Mary Elizabeth Denton

Mary Elizabeth Denton, 85, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at her home.

She was born October 19, 1938, in Indianapolis, the daughter of Frederick H. And Emma Laura (Dodge) Branning. In January of 1986, she married J.B. Denton, and he preceded her in death on June 20, 2016.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Shelley (Wisehart) Johnson of Shelbyville, and Laura Wisehart-Riester and husband, John of Union, Kentucky; step-daughters, Rhonda (Denton) Foley and husband, Phil, of Frankfort, Cynthia (Denton) Honeycutt and husband, Jim, of Indianapolis, and Jeanette (Pryor) Costabile and husband, Nick, of Lake Arrowhead, California; sister, Margaret (Branning) Gann of Indianapolis; and many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In addition to J.B., Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Glenn Pryor, whom she married in 1980; brothers, George Branning and Tom Branning Sr.; sister, Carolyn Trowbridge; grandson, Aaron Evilsizer; and son-in-law, Dr. Lynn Johnson.

Mary graduated from Broad Ripple High School. She attended Frankfort Pilgrim College and IUPUI. 

She was the executive secretary at Curtis Dyna-Fog for over 40 years and the treasurer for Innerlight Ministries and Frankfort Camp Ministries. 

Mary attended Grace, Evanston and Southview Wesleyan Churches. She helped to furnish 100 refugee apartments and spent many hours volunteering at Frankfort Camp.

She was a wonderful seamstress and enjoyed making dresses for her nieces and pajamas for her grandchildren.

Mary also enjoyed reading mysteries.

Gathering of Friends and Family will be from 2:30 to 4 pm, Friday, July 5, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

The Celebration of Mary’s life will follow at 4 pm, Friday, at the funeral home, with Pastor Jim Weinmann officiating.

Private inurnment will be at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan, at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Innerlight Ministries, PO Box 708, Frankfort, Indiana 46041or Shelbyville-Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.

Online condolences may be shared with Mary’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.