WILMINGTON — Mary Belle Gist passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, after a hard fought battle with brain cancer. Mary was a woman whose warmth and generous spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Mary’s greatest joy in life was her family. She loved deeply and unconditionally, always placing the needs of those she loved above her own. Mary treasured every moment spent with her family.
Mary had an insatiable curiosity about the world. Even after completing her doctorate, she wanted to get additional degrees just for fun. Her love of learning was infectious to the people around her.
Mary had a great sense of humor. She knew how to make every single person in a room laugh and never failed to remind her family that she won best sense of humor 1979.
Mary also had a passion for traveling. She delighted in exploring new destinations, experiencing different cultures and experiencing new adventures off the beaten path.
Working with children brought Mary special fulfillment. She had a natural gift for connecting with young people, offering patience, encouragement, and kindness. She believed deeply in nurturing curiosity and confidence in every child she encountered, and her positive influence will be remembered by many.
Mary is survived by her wife, Jodi Melind; her daughter, Maya Melind; her brother, Hal Gist, and sister-in-law, Pam Gist; her nieces, Lauren Sobansky and Katlyn Bowlin; her nephews-in-law, Ed Sobansky and Eric Bowlin; and her great-nephew, Miles Bowlin. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.
A celebration of Life will be held in Franklin, Tennessee at the end of March. Details will be posted as soon as they are available
Mary’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.
