Mary Alice Ghent (Babee), was born November 23, 1930 to the late Rufus and Mary Ghent. Mary received her education in the Madison County public school system. Most of Mary’s employment included caregiving, domestic partnerships and hairdresser for many of her family, friends and neighborhood loved ones. Mary confessed and accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age with a membership at Jeslamb AME Church. On Wednesday morning, July 6, 2016, she transitioned from this earthly life to be with her Heavenly Father.
Her parents, Rufus and Mary Ghent; her brothers: Otis, Frank and Nathaniel Ghent; her sister, Jenyethel Brown; and her sons, Nathaniel and Leroy all preceded her in death.
Precious memories will remain in the hearts of her loving and devoted daughter, Elizabeth Hodge and Son in “Love” of 34 years, William (Jr.) Hodge; three grandchildren: Byron Robinson, of Altanta, Ga.; Savetra (Willie “Capp”) Williams, of Tallahassee; and Kameika (Henry) Straughter, of Madison, Fl.; eight great-grandchildren: Byron Robinson, Jr.; Natalya Dupree-Robinson; Justyce Mallory; Ashari and Ahmad Straughter; Alaina and Alanah Robinson and Adecyn Straughter; two brothers, Freddie (Victoria) Ghent, of Fort Pierce, Fl.; Willie (Barbara) Ghent, of Melbourne, Fl.; and two sisters, Julia (Archie) Nixon, of Fort Pierce, Fl., and Ruthie (Michael) Akins, of Madison, Fl. She also leaves never-ending memories for a special goddaughter, Evangelist Emma Barfield; a devoted caregiver Jacqueline Williams, and two endearing god-granddaughters, Jannah, of Jacksonville, Fl., and Laquona Givens, of Tallahassee, Fl., as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Nathaniel “Bootsie” Brown Ghent was born on August 10, 1949 to the late Mary Alice Ghent and Clifford Brown. He was educated in the Madison County public school system. He was further educated in the Job Corps of America and served in the military. Ghent resided in Belvidere, Il. for the remainder of his life. Nathaniel was cremated after his death on February 27, 2016 and will be laid to rest with his mother, Mary Alice Ghent on Saturday, July 16, 2016.
Homecoming service for Mary and Nathaniel Ghent will be held on Saturday, July 16, at the Begg's Chapel at 11 a.m., with Dr. Mark Crutcher officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 15, from 5 p.m. through 7 a.m., also at the Begg's Chapel located at 235 NW Orange Avenue, in Madison.
Begg's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (850) 973-2258. You may send your condolences to the family by visiting the website at www.beggsfuneral.com.