Mary Veronica Blackburn

Mary was born March 29, 1933 in Essex, England in a small sea side town on the North Sea; Frinton-on-Sea.

She was the daughter of Albert and Gladys Broughton and had 3 sisters, Anne, Janet, (preceded in death), and Joan who survives her.

Mary met and married John Blackburn, a military man, while in England and then moved to the USA, where they had 2 children; John Markham and Sharon Roseann in San Antonio, TX. After a short tour back in England, they moved to Columbus MS, where Mary lived until moving to Florida.

Mary gained her citizenship for the USA. She worked in the HR office for 30 years and retired with NAF DoD in Columbus MS in 2003.

Mary was a strong independent woman who gave wholly with her heart. She was funny, witty and could tell you a story or more.

Mary was beautiful, had a beautiful smile and always loved seeing others smile!

Mary enjoyed dancing, walking, baking, basket-making, sewing, knitting and crocheting. She was a member of the British Birds, which gave her great friendship and much pleasure. She was a volunteer. She loved to travel, but mostly loved spending her time with friends and family.

She has 4 grandchildren, Jennifer, Veronica, Lyndsay and Robert.

She has 7 great grandchildren, who call her Grams; Abagail, Haley, Olivia, Stephen, Elizabeth, Madeline, and JT.

A time of gathering together to honor Mary will take place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 from 2-4pm at Blount and Curry Carrollwood located at 3207 West Bearss Ave. Tampa, FL. 33618. The family invites anyone to come prepared to share their favorite memory of Mary at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you to honor Mary by making a donation to Pasco Hospice or send a plant for her memory garden.

Mary would request everyone not wear black and to please feel free to wear resort casual with color.