Mary Alice Vredenburg

Mary, was born in Anderson, SC to William Oscar Hawkins and Minnie Pauline Wilbanks Hawkins on January 3, 1936. She always bragged about being the first baby born in Anderson County in 1936. She graduated from Anderson High and earned a degree in Cosmetology. She Married Kenneth Vredenburg on November 7, 1959 in Anderson, SC. She worked for years as a beautician, then after moving to Florida, she worked in Daycare as a teacher and a cook. She worked at both Kiddieland and Palma Ceia Academy for over 30 years. She was a dedicated Marine Corps wife for the 30 years her husband served. Being a Wife, Mother, Grandma and Gigi, were her most treasured roles. Family was everything to her and she will never truly know what a Blessing her love, kindness, and gentle spirit brought to anybody who was lucky enough to know her.

Mary is preceded in death by Her parents, her husband Ken, her sisters, Viola, Etrulia and Virginia and her brothers, Fred and Paul. Her sweet niece Beth Shirly and her beautiful Great-Granddaughter Brooke.

Mary is survived by her daughter Paula Roman and her husband, Mary’s “Son” Daniel. Her Wonderful sister Sue Phillips and her husband Leland. Her Granddaughters, Tara Nestor, Autumn Nuttall and her Husband Andrew and Samantha Zara and her husband Michael. Her Great Grandchildren Ava Rodriguez, Raegan and Noah Smith and Enzo and Gabriel Zara. Her Niece Kathy Phillips Fletcher and Nephew Rick Phillips and his wife Beth. Several Great nieces and nephews who are all dearly loved. And the Extended Vredenburg, Roman, Thubet and Dawkins families whom she spent many wonderful times with making beautiful memories that she treasured.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Roman, Mikey Roman, David Roman, Sean Dawkins, Kenneth Thubet, Jeremy Thubet.

A visitation will occur on Saturday July 5, 2025 at 10am at Blount & Curry Funeral Home Garden of Memories (4207 E. Lake Ave, Tampa FL 33610) with funeral services at 11am. Burial to follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery.

The family of Mary wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Laurence Neufeld who took wonderful care of both Mary and Ken for decades. He was not only their doctor, but is also family to us. Mom used to always say “Stay cool” and I love you whenever she saw him. We appreciate all you did for her.