents, Charlie and Nell Hickman; brothers, Robert, Glenn and Dossie Hickman, and sister, Gladys Poe.

Mary is survived by her son, Steve Vanoer; sister, Alice Carwell, and brothers, Harley and Dale Hickman.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at Turner Funeral Home @ Hwy 58 from 5 – 8 p.m.  A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 30, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Hamilton Memorial Gardens in Hixson.

Please share your memories and express condolences to the family on their guestbook.