Mary Lee Buggage

Mary Lee Buggage née Grant, 97 years, of Tallahassee Florida, transitioned on Monday, February 10, 2025 after a long and joyful life. Mary Lee was born July 16, 1927 to David Abraham Grant and Patsy Lee Lindsey, of Leon County, Tallahassee Florida. The sixth of eight children, Mary Lee was predeceased by her parents and the Grant children: Emma Lee Patterson (1918-2008) of Brooklyn, NY, Sally Mae Brown of El Paso, TX (1920-2008), Amelia Lee Manuel of Tampa, FL (1922-2010), Dorothy Mae Walker of Cleveland, OH (1923-2009), “Ann” Annie Lee Johnson of Los Angeles, CA (1926-1982), David Grant, Jr (1935-1943) of Tallahassee, FL, and Charley Grant of Tallahassee, FL (1937-2012). Mary Lee was the last of her generation to remain among siblings and cousins.

Mary Lee moved to California in 1956. Her sister Ann had gone there before and Mary followed with their niece Cornelia (Maeola Simmons), it seemed like a good place to create a life. She made friends, started a family and finished the education she had begun at Florida A&M College. She along with Ann tried working in the medical field as a Nursing Assistant, as their older sisters had found fulfillment in this area. Soon, the Grant sisters found other things to do. Mary applied to LA City College in 1967, resuming her studies and graduated in January 1969 with an Associates in Arts in Nursery School Education. Before continuing her studies at CA State College, Dominguez Hills, she found employment with Compton Unified School District at a Child Care Center on Tajauta Avenue in 1970.

Not one to rest on her laurels Mary bought a home for her growing family in Los Angeles in 1971 for the huge sum of $16,450. Once she set down roots, she purchased a Ford Falcon Station-wagon and began traveling by car across the US. The annual trips east, to visit home and various relatives were legendary. There were the Lindsey Family Reunions, and visits to relatives other than Lindsay descendants.

Deeply religious, her father David Grant was a Methodist minister, Mary and her family first established membership with the Second African Methodist Episcopal congregation before joining the Normandie Avenue Seventh Day Adventist church with her children in 1972. As a member she was well integrated in the activities of the church. She served as a children’s Sabbath School teacher at church where her dramatic storytelling captured the imaginations of both the young and old alike, and a kindergarten teacher at Lynwood SDA Academy. She participated in the Pathfinders youth group, enjoying camping, athletics and various other activities.

Not to be content with all things spiritual, she continued her education. She received her Bachelor’s degree and Teaching Credential from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 1972. LA Unified School District hired her as an elementary school teacher. To work near her young children, she was given the choice to work at the local high school, an accommodation that required her to become certified in Special Education. After her retirement in 1994 from Locke High School as a Special Education Instructor, Mary Lee decided it was time to return to home. Home meant returning to Florida. She had retained her active faith-life by joining the congregation of Maranatha SDA of Tallahassee, FL. Well respected by her community and well loved by her close and extended family, Mary Lee Buggage née Grant had devoted her life to education and religious conviction, familial relations, and to those she loved she will ever be missed.

GENERATIONS

Children: C Rhuné Buggage, Edith Constance (Davis) Buggage, Dwayne Lawrence Buggage and Ronald Ricardo Buggage, MD.

Grandchildren: Gueyshena M. Nicole Settle, Tae-Elise M. Rhuné (Settle) Bell, KaSaundra Te’Erika Buggage, Derrick LaMont Davis Jr., KaShauna Te’Neice Davis, KaSherika Te’Nae Davis, Jerry Lee Foster.

Great-grandchildren: Semaj Asa Graham, Quantae Allen (2000-2000), Anaeh Graham, Nefertiti Grace Smith, Taequan Allen, Na’Maiya Smith, DeJaneiro McDaniel, Dwaron Smith, Ahmad Graham, Tioni Toney, AnJaiya Peters, Amelia Peters, Khidonnie Irving, Prince Tynese Bell, Sir Terian Bell, Dominic Davis, Demetre Davis, Tyrone Bell Jr., Sincere Lee Foster, Khassiyah Irving, Nyra Carter, Princess Trinity Bell, Leilani Smith and Heaven Lee Foster

Great-great-grandchildren: Journiie Harris, Dream Elias

A visitation for Mary will be held Friday, February 21, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32312. A funeral service will occur Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32312. An entombment following the service will occur Saturday, February 22, 2025 at MeadowWood Memorial Park, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32312.