Mary Elizabeth Brown passed away at her home Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018 just shy of her 84th birthday. She was born Jan. 19, 1934 in Monticello, to the late Reuben and Mary Hartsfield Brown. She was the step-daughter of Alan Lightsey, whom her mother married after the passing of her father.
Mary graduated from Aucilla School as Valedictorian then learned Shorthand and worked in Tallahassee for the State of Florida as an Administrative Assistant. After retirement she returned to Monticello to care for her mother and step-father.
Mary’s life centered around her church and family. She was a wonderful example of a true Christian servant. As a child, she was a member of Elizabeth Baptist Church in Monticello and sang in the choir and taught Children’s Sunday School when she was older. Upon moving to Tallahassee for her job, Mary joined East Hill Baptist Church then Northwoods Baptist Church, serving each in a variety of ways.
Mary re-joined Elizabeth Baptist Church when she moved back to Monticello serving as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, church clerk and pianist at different times. She was very active in the Women’s Missionary Union supporting the outreach ministries of the Church.
Mary is survived by first cousins Bubba Greene (Maria) of Madison, William Hartsfield (Mary) of Monticello, Charlotte Cantrell of Tallahassee and many members of the extended family. Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 13, at Elizabeth Baptist Church, 4124 Bassett Dairy Rd, Monticello, Fl. at 3 p.m. Visitation with the family will be at 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Following the service, interment will be at Elizabeth Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Ms. Brown’s wonderful caregivers over the last few years for their excellent care and the nurses and staff of Big Bend Hospice for their help during the past year. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Big Bend Hospice, Elizabeth Baptist Church or your charity of choice.