Mary obtained her degree from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama in Biology and Drama. She decided not to pursue a career on Broadway and married James A. Anchors on June 18, 1955 in Mobile at Government Street United Methodist Church.
After having four children and living in eight different states, the family settled in Vestavia Hills, Alabama for the rest of Mary's life. They attended Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church (VHUMC), where her passion for the theater was reignited with the establishment of the Parable Players. She enjoyed all of the different musical roles she was given, but her favorite was “The Spirit of Christmas Present” from the play “Scrooge.” It was her defining character on the stage as well as in life.
Mary taught Biology and Drama at McAdory High School for 27 years. She was beloved by her students and could command a football pep rally in full pads, uniform, and running in with the team. She was McAdory Teacher of the Year several times and believed that teaching and learning should be fun.
Mary had several nicknames throughout her life- Miz A, Mary Lou, and Mary O. But to her family, she is best known as Doodle and she loved everyone. And to quote “The Spirit of Christmas Present”- “Why? Because I like life!”
Mary was predeceased by her husband, James Allen Anchors; her parents, Walker Dewey Taylor Sr. and Mary Odette Burgoyne Taylor; and brothers, Walker Dewey Taylor Jr. and Hiram Burgoyne Taylor.
Survivors include Mary's sons, Robert James Anchors (Judy), David Taylor Anchors (Denise), and Donald Allen Anchors; one daughter, Leigh A. Delashaw (Don); grandchildren, Robert Chad Anchors, Katlin Anchors Newman, Cory James Anchors, Lauren Taylor Delashaw, Taylor Walker Anchors, and Hannah Grace Delashaw; step-grandchildren Mark Underhill and Kayla Underhill; great-grandchildren Ava Hope Newman, Asher Edward Newman, and Reagan Etta Anchors; step-great-grandchildren David Joseph, John Mark, and Anna Kate Underhill; sister-in-law Pat Taylor; niece Jane Taylor Shropshire; and nephew Hiram Burgoyne Taylor.
Visitation will be Sunday, July 7, 2019 at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church from 1:30-2:30 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 2:30 p.m. at the church. Interment at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to VHUMC Youth Department, VHUMC Choir Program, or to the McAdory High School Future Nurses of America group.
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