Mary Frances (Perfater) Rockett

Mary Frances Perfater Rockett was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on February 25, 1948. She attended Hueytown High School and later graduated from the nursing program at UAB. An Episcopalian throughout her life, Mary lived with a kind and generous heart.

Mary was a fun-loving soul who embraced life with warmth and enthusiasm. She loved reading, music, dancing, and traveling, treasured time spent with friends and family, and adored her grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy.

Mary's professional life included three unique and rewarding career chapters.

She began her career as a registered nurse, specializing in the operating room, and later moved into administrative leadership, helping open multiple outpatient surgery centers.

From there, she found success in real estate before concluding her career as Director of the Surgical Technician Externship Program at Virginia College, where she had the privilege of mentoring students and helping them launch successful healthcare careers. She had a passion for helping bridge the employment gap for graduating students and took great joy in her work.

Mary felt incredibly blessed by her final career opportunity. It gave her the privilege of helping others find meaningful career placement and build better lives after completing their education. It meant a great deal to her that many of her students remained in touch for years after beginning their professional careers, continuing to share their milestones, success, and affection for her as though she were a family member.

Her presence, smile, sense of humor, and love will be greatly missed by her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Nanny Buffington Perfater, and her sister Dora Perfater.

Mary leaves behind her son, Grant Rockett (Kristin), grandchildren, Sara James & Banks Rockett.

The family will celebrate her life on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. The family will conclude with a private graveside