Mary Frances (Rudd) Carlson

Mary Frances (Rudd) Carlson, age 82 of Clarkrange, Tennessee, passed away peacefully with her husband and family by her side and went to the Lord on August 8, 2026.

She was born in Dayton, Tennessee, on March 29, 1944, to the late Dr. Judson Archer Rudd and Lucile V. (Searcy) Rudd. Mary Frances grew up on the campus of Bryan College and earned her bachelor’s degree in 1967. She received her master’s degree from the University of Tennessee Knoxville.

She leaves behind a legacy marked by devotion to family, remarkable service and dedication to her Christian faith. She was a teacher for over 30 years. She taught Secretarial Sciences and was Director of Continuing education for Motlow State Community College. When she moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, she taught for over 10 years in Knox County Schools. She was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church Knoxville and was the past president of Presbyterian Women at 2nd Presbyterian Church. She was an officer in the Knoxville Christian Women's Club [KWC) and helped it grow substantially. She had a love of rose growing and exhibiting over 100 roses and was President of the Tennessee Rose Society for several years. When she wasn’t leading or teaching, Mary Frances had a passion for sports, especially Tennessee football and Bryan soccer. She never missed a Tennessee Vols football, basketball or baseball game. She knew all the players and stats.

She was preceded in death by her parents Dr. Judson Archer Rudd and Lucile V. (Searcy) Rudd, and her brothers-in-law, Ralph Sieve and Stan Carlson.

Mary Frances is survived by her husband of 40 years, Dr. Tom Carlson; her sisters-in-law, Janet (Carlson) Sieve of Sarasota, Florida, and Joyce Carlson of West Chester, Ohio; her nieces, Susan (Bob) Laura, Krista (Mark) Aquilio, and Cyndi (Jeff) Capano; her many great nieces, great nephews, and cousins., including Dr. Scott Pringle, Mrs. Janet Reeder, and Mrs. Sally Carlson. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Casper and her feline friends Lexie, Orphie and Smokie.

A devoted Christian, Mary Frances found strength in her faith, which guided her throughout her life and offered her comfort in times of need. She maintained a strong association with Bryan College and supported its academic, cultural and sports programs. She spoke frequently about Bryan College and its history with friends and relatives and lived in accordance with the Bryan motto “Christ Above All”.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses who provided the care and compassion during Mary Frances illness at both Cookeville Hospital and Ascension St. Thomas West in Nashville, TN.

Mary Frances was laid to rest at Rhea Memory Gardens in Dayton Tennessee, next to her parents in a private ceremony.

A celebration of life service for Mary Frances will be held at Bryan College, 500 Landes Way, Dayton, TN, Stophel Building, Osborne Hall, Saturday, September 12th, 2026, at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Bryan College Scholarship Fund. https://web.charityengine.net/online-giving

“As Christians, we have so much to be thankful… the Lord gives us so much along the way to more than offset the testings and trials of life.” This was written by her father in the Bryan College Newsette, December 1951.