Mary Evelyn Tabb, 88, passed from this life Wednesday, March 27, 2013. She was predeceased by her husband Col. Robert Peyton Tabb, III who died on January 27, 2008. Mrs. Tabb was born October 13, 1924, to Mr. Porter Lee Coleman and Bessie K. Webb in their farmhouse near Trimble in Dyer County, TN. Her primary occupation was an interior designer and she received her professional training and certifications working for a respected company in Orlando, FL. She is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). She opened her own design house, Contempra House Interiors in Atlanta, GA, served many prominent clients and remained active until the late l970's. Mrs. Tabb was a member of the Tryon Presbyterian Church and when in good health, volunteered her time with a number of organizations in the community.Surviving are: her daughter Mary Jeanette Gardenhire, currently residing in Tryon, NC and her son Charles Lee Cecil and his wife Susan of Orlando, FL; a brother, Leonard Watson Coleman and his wife Betty of Port Orange, FL; her stepsons Robert P. Tabb, IV and wife Anita of Minneapolis, MN; George W. Tabb and his wife Roberta of The Woodlands, TX; Richard B. Tabb and his wife Fraser of Greenville, SC; and John C. Tabb and wife Karen of Lebanon, MO; Sister-in-laws Bobbie Jean Coleman of Tryon, NC and June Coleman of Tomball, TX. She is survived by three grandchildren, Tanya L. Thomas, Timothy L. Thomas and Theresa L. Evans; and 12 step-grandchildren, Mary F. Tabb, Jacqueline P. Tabb, James W. Tabb, Peyton L. Tabb, Alex Wood, Erica P. Wood, Alexis F. Tabb, Jack B. Tabb, Kathryn A. Brandt, Joshua N. Tabb, and Rebekah E. Tabb. She is also survived by 7 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by several nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her brothers William P. Coleman and Alvie L. ColemanFuneral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2013 in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, NC with Dr. Dent Davis officiating.Burial will be in the West Point Military Academy Cemetery, NY where her husband is interred.Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, NC 28722
To
to the family, please