Mary D. Seay made her transition into the next life on July 3, 2018 at the Margaret Dozier Hospice House. She succumbed to complications from dementia and a recent fall. Mary lived the last five years at Saint Augustine Plantation in Tallahassee, FL. She lived a full 101 years.
Mary Elise Dickenson was born April 9, 1917 in Shellman, GA to Thomas Erasmus Dickenson and Carrie Elise Balou Dickenson. The family moved to Quincy, FL when she was a young girl and her father owned a hardware store. A few years later the family moved to Ocala, FL where she spent most of her life.
Mary was a graduate of Florida State College for Women with a degree in education. She met her future husband, Johnny, when both were teaching at Reddick, FL. After eloping and getting married they returned to live in Ocala where Mary taught elementary school while raising their family.
She and Johnny had a summer home in North Carolina and loved spending time going to flea markets, crafts shows, and just enjoying the beautiful mountains. They were happily married for 73 years until his death in 2013.
Mary was devoted to her family, her friends, and her church. She was a dedicated wife, loving mother, and a friend who would do anything to help another. She was a traditional southern lady, with impeccable manners and a clear sense of what was right and what wasn’t. She gave devoted care to her parents and parents in law in their declining years.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Dr. Mary Beth Seay (Dee Shepherd) and Shirley Nelle Seay (Joe Keresztesi).
She was predeceased by her husband, John W. Seay; her parents; sister, Elizabeth Dickenson; and her beloved dog, Rexx.
Dementia may have stolen her memory but not her sweet spirit.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Mary on Sunday, July 8, 2018 at Unity of Tallahassee, 2850 Unity Lane in Tallahassee at 4 PM. Those wishing to make memorial contributions might consider the John W. and Mary D. Seay Scholarship Fund at the College of Central Florida. Attn: Coordinator, Resource Development, The Enterprise Center-202, 3001 S W College Rd., Ocala, FL 34474-4415.