Mrs. Mary Irine Jaycox age 86 of Dyersburg, TN. died Friday, March 20, 2026, at Okeena Health & Rehabilitation Center in Dyersburg, TN. Born in Tallapoosa, Alabama on August 19, 1939, to Bettie Willie Busby and Eddie B. Knight.  Mary leaves behind her beloved children: James Curtis Jaycox, Jr., of Erie, PA; Dr. Sharon Hope Jaycox of Goodyear, AZ; and Mary Irene Lavender (Joel) of Dallas, TX.   Sister, Shirley Ann Mitchell of Sharon, PA, Regina Marie Deboe of Erie, PA, Deborah (Reggie)Rene Farmer of Erie, PA, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and cousins.  She is preceded in death by her husband James Jaycox; father, Eddie B. Knight; her mother, Bettie Willie Busby; her sons, Stephen Jaycox; Thomas Jaycox; her sisters, Elder Margaret Ann Knight; Eddie Lynne Johnson; her brother, Harvey Lee Knight; and her beloved cousin, Dan Charles Meadows. Mary received her high school education at East High School, earning Honorable Mention in 1958. Mary received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in May of 1984 and a Master of Arts Degree in August of 1986, both from the University of Northern Iowa. Some of Mary's work history included Sears, Roebuck & Co. in Erie, PA, and Head Start in Dyersburg, TN.  Mary was an accomplished seamstress and a soloist with the Erie Philharmonic and the Dyersburg Community Choir.   Mary was a silver member of the XI Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. (AKA).

Arrangements are entrusted to McCreight Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Saturday, April 4, 2026, 10:00a.m.-11:55a.m. at Tabernacle Baptist Church 539 E. Court St. Dyersburg, TN. where she was a member. Funeral Services will follow at 12: Noon with Pastor Mitchell Matthews officiating. Burial will be held in New Cemetery in Maury City, TN.  You may share your memories and condolences with the family at www.mccreightfuneralhome.com .

A Legacy of Life, Every Life is worth Remembering

McCreight Funeral Home

1607 Hornbrook St.

Dyersburg, TN. 38024

731-286-4810