Mary Bradley Douglas Pagel age 89, of Jasper Ga. died Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at her residence following a declining period of health. Born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama on May 10, 1921 to Stephen and Lucile Douglas. Mrs. Pagel had a pioneering spirit from early on. She graduated from Margaret Booth School, as well as Huntington College, where she received her bachelor’s degree in art.

In 1949 the Pagels moved to Roberta, Georgia, where Mrs. Pagel’s never ending quest to learn instigated her creation of the first preschool in Crawford County. She went on to enjoy a successful career as a third grade public school teacher, developing her own art curriculum. It was as an art teacher she was able to share her love and appreciation of many different mediums of art. She worked in sculpture, fiber arts, ceramics, painting and drawing and later in life enjoyed wood carving, chair caning and stained glass. Mr. and Mrs. Pagel have long been involved in supporting community arts through promoting art shows, operating an art gallery and frame shop and teaching classes.

Two years after graduating college Mrs. Pagel proudly volunteered to serve her country in the United States Navy during World War II. During her service as a Navy Wave she worked as an aviation machinist’s mate and as well as received her pilot’s license. While stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas she met and married her husband of 65 years, John “Jack” T. Pagel, Jr. After her service in the Navy ended in 1945, Mr. and Mrs. Pagel moved back to Alabama where the couple worked as cattle ranchers.
After moving to Jasper in 1995 Mr. and Mrs. Pagel became members of the Jasper United Methodist Church. Mrs. Pagel enjoyed gardening and continued to be an artist until her death.

She is preceded in death by her beloved parents and two sisters, Dorothy Douglas Greene and Joyce Douglas Hartley, and two precious children, Stephen Douglas Pagel and Jessica Lynn Pagel.

Mrs. Pagel was a member of DAR, UDC, Retired Teachers and the United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jack, son Johnny Pagel and daughter-in-law Bonnie Pagel of Fairbanks, Alaska, daughter Lucile Elkins and son-in-law Joe Elkins and daughter Jenny Pagel all of Jasper, Ga. three grandsons John Pagel of Palmer, Alaska, James Pagel of St. Augustine, Fla, and Andy Pagel of Fairbanks, Alaska, three granddaughters, Jessica White and Bonnie Elkins both of Jasper, Ga, and Emma Elkins of Atlanta, Ga., and seven great-grandchildren.

A Memorial service is scheduled 10:30am Friday, February 11, 2011 at the Jasper United Methodist Church, Rev. Chip Wilson, Rev. Hoyt Jenkins and Rev. Al Larson officiating.

Interment of the remains will be at 3:30pm in the Roberta City Cemetery in Roberta, Ga. with Naval Military Honors. The Reverend Jim Hamlin will officiate.

The family ask that flowers be omitted and anyone desiring to do so may make contributions to the Jasper United Methodist Church.

The family will receive family and friends Thursday at Roper Funeral Home in Jasper, Ga. from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on Thursday evening.

Roper Funeral Home of Jasper, Ga. is in charge of the arrangements www.RoperFuneralHome.com.