MARY JEFFCOAT

JEFFCOAT, MARY

Mary Jeffcoat, a long time Gainesville resident, passed away Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at the home of her daughter, in Altamonte Springs, Fl., after a lengthy illness. Mrs. Jeffcoat was born in Ocala, Fl., on Sept. 28, 1926, to the late Benjamin McKinney and Julia Rutland McKinney. She was reared in Rutland, Fl., in the community that was established by her grandfather, Mr. Jeff Rutland and his family. Following her graduation from nearby Wildwood High School, in Sumter County, Mrs. Jeffcoat attended The Florida State University (Florida State College for Women at the time). It was while in Tallahassee that she met and married her husband, Hubert, and moved to Gainesville. The Jeffcoats were the owners of Jeffcoat Signs on Main Street for many decades where they often worked together. During those years they raised their children, were active in the First Baptist Church, and again, together, contributed to many worthy causes in the community.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert, on Nov.15, 2012. Mrs. Jeffcoat is the mother of three children: Janis Jeffcoat (Brady Owen), Karen Gunter (George), and Craig Jeffcoat, and the grandmother of Lydia and Paige Gunter, of Altamonte Springs. She is also survived by sisters, Martha Jamerson of Crystal River, Fl., and Judy Parkinson of Marietta, Ga., and a brother, William Coleman resides in Gainesville. Fletcher (Bobby) McKinney, Betty McKinney Ellis, and Ruth Bush are siblings who preceded her in death along with her stepmother, Mary McKinney.

Mrs. Jeffcoat enjoyed various activities with her friends, including: playing Bridge, golfing, working with the Gainesville Woman's Club and the Eastern Star, and doing volunteer work for different organizations as the need arose. "Mary" will be missed by all the beneficiaries of her loving nature, fun spirit, and the kind approach she had to everything she did in life.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, January 14, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in the First Baptist Church of Gainesville, 14105 NW 39th Avenue, with Dr. John Fairless officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 NW 143rd Street.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

WILLIAMS-THOMAS WESTAREA

(352) 376-7556