Mary Evelyn Tabb, 88, passed from this life Wednesday, March 27, 2013.

She was predeceased by her husband, Col. Robert Peyton Tabb III, who died on Jan. 27, 2008.

Mrs. Tabb was born Oct. 13, 1924, to Mr. Porter Lee Coleman and Bessie K. Webb in their farmhouse near Trimble in Dyer County, Tenn.

Her primary occupation was an interior designer and she received her professional training and certifications working for a respected company in Orlando, Fla. She is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

She opened her own design house, Contempra House Interiors in Atlanta, Ga., served many prominent clients and remained active until the late l970s.  Mrs. Tabb was a member of the Tryon Presbyterian Church and when in good health, volunteered her time with a number of organizations in the community.

Surviving are her daughter, Mary Jeanette Gardenhire, currently residing in Tryon; and her son, Charles Lee Cecil and his wife, Susan, of Orlando, Fla.; a brother, Leonard Watson Coleman and his wife, Betty, of Port Orange, Fla.; her stepsons Robert P. Tabb IV and wife, Anita, of Minneapolis, Minn.; George W. Tabb and his wife, Roberta, of The Woodlands, Texas; Richard B. Tabb and his wife, Fraser, of Greenville, S.C.; and John C. Tabb and wife, Karen, of Lebanon, Mo.; sister-in-laws, Bobbie Jean Coleman of Tryon and June Coleman of Tomball, Texas.

She is survived by three grandchildren, Tanya L. Thomas, Timothy L. Thomas and Theresa L. Evans; and 12 step-grandchildren, Mary F. Tabb, Jacqueline P. Tabb, James W. Tabb, Peyton L. Tabb, Alex Wood, Erica P. Wood, Alexis F. Tabb, Jack B. Tabb, Kathryn A. Brandt, Joshua N. Tabb and Rebekah E. Tabb.

She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by several nieces and nephews.
Mary was predeceased by her brothers, William P. Coleman and Alvie L. Coleman. Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2013 in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, with Dr. Dent Davis officiating.

Burial will be in the West Point Military Academy Cemetery, N.Y. where her husband is interred.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, N.C. 28722. An on-line guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.