May 22, 1938 – September 24, 2025
Mary M. Brewer, age 87, of Greenville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, after a long, courageous journey with dementia. Born on May 22, 1938, in Arcanum, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Lloyd and Alice McKibben.
Mary graduated from Arcanum High School in 1956. One of her favorite memories — a story she loved to share throughout her life — was being a cheerleader for the Arcanum Trojans when they captured the state basketball championship during her senior year, a moment of great pride for her small hometown. It was also through cheerleading that she met her future husband, Homer Brewer, a basketball player for their cross-town rival, the Ansonia Tigers. That fateful rivalry sparked a love story that would last more than five decades. Mary’s love of sports never faded; from cheering on her Trojans as a teenager to following her children’s and grandchildren’s activities later in life, she brought the same enthusiasm and pride to the sidelines as she once did on the court.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Homer Brewer, in 2011, and by an infant son in 1958. Mary is survived by her children, Steve Brewer and wife Jill (Wigner) of Troy, Ohio, and Teresa Hooper and husband William of Danville, California; grandchildren Austin Brewer and John and Lucy Hooper; sister Diane Anthony; brother-in-law Herb Brewer and wife Stella; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved her dearly.
Mary built an impressive career at Greenville National Bank, where she began as a part-time teller and, through hard work and determination, rose to become the bank’s first female Vice President. Known for her professionalism, grace, and impeccable style, she was a trailblazer—balancing her dedication to work with her devotion to family in a way that seemed effortless. She worked for the bank for 38 years.
Outside of work, Mary was the heart of her home. She was a gracious hostess who delighted in entertaining ~ her dinner table was often filled with family, friends, and laughter. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, and her joyful spirit made her the life of every gathering.
Her faith was central to her life. As an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Mary served on many committees and gave generously of her time and talents to her congregation.
Mary’s passions were many, but perhaps most visible was her love of flowers. She spent countless hours tending the beautiful flower beds at the house on the hill, creating gardens that reflected her creativity and joy.
Above all, Mary will be remembered as a strong, independent, and forward-thinking woman. She was devoted to her family, proud of her children and grandchildren, and leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience.
A memorial service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 30 at 1pm at the First United Methodist Church in Greenville, Ohio. Burial will follow in the Teagarden Cemetery, Ansonia, Ohio.
Family will receive friends from 4-6pm on Monday, September 29 at the Zechar Bailey Funeral Home. Contributions are welcome to Suncrest Hospice in honor of Mary Brewer. Condolences for the family may be sent to www. zecharbailey.com
Family and friends are invited to attend and share in remembering a remarkable woman.
Her hands may have rested, but her love forever blooms in the gardens of our hearts.
