Mary J. Dame, 78, of Granite City, IL, passed away on Tuesday, July 21st, 2026, in Edwardsville, IL. 

Mary was born on October 6th, 1947, in Red Oak, Iowa, to parents, Harold Fulkerson and Dorothy (Woods) Fulkerson. She earned her master's degree then went on to teach English at Granite City High School, where she later retired from. Reading was a lifelong passion of hers, so being able to share that joy with her many students was a true gift. She was a devoted parishioner of the First United Presbyterian Church in Granite City, as well as a proud member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood

Preceding Mary in death are her parents, Harold and Dorothy Fulkerson; husband, Dallas Dame; sister, Ann Fulkerson; and a grandson, Jake Thrane. Surviving Mary are her son, Eric (Kim) Thrane; grandsons, Brady Thrane and John Thrane; as well as numerous extended family members. 

To honor Mary's wishes, she will be cremated with a memorial service to be held on Thursday, August 6th, 2026, at Sunset Hill Funeral Home at 11:00 AM. Inurnment will immediately follow the service. 

The family is being served by Sunset Hill Funeral Home, 50 Fountain Drive, Glen Carbon, IL, 62034.