Mary Beth Chismore Wendland, 93, of Brandon, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025.

Mary Beth was born and raised in Solon, Johnson County, Iowa, the youngest of three daughters. When she was in ninth grade, her parents moved the family to Center Point, Iowa, where she graduated from Center Point High School in 1950.

Following high school, Mary Beth worked for three years to save money to attend Upper Iowa University. She graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and, while there, met the love of her life, Donald Walter Wendland. They were married on July 29, 1957, in Hawkeye, Iowa, and shared 67 wonderful years together.

A lifelong educator, Mary Beth taught nearly every grade level during her career, though her favorite was teaching first grade. Her kindness, patience, and dedication left a lasting impression on generations of students.

While in college, Mary Beth worked all four years in the athletic department, sparking her lifelong love of sports. After retiring in 1990, she and Don enjoyed traveling extensively, visiting many foreign countries by cruise ship.

The couple later moved to Waucoma, Iowa, to be near their siblings. After their loved ones passed, Mary Beth and Don returned to Mississippi, where they had raised their family during Don's working years — and where they could be closer to their three sons.

Mary Beth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don, and is survived by her three sons: Don Jr. (Leslie, Hannah, and Kaitlyn), Brad, and Jay (Deborah) Wendland.

A memorial service will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Clinton, Mississippi, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation beginning 1:00 p.m. before the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made directly to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, located at 1799 Clinton Raymond Road, Clinton, MS 39056.