Mary Busbee Anton

Mary Busbee Anton, age 96, of Brandon, Mississippi, died peacefully on April 1, 2024. Her daughters were with her. She had, the day before, celebrated a glorious Easter church service; enjoyed brunch there visiting with her many friends; and later that afternoon being with her cherished grandchildren and family. It was a near perfect day. As Mary would have said and often did, "God is good!"

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Milton F. Anton (McComb, Mississippi); parents, Myrtice Gautney and Harley Mack Busbee of Clear Springs, Florida; loving sister Perrine Barlow (Nicholas); her first set of twin brothers Harley Mack Busbee, Jr. (Eva Rae Plant) and Harvey Busbee (Wynell Perkins); her second set of twin brothers Kenneth Busbee (Elaine) and Kurtis Busbee. She is survived by her children Harley F. Anton (Margaret), Angela A. Sacher (Barton, deceased), and Tina A. White (Thomas); her beloved grandchildren Andrew R. White, Anna R. White, and Joseph Sacher (Gina); and her beloved great grandchildren Chloe Sacher and Emma Sacher. She also cherished her many surviving nieces and nephews.

Mary grew up in Clear Springs, a rural community in northwest Florida (the Panhandle). Life was simple and good. Her family ate plentifully from their large garden even during the Depression. Her long and healthy life was aided by eating organically before anyone knew what that meant! Unfortunately, her father was killed when Mary was 4. Her mother became sole provider for the large family with a remarkable seemingly inexhaustible strength. Despite the hard years that followed her father's death, Mary and her siblings continued to thrive in their close-knit and God-loving community.

Mary attended Clear Springs Preschool/Elementary and Paxton Middle/High School. She was valedictorian of her class graduating in 1945, while working 2 or 3 jobs to help support her family. Precious spare time was spent at nearby beautiful beaches. After high school, Mary enlisted in the Army Cadet Corp and was sent to nursing school at Providence Hospital, Mobile, Alabama. She graduated summa cum laude as an RN in 1948.

Her plan when entering nursing school had been to assist in WWII, but happily the war ended and Mary was instead employed by DePaul Mental Hospital, New Orleans. In New Orleans, she met her future husband Milton who was studying law at Tulane. After his graduation and a short time in McComb, Mississippi, his career with State Farm Insurance Company took them to Birmingham, Alabama. Upon his retirement, they settled in Niceville, Florida. They enjoyed the beautiful Panhandle beaches, their family in the area, and many new friends for 16 years. Mary had taken into her home and cared for sick and dying relatives and friends repeatedly throughout her lifetime. She so appreciated this time during Milton's retirement to spend with him and friends.

While in Niceville Mary had joined PEO, a women's philanthropic organization that works to provide educational opportunities for women. She continued that important work for the rest of her life, while enjoying the camaraderie of her PEO sisters. Education was so important to both Mary and Milton. Their last move would be to Brandon, Mississippi, to be close to their grandchildren, whom they had the pleasure of watching grow up and become mature, educated, delightful young adults.

Mary was always deeply involved in their church. In Brandon, Mary spent many meaningful and happy hours at St. Peters by the Lake Episcopal Church. She was chair of the altar guild, as she had been at previous churches. When her children were small, they believed that everyone had freshly washed and drying church vestments spread out on their dining room table.

Memorial services will be held at St. Peter's by the Lake Episcopal Church, Brandon, Mississippi, on Saturday June 8, 2024, at 11 o'clock in the morning. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Mary had a deep love of beautiful flowers. Thus, the family invites flowers to be sent to her memorial service.