Mary Elois “Tahjee” Embry Bothe

2nd Corinthians 5: 1 says “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” On Thursday, January 13th, 2022, Mary Elois Embry Bothe experienced the fullness of this promise as she slipped from this life into the next to be with her Lord.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Elois was the daughter of the late Martin Rex Grant and Lynwood Horrel Grant. She grew up in Clarkson, Kentucky, but later moved back to Louisville where she met Murrel Embry, to whom she was married for nearly 41 years until his death in 2001. They shared an only child, Rhonda Embry Sutton, and in 1982 the family moved to Macon with Brown & Williamson.  

Elois embraced her roles as wife, mother, friend, daughter, sister, and aunt - but by far and away, being “Tahjee” to her grandchildren was what she treasured most. So much so, that she became famous for it and ended up known as Tahjee to all of Macon. She enjoyed every aspect of the roles she filled throughout her life, and she filled each of them with grace, but without a doubt her greatest joy came from time spent with her family, especially her “girls” Carli, Caylee Ann, and Cassie. In addition to cherished time with them in her home, many of these hours were spent at dance recitals and in softball bleachers, soccer stands, or on the track field. She was devoted to all their pursuits. Her pride in their accomplishments was eclipsed only by her pride in the young women she saw them become. She was quick to celebrate the achievements of all her grandchildren.

Outside of family, Elois was dedicated to many things and her energy for involvement over the years was limitless. She lived a life of service, found immense pleasure in helping others, and will be remembered as a true “giver”. She was intentional in all ways, especially her ability to remember the smallest details in the lives of others and she invested, sincerely, in those around her. Her smile was quick, and she shared it with strangers and friends alike. Her baking skills will long be remembered; her famous rolls and bread were gifted freely and often. For decades she was a devoted and active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where she coordinated the Homebound Eucharistic Ministry and was also president of the Council of Catholic Women, through which she made lifelong friendships. She also volunteered with the Nazareth Home for expectant mothers and helped with Vacation Bible School. Following the loss of her first husband, her service to St. Joseph’s would result in her meeting and marrying the late Jim Bothe, a union which brought much happiness to her life; they shared each other’s interests, enjoyed many travels, and most of all, each other’s company. In later years, she became an active member of Martha Bowman United Methodist Church where she felt fully embraced and enjoyed serving as a greeter, visiting shut-ins with communion, and generally helping wherever a need was found. Socially, she found joy spending time with her devoted friends, the Floozies and Vintage Chicks, and more recently she enjoyed her friendships with the Bowman Babes and the neighbors who became friends during her final years living at The Cottages on Wesleyan. Elois was known to hold a deep belief that “friends become your family” and through all of these involvements, her “family” grew exponentially. Because of this, her life was profoundly enriched, as were the lives of those who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her daughter, Rhonda Embry Sutton (Carlton); sons, J. Mike Bothe (Gena), and David S. Bothe; grandchildren, Carli, Caylee Ann, Cassie, April, Ashley, Kate, Jaclyn, Rachel, Erin, Melissa, and Ella; brother, William Grant (Ilse); nieces, Cary Bennett (Gary), and Angie Grant; nephew, Charles Dale Embry (Karen); two great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family…and friends who became family.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, January 17, 2022, at Hart’s at the Cupola, with visitation beginning one hour before, at 11:00 a.m. Immediately following the service, Elois will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made in memory of Elois Bothe to Caring Solutions, 1044 Washington Avenue, Suite 104, Macon, GA 31201.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart’s Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.

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