Mary Edna Cantrell Leffew

Mary Edna Cantrell Leffew Mary Edna Cantrell Leffew died Friday, March 12, 2010 at Haven Hospice in Chiefland, FL. She was 83 years old. She was a long-time resident of the Fowler's Bluff Community, where she and her late husband, Richard F. Leffew, retired. Mary was born Oct. 26, 1926, in Atlanta, GA and grew up in Smyrna, GA. She was a member of the pioneer Cantrell, Eaton and Kinard families who had lived there since before the Civil War. In the mid-1950s, Mary moved with her husband and children to St. Petersburg. There she worked for many years as a banker for First National Bank, Bank of Florida, and SunTrust Bank, among others. She started as the head of Central File at First National and retired as a vice president in the mortgage department at SunTrust. Mary was a former president of the St. Petersburg chapter of American Business Women's Association (ABWA) and was active in other community organizations. She was a member of First Baptist Church in St. Petersburg and faithfully attended Fowler's Bluff Baptist Church. She was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of St. Petersburg College and as well as a graduate of several professional banking degree programs. While a resident of Fowler's Bluff, Mary devoted herself to many community groups and served as vice president of the Fowler's Bluff Volunteer Fire Department, the Fowler's Bluff Water Department and an organization she helped found, the Concerned Citizens of Fowlers Bluff. The group's mission was to maintain the unique way of life in the pristine community on the banks of the Suwannee River. Mary was cherished by her neighbors and friends who appreciated her dedication to the Bluff. Everyone referred to her as "Miss Mary" and affectionately dubbed her the "Queen of the Bluff." Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Richard in 1999. Also preceding her were her sister and brother-in-law, Hazel and Dutch Franklin of Marietta, GA; her brother and sister-in-law, Hank and Betty Cantrell of Ranger, GA; her brother and sister-in-law, Olin and Sue Cantrell of Marietta, GA; and, her sister-in-law, Marie Cantrell of Marietta. Mary is survived by her brother, Martin and his wife, Nell Cantrell, of Acworth, GA; her sister-in-law and her husband, Mary Ann and Renza Meek, Woodstock, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Fielding Cooley of New Smyrna Beach, FL; son, Robert Olin Leffew of Fowler's Bluff; grandsons Guyte McCord IV (Shelly Bayne) of New York City, Lawrence Dryden (Selina Workman) of Kissimmee, Bianca French (Adam) of Lake Butler, Forest Leffew, USN, Washington State, Alex Leffew, USAF of Italy, Benjamin Richard Manley, Tallahassee; and Coral Mary Leffew, Ashland, OR. She is also survived by six great- grandchildren, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Mary was a remarkable person, a child of the Great Depression who made her way through those terrible times to a successful life. In an era when women did not work outside the home, Mary pursued her career with zeal. In a different time and place, she might well have been a corporate leader - such was her drive and her tremendous intelligence. Mary was scrupulously honest. She loved her family, her friends and her Lord and was loved back by all equally. A woman of great strength, courage and character, Mary will be in our hearts forever. Visitation for Ms. Leffew will be held on March 15, 2010 from 6:00-8:00 pm EDT at Knauff Funeral Home-Chiefland. Funeral services will be held on March 16, 2010 at 11:00 am EDT at Knauff Funeral Home-Chiefland, with Pastor Eddie Hatch officiating. Interment is to follow at Chiefland Cemetery. Family has asked that in lieu of flowers, to please make donations to Haven Hospice, 311 NE 9th Street, Chiefland, FL 32626 Arrangements are under the care of Knauff Funeral Home-Chiefland.