Mary Dial Comer

Mary Dial Comer, 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Mary was born on November 27, 1945, to Kirven and Lillian Dial, in Shreveport, Louisiana. She had two older brothers that she adored, Kirven and Scotty. From an early age, Mary displayed a vibrant personality and a deep love for people that would stay with her throughout her life.

Mary graduated from C.E. Byrd High School, where she developed her love for tennis and academics. She went on to attend Louisiana State University in the late 1950s and early 1960s, where she proudly played collegiate tennis. Her time at LSU shaped her strong sense of discipline, sportsmanship, and lifelong love for community and friendship. She always stayed a “Louisiana Gal” at heart.

Mary met her beloved husband, Reggie, while both were teaching in Atlanta. Their shared love for education and serving others formed the foundation of a beautiful partnership. They later moved to Americus, where they built a loving home and became deeply rooted in the community they treasured.

Mary pursued her passion for education and became a beloved educator for many years at Sumter County High School. She cherished seeing her former students out in the community, catching up on their lives, and, of course, taking their pictures. She loved her students deeply, and they loved her in return. Every family member who encountered one of her former students would hear the same sentiment — how much she meant to them and that she was their favorite teacher. Mary truly cared for every student who crossed her path, ensuring each one knew that they were valued and loved. Her career reflected her profound gift for teaching and caring for others, a legacy that continues to live on through the many lives she touched.

Mary’s passion for caring for others continued after retirement when she served as Activities Director at Magnolia Manor. She loved her residents, and they loved her just as much. She often drove them to doctor’s appointments and offered help wherever it was needed. Mary never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel valued and loved.

She was affectionately known as “Miss Mary, The Picture Lady” at her happy place, First Methodist Church of Americus. She was widely known for carrying Hershey’s Kisses to share with everyone she met, finding joy in giving to others. Mary had a special gift for capturing photographs of families and friends who might not have ever taken pictures together. She loved preserving memories and spreading joy. If you ran into her at the grocery store, you were guaranteed a warm hug, a Hershey’s Kiss, and your picture taken. She brought joy, music, laughter, and dancing wherever she went and was truly an angel on earth.

Mary’s greatest love was her family. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Reginald Lynwood Comer. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, brother Scotty, and many nieces and nephews. She was a devoted and loving mother to her son, Clay Comer (Leigh Anne) of Columbus, GA and her daughter, Carin Comer-Villeneuve (Pete) of Lakeville, MA. Her greatest joy was being “Grandmama” to Gabriel Villeneuve, Ariel Villeneuve, Luke Villeneuve, and Savannah Comer.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at First Methodist Church of Americus. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., with the service following in the sanctuary at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Methodist Church Music Fund.

To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences to the family, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com

Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for Mrs. Mary Dial Comer.