She was born September 29, 1919 in Warsaw, North Carolina to Leroy and Eva Mathis. Mary was a Kindergarten and First Grade Teacher for many years. She and her husband Dean also founded and ran Camp Heronwood for boys in Winter Park for 25 years. She enjoyed golfing and gardening. She loved fishing and seeing the world.
She is survived by her daughter Marty Gary Slonaker of Westcliffe, Colorado; her brother, Harold Mathis of Warsaw, North Carolina; two grand children, Clinton Boyd of Canton, Mississippi and Marnie Williams of Apopka, Florida and six great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Dean Grove and her son, Dean Grove, Jr.
Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. with funeral services to follow at Lemon Bay Funeral Home with burial at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Winter Park, Florida.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to TideWell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, Florida 34238.
