Mary Jane Massey

MASSEY, MARY JANE, 73, of Eustis left this earth for Heaven on Friday, September 19, 2008. She was the youngest of eight children born to Barney Dillard Jr. and T.
Agness Wainright Dillard, they were both children of pioneer families of Lake and Volusia Counties. They were also pioneer citrus growers and instilled the love of the land and citrus to their children. Mary Jane was born in Eustis and attended local schools, graduating from Eustis High School in 1953. Her mother instilled in her a love of God, art, dance, drama, vocal and piano. These joys were close to her heart all her life. She attended Massey Business College of Jacksonville. She met her husband Dick in 1954 after he pitched a "no hitter" against his home town of Dade City at a special game in Eustis for the Lake Orange League. At that time Dick was pitching for the Florida Gators and for the Eustis team in the Lake Orange League during the off season. It was love at first sight; they were married in 1955 and after pledging their love before God remained in love for 53 years. After her marriage she joined the Eustis Service League and the Camellia Garden Club and twice served as President of both, she took Ikebana classes in Socetsu to the 3rd degree. She inherited from her mother her love for growing and designing flowers. Mary Jane went to the 3rd degree of Reiki which she practiced in her later life. She was a member of the First Church of Christ of Eustis until leaving the area in 1985, at that time she joined The First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, of Vero Beach. She was active in her Church serving as Deacon, Elder and twice as Moderator. Most of all she enjoyed teaching her 4 thru 6th grade Sunday School Class each week. She tried to always keep on the "Full Armor of God." Dick and Mary Jane were both raised in and continued to be part of the Citrus Industry. After the hard freezes in Lake County they moved to Indian River in 1985. In the spring of 2006 they moved to Quemado, NM, to the high desert, which they loved. Due to Mary Jane's illness they returned to Eustis to be near family and treatment. Mary Jane is survived by her husband Richard D. (Dick) Massey, children, R.D. (Rick) Massey Jr. and wife Tera of the Altoona, FL area, Mary Kim George of Vero Beach, FL, Scott W. Massey and wife Kathy of Indiantown, FL, and Matthew D. Massey and wife Zina of Quemado, NM, grandchildren, Dillard George of Boca Raton, FL, Joseph Jones and Kara Jones of Vero Beach, FL, sisters, Vera D. Arborio andhusband Joseph of Grand Island, FL, and Barbara Dillard, widow of her brother G.M. (Jerry) Dillard of Eustis. She also leaves many loved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Emery, Murrell, Arlie D. Carter, Barney E. Dillard and Charles A. Dillard. The family requests those desiring direct memorials to The First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, 1927 27th Ave., Vero Beach, FL 32960. Memorial Services will be held in the Lake Eustis Christian Church (The First Church of Christ) on Thursday Sept. 26th at 4PM with Pastor J. Earl Morgan III, officiating. You may share your own special thoughts and memories by visiting hamlinhilbish.com. Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Directors 326 E. Orange Avenue, Eustis. 352-357-4193.