Mary Lou Leggett Trotter, 89, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at Cross City Rehab and Healthcare. Mary was born Apr. 10, 1928, to Charles Lamar Leggett, Jr. and Hampie Nancy Surrency Leggett.
She was born in Greenville, but at an early age, moved with her family to Gainesville, where she grew up, attended the First Baptist Church, and graduated from Gainesville High School in 1946. Mary began her higher education at Stetson University until the University of Florida (UF) accepted co-eds. Mary then graduated from UF with a degree in Education and English. She was one of four girls in the first graduating class of co-eds at UF. Mary met her husband, Lewis Trotter, at UF after World War II. They married in 1949, and after Lewis' graduation, they moved to Pensacola for a few years. Mary then moved to Lewis' home town, in Largo, where they raised their four children.
Mary Lou became a member of Seminole United Methodist Church and taught English in the Pinellas County School System. She sang and enjoyed touring with the Saint Petersburg Opera Guild. After retirement, Mary Lou and Lewis moved to their “River Place” on the Suwannee River, near Dowling Park, where she volunteered at the nursing home facility at the Advent Christian Village. Mary also attended the Advent Christian Church. Mary Lou has always loved music and singing. She loved playing the piano with family and friends singing along. She was involved and sang in the choirs of all the churches in which she was active. She loved and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 52 years, Lewis Guthrie Trotter; four older brothers: Charles Lamar Leggett III, Henry Hampton Leggett, Roy Woodrow Leggett and William Hyatt Leggett (Gwen); her son-in-law, Lawrence Dale Schallert; and lifelong friend, Imogene Cutts Clark.
Mary is survived by two daughters: Jennifer Trotter (Henry) Long, of Old Town and Mary Pat Trotter Schallert, of Seminole; two sons: Charles Robert Trotter, of Seminole and Lewis Gregory Trotter, of Live Oak; five grandchildren: Brenton C. Smith, of Old Town; Tyson A. (Heather) Smith, of Old Town; Shannon Marie Trotter, of Seminole; Lewis Gregory (Stephanie) Trotter Jr., of Live Oak; and Andrew Lawrence (Ashley) Schallert, of Seminole; step-grandchildren: Michael and Amanda; eleven great-grandchildren: Brittney, Kayla, Thomas, Ty, Kyndal, Mila, Weston, Leah, Jason, Christian and Aiden; three nephews: Henry (Candy) Leggett, of Micanopy; Bill J. (Jill) Leggett and Michael Leggett (Michelle), both of Jacksonville; and a host of other nieces and nephews.
Mary Lou's final stage of life was spent in the wonderful care of Cross City Rehab Healthcare, and Haven Hospice. Memorial contributions can be made to either institution. Services were held at Old Town United Methodist Church, on Monday, Feb. 19, at 11 a.m. A viewing was also held from 10 a.m to 11 a.m., at the church. Interment followed at New Harmony United Methodist Church at about 2:30 p.m. Daniels Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc were in charge of arrangements.