Obituary of Mary Eleanor Weathers

MARY ELEANOR NEIDERT WEATHERS Mary Eleanor Neidert Weathers, 96, of Loretto, TN, passed away June 9, 2026. She was born in Loretto, TN on October 30, 1929. Mary Eleanor was Valedictorian of Loretto High School in 1947. She graduated from Florence State Teachers College (now the University of North Alabama) in 1955 with a degree in chemistry, receiving the Keller Key. She worked at Redstone Arsenal as a chemist and rocket scientist soon after graduation. She then taught chemistry and physics at Rogers High School. By the late 1950s she had started to work for Dr. Malcolm Weathers, Jr., in his office, soon transitioning to the hospital when it was established on Commerce Street. Mary Eleanor was instrumental to the success of Weathers Hospital. She worked in the laboratory, X-ray, and pharmacology departments, assisted with patient care in the office, and functioned as the unofficial Chief Financial Officer. But she was much more—she was the laughter, the good humor, and the joy of the business. She was the hub. She and Malcolm raised their children with full access to them and the hospital. It was as much a part of their lives as their own home. Mary Eleanor was active her entire life in the Catholic Church in Loretto and then Nashville in her later years. She sang in the choir with her father, John Neidert, as a young girl, and she rejoined the choir in the early 2000s, playing the organ and singing alto. She was also a member of the Ladies Altar Society. She was a member of the Lioness Club and supportive of its and the Lions Club’s charitable events as well as was a charter member of the Loretto Lift-Up Committee, helping to raise funds to beautify Loretto. Her volunteer efforts also included sending countless meals to those who had lost loved ones. She was a faithful servant of the Lord and raised her children in the Catholic faith. Mary Eleanor’s greatest joy in her life was her family. More than anything, she wanted to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also delighted everyone with her love of music, playing her beloved piano for every occasion, having everyone sing and dance together. Mary Eleanor is survived by: Children: Mac Weathers and wife Stephanie; John Weathers and partner Tammie; Mariann Morris and husband John; and Emily Kennedy and husband Kerry Grandchildren: Mac Weathers, Maren Weathers, Georgia Weathers, Claire Kennedy Methvin and husband Will Methvin, Catherine Kennedy, Annelise Kennedy and partner Dylan Schrader, Houston Morris, Sam Morris, and Billy Morris Great Grandchildren: Agnes Methvin and Marlowe Methvin Godchildren: Susanne Reeves, Jamie Neidert, Russell Methvin, and Tony Beckman Many beloved nieces and nephews and their families She was preceded in death by: Parents: John Gregory and Catherine Annie “Kate” Augustin Neidert Husband: Dr. Malcolm Houston Weathers, Jr. Siblings: Agnes “Ag” Smith, Aloysius “Bud” Neidert, Edward “Ed” Neidert, Beatrice “Bea” Stumpe, Annie Reeves, Charles “Charley” Neidert, Helen Peters, Wilfred Neidert, and Clarence “Gus” Neidert Visitation will be Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Loretto Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The Rosary will begin at 9:30 A.M. with the visitation starting 9:45 A.M. until 11:15 A.M. Music will follow from 11:15 A.M. until 11:30 A.M. The Funeral Mass will follow in the church at 11:30 A.M. with Rev. Dexter Sutton Brewer officiating. Burial will be at Loretto Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations in Mary Eleanor’s honor can be made to: 1) Loretto Sacred Heart Church at- https://pushpay.com/g/sacredheartloretto?fnd=p4ZF1JKou2ouPKWGmvFMCw&fndv=Default&src=pcgl Or to 2) St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital at- https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude-today.html