Rooney Maharrey

Rooney Maharrey

Tupelo- Rooney Maharrey peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025. She was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on August 30, 1936, to Fred S. Anderson and Susie Mae High Anderson. Although named Martha Sue Anderson at birth, she was affectionately known as “Rooney” by family and friends.

Rooney graduated from Tupelo High School in 1954 and subsequently attended Itawamba Junior College, where she humorously noted her major was “Playing Rook.”

On September 28, 1956, she married Billy Wayne Maharrey at Bissell Baptist Church.

In their early years as a couple, Rooney and Billy Wayne lived in Shannon, Mississippi, where they forged many lasting friendships and welcomed their first two children. In 1962, the family returned to Tupelo, settling on the hill at the site of her family’s farm, where they welcomed another son and where Rooney would spend the remainder of her life. Rooney worked for many years as a collector for Sears, Pathology Associates, and Renasant Bank, from which she retired in 1998.

During her retirement, Rooney enjoyed camping across the United States with Billy Wayne at the wheel. Known for her engaging conversational skills, she made friends easily and developed a passion for board and card games and throwing washers. She and her brother Buddy played Scrabble weekly for nine years, totaling 1,872 intense games. Rooney also enjoyed a good game of Hand and Foot, continuing to play every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon in her later years. Renowned for her baking skills, especially chocolate pies and pound cakes inspired by her mother, Susie Mae, she generously shared these with family and friends.

Rooney is survived by her children, Michael Maharrey and his wife, Shelly, Phyllis Dye, and Mark Maharrey and his wife, Dana. She was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren, Zeb Maharrey, Micah Monaghan and wife, Courtney, Ian Nichols and husband, Jeremiah, Hannah Maharrey, Jade Maharrey and husband, Cody Jordan, Marley Maharrey and husband, Chase Michael, Patrick Maharrey, Matthew Maharrey and wife, Cassandra, and Carter Maharrey.

Additionally, she is survived by five great-granddaughters: Grace, Mae, and Ivy Monaghan, and Maci and Maggie Nichols. Rooney is also survived by her brother Bill Anderson and wife Sue, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Rooney in death were husband, Billy Wayne; son-in-law, Ken Dye; parents; sister, Dorothy Austin; and brother, Thomas “Buddy” Anderson.

A devoted Christian, Rooney worshipped at Brewer Methodist Church in earlier years and was a member of Harrisburg Baptist Church, where she was fondly known as the “Candy Lady.” At the time of her passing, she was attending All Saints Episcopal Church. Rooney was also a member of North Mississippi Walk to Emmaus 274.

Visitation will be 5 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Pegues, Tupelo with an additional hour of visitation starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Pegues, Tupelo.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues with Father Phillip Parker and Rev. Milton Whatley officiating. A private graveside service will follow at Lee Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sanctuary Hospice, PO Box 2177, 5159 West Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38803.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.