Community leader Mary Scales passed away Sunday morning (10/6/2013). She had been fighting cancer for many years, but always had a smile and was positive. 

As news of her death trickled out through on-air phone calls over WGNS (this) Sunday morning, the conversation took on a feeling of celebrating all of the accomplishments of Mary and "Tee Niny" Scales.

Funeral 1:00PM Saturday at New Vision Baptist
Visitation 11:00AM-1:00PM Saturday

Funeral services will be at 1:00 o'clock this coming Saturday afternoon, October 12th, at New Vision Baptist Church, 1750 North Thompson Lane. The visitation with the family is from 11:00 until the time for the service. Scales and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Lie-In State: Noon-6:00PM Friday at Scales & Sons

The body will lie in state at Scales & Sons Funeral Home at 314 East State Street from noon to 6:00PM on Friday, October 11th.

The Service of Committal and Intermentwill follow the service on Saturday. This will be in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Mary Caruthers Scales and her husband, the late Robert "Tee Niny" Scales, were part of the glue that held this community together during challenging times. They were both positive trendsetters who helped shape the mood of peaceful existance and a helping spirit in this community during times of need.

Mary Loved Teaching

In addition to being a strong mother to her family, she also watched over area children with that same devotion as an educator. She taught middle level math at both Bradley and Bellwood Schools. After that, Mary became Middle Tennessee State University's first African-American professor. She served as the associate dean of education. In 2001 her life of teaching earned Mary Scales a position in the Tennessee Teachers Hall of Fame.  

That honor was further amplified in 2005 when Murfreesboro City Schools named the new campus on St. Andrews Drive after Mary and her husband "Tee Niny".  The mission statement for Scales Elementary School is a living testament to this husband and wife team: "To assure academic and personal success for every child."

Kept Family and Community First

Although not trying to do so, the Scales' family represent many firsts. In 1964 Robert "Tee Niny" Scales became Murfreesboro's first African-American city council member. He also served on the city school board. 24-years later, Mary followed in her husband's footsteps when he decided not to seek re-election.  Now, their daughter, Madelyn Scales-Harris is following the path set by both of her parents.

Services Saturday

Visitation with the family will be this coming Saturday (10/12/2013) morning from 11:00 o'clock until 1:00 in the afternoon at New Vision Baptist Church, 1750 North Thompson Lane. The funeral service will follow at 1:00PM Saturday.

Her body will lie-in-state Friday (10/11/2013) at Scales & Sons (314 East State Street) from noon until 6:00PM.

Family

Mary and Robert Scales had six children. They are survived by one son, Robert Scales, Jr., and two daughters: Madelyn Harris-Scales, and Joan Simmons. They were pre-deceased by two sons: Preston and Melvin Scales, and a daughter, Sandra Scales. In addition, 15 grandchildren along with several great grand children.