Mary Alice Massey

MARY ALICE MASSEY passed peacefully in her home in Jacksonville, FL on February 19 at the age of 87. She was born on August 29, 1936 in Atlanta, GA. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Robert Massey, son Richard Massey, her parents Leslie and Frances Porter, and brothers Bill and Charlie Porter. She is survived by her sons Robert Massey, Jr. (Loretta) and David Massey and grandchildren Brian Massey and Nicole Massey, sister-in-law Gloria Porter and a host of loving family and dear friends.

Her family moved to the Jacksonville area in 1938. She graduated from Landon High School in 1954 and attended Stetson University, majoring in voice and business. She received a Doctorate in Humane Letters from Bethune-Cookman College in 2006.

She married her high school sweetheart, Bob Massey, in l955 and raised three sons. She and Bob traveled extensively, most frequently enjoyed the western North Carolina mountains. They also boated and golfed together. They enjoyed memberships at San Jose CC, the Florida Yacht Club, The River Club and the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. Mary Alice and Bob were blessed to have had many close friends with which they socialized regularly. Many of those friendships are still enjoyed by the next generation.

Mary Alice lived a life of service to her family and church and community. She was a devoted wife, and immersed herself in raising her children finding joy in being partners with them every step of the way. She engaged with their schools and attended their sporting events. President of the PTA. Supervised the school boy patrol. Board member at Jacksonville Episcopal High School and the Duke University Divinity School.

She dedicated her talents to Southside Methodist Church for five decades as a member of the choir and as an adult Sunday school teacher. She also served as a prayer warrior, Stephen minister, board chair and held various offices of her chapter and district of the United Methodist Women. She also served in a multitude of Methodist leadership positions in the Jacksonville district and the Florida, General and Jurisdictional conferences. These roles led her to travel to Lake Junaluska, NC for annual retreats; Homestead, FL after hurricane Andrew; international conferences in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Brighton, England; and Mutare, Zimbabwe to open Africa University.

Mary Alice’s service to the community was extensive and continuous. President of Hendricks Avenue Elementary PTA. Episcopal School of Jacksonville Board of Trustees. Hope Haven Children’s Clinic Board Chair. Duke University Divinity School Board of Visitors member and member Emeritus. Wesley Manor Board member. Methodist Medical Center Board member. Bethune-Cookman College Trustee, Board secretary and College Advancement Committee Chair. Florida Southern College Board of Trustees. Life Member of the PTA. Life Member of the Jacksonville Garden Club. San Jose Ladies Golf Association member and treasurer. United Methodist Higher Education Foundation member and Distinguished Emeritus.

In sum, Mary Alice was not only an exceptionally devoted wife and mother. She was a leader, while being intent on listening to others. She was a peacemaker with exceptional grace and finesse. The faith instilled in her at an early age served her well throughout her years leading her to have a huge heart for serving others.

Last, but certainly not least, the care that Mary Alice received from the “angels” from Visiting Angels was a blessing to her and her entire family is very thankful.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 2pm at Southside Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Donations to Southside Methodist Church would honor Mary Alice’s dedication to God and her faith and service to her community.