Mary Rae Mattox (Cayton), age 81, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. Born on March 29, 1944, in Warsaw, Kentucky, she lived a life marked by devotion to her family, faith, and community.

Mary was a proud graduate of Gallatin County High School, Class of 1962. She pursued further education in dietary management at both Ohio State University and the University of Florida. Her passion for nurturing others led her to a long and impactful career with the Community Action Organization of Ironton, Ohio. Over more than 35 years of service, she held roles as a Head Start teacher, dietary manager, and teacher supervisor—touching countless lives through her dedication to early childhood education and community well-being.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Mary was a devoted parishioner throughout her life. She attended Immaculate Conception Church in Clarksville, Tennessee; St. Joseph Catholic Church in Warsaw, Kentucky; and was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ironton, Ohio. Her spiritual life was a cornerstone of her identity and guided her actions with grace and compassion.

Mary found joy in the simple pleasures of life—reading books that transported her to new worlds, playing bingo with friends, and gathering around the table for card games with family. She loved traveling and camping adventures that created cherished memories across generations.

She was a loving mother to Jim (Linda) Delaney, John (Jerri) Mattox, and Donna (Shane) Eddlemon. Her legacy continues through her 15 beloved grandchildren—Christopher Allen, Christopher Dewayne, Elizabeth, Ashley, J.C., Dennis, Katlyn, Katie, Jeremy, Justin, Cheyanne, Brock, Bo, Amanda, and Kelsey—and 25 great-grandchildren who brought endless joy to her life.

Mary is also remembered fondly by her siblings: brothers Gayle Cayton, Charles Cayton, and Ricky Cayton; and sisters Ida Rose Howell, Marlene Cayton, Patsy Brown, Sandra Sawyer, Myrna Cayton, and Rita Sample. She held close the memory of those who preceded her in death: her husband Thomas Mattox; sons Jerry Mattox and Donald Mattox; brother Larry Cayton; father Christopher Columbus Cayton; and mother Magdalen (Blanchet) Cayton.

Known affectionately as “Nana,” and "Mamaw" Mary’s warmth extended beyond family ties to include many caring friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness and laughter.

May Mary Rae Mattox’s memory be a source of comfort to all who knew and loved her. Visitation with family and memorial will preceed the Mass at 1:00pm, A Funeral Mass will be held on December 19, 2025, at 02:00 PM at St Joseph Catholic Church 602 Sparta Pike Warsaw, Ky. 41095 with burial at St Joseph Cemetary and all in attendance are welcome to join the family for a social gathering in the fellowship hall to have some food, drinks and share memories of our lost loved one directly after the burial.

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