Mary Herbert Sugg Williams of Niceville, Florida, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who will long be remembered for her humble and gentle nature, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 28th, 2023. She was 85 years old.
Mary was proceeded in death by her husband, Irvin Duane (Bill) Williams. She is survived by her daughters Dana Anderton Miller (Don) of Houston, Texas, Michelle Anderton Grove (Paul) of Tampa, Florida, her grandchildren Taylor Miller Turner (Alex) of Dallas, Texas, John Donelson “Jack” Miller of Houston, Texas, and her great-granddaughter Margaret Frances Turner of Dallas, Texas.
Mary was a native of Nashville, Tennessee, and told countless stories of her childhood there with her extended Herbert and Sugg families. From her earliest years, Mary valued education. She attended Ross Elementary School and East High School. She graduated from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville and then earned her MBA from the University of Memphis and her Ph.D. from Ohio State University. A devoted educator who thrived when surrounded by young people, Mary was a college professor at Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) and taught Distributive Education and Fashion and Merchandising for over 20 years.
Mary was profoundly proud of her daughters Dana and Michelle and their families. She was a source of constant kindness and relentless support to her children and grandchildren lovingly encouraging them to continue growing, caring and making the world a better place.
Mary and her husband Bill enjoyed a full life with many adventures and great happiness before ultimately retiring in Niceville, Florida in 1991. Prior to Bill’s death in 2012, they enjoyed visiting Henderson Beach State Park, walking on the boardwalk and admiring the beautiful ocean and sea life. Mary also had a passion for the military, especially because Bill had served in the Navy for 21 years. In addition to an abiding love for and interest in people, Mary adored animals and the wonders of the natural world.
Mary was a lifelong learner who also made and kept lifelong friends. She loved to learn, to teach, to study and to pass her endless curiosity on to others. Although she was a source of knowledge for so many, she gained her greatest happiness from learning from and being with others.
Mary’s family is grateful to the staff and residents of Hudson Manor in Tampa, Florida who made her life so much fun in her final year. Donations in her memory can be made to The Salvation Army of Dallas, Texas, salvationarmynorthtexas.org, The EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Warrior Foundation of Niceville, Florida, or to the charity of your choice.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on March 23rd, 11 am central time at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2084 Wilson Pike Franklin, TN 37067
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