Obituary of Mary Chaligoj

Mary Alice Chaligoj, 87, passed from this life to her eternal home on April 18, 2014. Mary was the youngest of eight children born to Hattie (Baucom) and Dennis Brooks on March 24, 1927. Mary was united in marriage to Mike Chaligoj on October 12, 1948, and he preceded her in death on June 3, 2009. They enjoyed 61 years together raising their children, farming, and helping their church and community. Mary was a retired school teacher, having taught 43 years from career beginnings in one room schools: Good Hope, Buffalo Creek, and Shiloh. She continued her teaching career at Fairview, Lone Star, and East Carter RII both at Grandin and Ellsinore. Mary always said, "She didn't go to work, she went to fun" because children were one of her many passions. Equal to the enjoyment of teaching in public schools was her joy in sharing the scriptures through the many Sunday schools classes, youth to adult, vacation Bible schools, and church camps that she faithfully attended. Mary is survived by three children, Kathy and the late Bob Trotter, Doniphan; Kirk and Geana Chaligoj, Poplar Bluff; and John and Inez Chaligoj, Jacksboro, TN. She is also survived by grandchildren Shannon (Daryl) Dotson, Asheville, NC; Angela (Rafael) Vega, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Brad (Casey) Trotter, Doniphan; Brittany (Justin) McDowell, Ellsinore; Brock (Misty) Trotter, Dexter, MO; Jordan Chaligoj, Springfield, MO; and Gabby, Samantha, Steve and Boyce Chaligoj, Jacksboro, TN. Also surviving are great grandchildren, Morgan Taylor and Sandy and Katie Dotson; Antonio Vega; Brennan and Brylie Trotter; and Cade and Ella McDowell. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Mike, son-in-law Bob Trotter, four sisters Lela Harris, Ruby Chaligoj, Bea Brooks, and Willie Wilson, and three brothers Howard, Brad and Carl Brooks. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and friends who, along with her children and grandchildren, enjoyed her talent for telling stories of life both in joy and sorrow. In lieu of flowers, please remember the Gideon's International or East Carter RII CTA Teacher Scholarship Fund. Visitation will be held at Edwards Funeral Home on Monday April 21, 2014, from 5:00-8:00 with the funeral beginning Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at 10:00 AM. She will be laid to rest at Macedonia Cemetery. Brothers Alan Wilson and Curtis Crowley will officiate.