Mary Lee Durrett

Mary Lee Durrett of Orlando, Florida passed away on September 12, 2025, at the age of 95. She was born on July 26, 1930, in Accomack County Virginia where she grew up. She graduated from Goldey Business College, Delaware, in 1949 with an associate’s degree. After college she worked as a secretary for the US Navy at Wallop’s Island, Virginia, where she met her future husband, George Durrett, a dashing Navy pilot. Mary and George married on 8/18/1956 in Bloxom, VA and moved to Alabama, where George grew up. After George Jr and Renee were born, the family moved to Florida to obtain care for George Jr, who was diagnosed with Autism.

Mary Lee loved to socialize and dress up. In her younger days, she and George liked to go out to dinner, which included dancing. She was actively involved with the First Baptist Church of Winter Park, Florida. When she was able, she participated in Bible study and regularly met church friends for lunch.

She was preceded in death by her husband George Sr., her son, George Jr., and her brother, James Jackson Byrd Sr. (who she called Jack). She is survived by her daughter, Renee, her sister through marriage, Betty Byrd, and many nieces and nephews with extended family: James Jackson Byrd Jr. (Phyllis), Eleanor Webster (Bill), Diana Haas (Dave), Robert Byrd (Joan), and Tricia Byrd (John Hopkins).

Mary Lee was a strong, positive and independent woman with a kind and gentle soul. Her brilliant smile and musical laughter will be missed.

The family would like to thank Ponce Adult Family Care (Marcello Berenato, Carmen Berenato, and Mimi Gonzalez) for the care and compassion they showed Mary throughout her whole stay and, especially, during her final days. The family would also like to thank her Winter Park neighbors (Terry and Joy Reilly and Shaula Mascaro). They were like family to her and helped her out in too many ways to list. Thanks also to her First Baptist Church friends who regularly visited her (Nancy Moore, Glen Gibson, Barbara Derry, Lady Pacheco, Marlene Ludwig, and Edie Stracener), and Guardian Care (Nadi Ramnarine and Alison Abbatantuono) who went above and beyond in managing her care.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at Glen Haven Memorial Park (2300 Temple Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789) on November 1, 2025, at 10 am. After the graveside service, friends and family are invited to gather for lunch at Terry and Joy Reilly's house at 7883 Broken Arrow Trail, Winter Park, FL 32792 to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her honor to First Baptist Church of Winter Park, Florida (https://firstwinterpark.com/give/).