Mary Thompson Earle was born in Oconee County on June 30, 1856 to Dr. James W. and Eliza Keith Earle.  Her family moved to Greenville after the Civil War. Mary was the only full graduate of the Greenville Baptist Female College in 1873.  

Mary met John Robert Plyler in 1882 while he attended Furman University (1881-1885). The Rev. Dr. James C. Furman married the couple on March 9, 1886. The couple lived in Travelers Rest 1891-1899, and then moved to Greenville. The couple had five children; Caroline Earle (1889-1955), James William (1891-1985), John Laney (1894-1966), Annie Earle (1896-1978), and Earle Keith (1897-1976).  All three sons graduated from Furman and served in WWI.  Caroline attended Greenville College for Women (1907), and Annie attended Greenville Female College (1914).

Mrs. J.R. Plyler died on May 31, 1926 in Greenville.