Obituary for Mrs. Mary Elaine Puckett Duewer
December 4, 1939 – August 7, 2025

Mrs. Mary Elaine Puckett Duewer, age 85, of Livingston, Tennessee, passed away in the early morning of August 7, 2025.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the Livingston First Church, a Kaleo Congregation, with Bro. John Cahill officiating. Burial will follow at Overton County Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church from 2 p.m. until the time of service at 4 p.m.

Elaine was born on December 4, 1939, in Livingston, Tennessee, to the late Luther Green Puckett Jr. (L.G. II) and the late Mary Marguerite Atnip Puckett. She graduated from Livingston Academy in 1958 and went on to earn a double major in Math and English with a minor in Chemistry from Tennessee Tech University. She later earned a Master’s degree in Library Science from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University and pursued doctoral studies in Library Science at the University of Illinois.

Elaine was a lifelong learner, educator, librarian, and a woman of deep faith. She spent many years living in Fairfax County, Virginia, before returning to her hometown of Livingston in 2000 upon her husband's retirement. Throughout her life, she was an active member of the Livingston First Church (Kaleo Congregation), Women’s Aglow Fellowship, and Gideons International. She devoted herself to her faith, her family, and her community.

Elaine married the love of her life, Lawrence Alvin “Larry” Duewer, on December 28, 1971. Together they raised three children and built a life rooted in love and service.

She is survived by:

Her husband: Lawrence Alvin "Larry" Duewer

Children:

Bruce Duewer and wife Heather Donoghue Duewer; their daughters, Rose and Violet

Trent Duewer and wife Lily Ellen Robertson Duewer; their son, Alexander

Rachel Duewer and husband Jason Mohanraj Schwartz; their children, Josiah, Lydia, Isaac, Melody, and Jubilee

Siblings:

Brother: Luther Green Puckett III (L.G. III)

Sisters: Carolyn Marguerite Puckett and Vivian Joanna Puckett Shurtz

Elaine had many passions, including reading, cooking, and canning—skills she lovingly passed down to her children and grandchildren. Her family will especially remember her for the delicious jars of homemade pickles, vegetables, jams, and jellies that filled their pantries and hearts. Beyond her talents in the kitchen, Elaine will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering love for her family, and deep devotion to the Lord Jesus.

Pallbearers to serve are,Bruce Duewer

Trent Duewer

Jason Schwartz

Josiah Schwartz

Isaac Schwartz

Wesley Puckett

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, wisdom, and love that will continue through the lives of those who knew and loved her.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Livingston First Church or the Gideon's International, by contacting Speck Funeral Home.