Mary is a native of Tuscaloosa.

She graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Nursing in 1986. She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1989.  She is also a graduate of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyer’s College and the National Criminal Defense College.

Mary teaches Trial Advocacy at the University of Alabama School of Law.  She serves as vice president of the Tuscaloosa County Bar Association.  She is a member of the Alabama State Bar, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the Volunteer Lawyers Program.

Mary started a survivors of suicide support group in Tuscaloosa, and she presently serves as the secretary for the Alabama Chapter of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  Mary is the Chapter Advisor for the Zeta Chapter of Kappa Delta.  She also serves on the City of Tuscaloosa Personnel Board and the Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation Board.

Mary is a member of Northwood Church of Christ.