Mary Alice Yerian

Mary Alice McComas Brown Yerian passed away in the early hours of September 21, 2026. She was born on November 26, 1925 in Milton, West Virginia, the second of 6 children. Her parents were Boyd Wilson and Linnie Belle McComas. Mary Alice loved to tell stories of her childhood, spending time in the fields helping her father while her sisters helped their mom with cooking and keeping house. After graduating from high school at age 16, Mary Alice moved to Columbus to live with her sister Mildred. She soon started working (this was during World War II and there were many opportunities for bright young women). Her first job was making radio tubes for the navy.

She met Harold Brown in Columbus, and the two were married in August 1945. Mary Alice landed a job working with the State of Ohio, working on an early computer system for the state payroll system. She was soon joined by younger sister Eleanor, and they loved to shop at Lazarus during their lunch hour. After the passing of her husband, Harold in 1973, she began working full time. Her final job was as an aid with Columbus Public Schools, sharing her love of reading as a school librarian.

Mary Alice was a woman of faith. She joined Glenwood United Methodist Church soon after her arrival in Columbus. She was elected president of her Sunday School Class year after year, causing her family to refer to her as “president for life.” She also served on numerous committees within the church community.

Family was Mary Alice’s foundation. She was a loving mother to Steve (Suzanne), Scott (Michele) and Susan (Doug) and doting grandmother to Zach, Ali, Hannah and Wes. She was beloved by numerous nieces, nephews, great grandchildren. She married long time companion, Carl Yerian in 2007 and shared many adventures with him. After his death in 2013 she continued to embrace life by travelling across the country with sister Eleanor, nephew Dewey Lee and his wife Pat.

All who knew Mary Alice admired her zest for life, her sparkling personality and extreme warmth. She lived life to the fullest and made the most of the 100 years she had on this earth.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Capital City Hospice, https://capitalcityhospice.com/donate/ 

Friends may call at Newcomer Funeral Home, SW Chapel, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, OH (614-539-6166) on Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:00PM. Funeral service on Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Kevin Orr officiating at 1:00pm. Burial to follow at Sunset Cemetery, Galloway, OH.

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