Mary L. Follis, of Rockford, Illinois formerly of Tennessee, died peacefully January, 2, 2017 at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. Born March 6, 1933 in Walland, Tennesee, the daughter of William Thomas Hatcher, Sr. and Etta Mae (Inman). Mary was a high school graduate from Chilhowee Baptist Academy in Tennesee. She married the late Noble Isley Follis in Woodstock, Illinois and was married for 65 years. He preceded her in death on December 5th, 1996.

Mary worked as a lab technician for many years at National Grey Iron Foundry. She was also a waitress at nights at Fred Harvey's Oasis in Belvidere. Mary was a member of Millers Cove Missionary Baptist Church in Tennessee. She loved her family and her grandchildren and loved to cook for her family, hosting dinners every Sunday. She also enjoyed taking care of and spending time with her grandchildren and was a fond caregiver to many friends.

Mary is survived by her sons, Michael (Judy) Follis, Tom (Julie) Follis, Jerry (Rose) Follis, Stanley Roger Follis and Jason Max (Dawn) Follis; daughter, Angela Follis, 16 grandchildren; 18 great- grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Lila.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brothers, Harold Max, James Garfield Hatcher and William (Lucille) Thomas, Jr.;  and sister, Florence (Jack) Grooms.

A memorial service will be held from 6  to 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut, Belvidere, IL 61008 with Reverend Allan Buss officiating. A visitation  will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. prior to service at the funeral home. Burial at a later date with family in Tennessee. Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association. To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.