Mary Elizabeth Willis

Mary Elizabeth Willis, age 94, of St. Augustine, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2024. She was born on December 13, 1929, in Montgomery, Alabama, to the late Willie C. Tarver and Mary Magdalene Tarver. Mary moved to St. Augustine in 1931, where she spent the majority of her life. She was a dedicated member of Grace United Methodist Church since Easter of 1952, offering her talents and time in service to others. Mary was a lifelong educator, teaching kindergarten, civics, and adult typing. She served in the St. Johns County Teachers Association, and as a district officer in the ADK Teachers Sorority. Her passion for education extended beyond the classroom, as she mentored students, interns, and college students, always encouraging them to grow and learn. Her great gift was the ability to teach little children. She retired from the St. Johns County School system at age 70. A passionate advocate for knowledge, Mary was valedictorian of her high school class and pursued her interests at Florida State University, participating in the band and the circus, graduating in 1951. Her love of learning was evident in everything she did, and she shared this enthusiasm with everyone around her. Mary expanded her love of learning by becoming a world traveler, including a National Geographic tour of world heritage sites. Throughout her life, Mary was a member of various organizations, including the St. Johns County Education Association (SJEA), National Education Association (NEA), the Cancer Society, and the St. Johns County Democratic Committee (as treasurer). She also served as treasurer for a non-profit educational corporation and remained active in meditation practices. She was a founding member of the St. Augustine Archaeological Association. She served for 20 years as an elected commissioner for Anastasia Mosquito Control District. Mary's love for her family and her commitment to making the world a better place were the cornerstones of her life. She was a nurturing teacher who instilled in children a love for God, nature, and the world around them. She enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren, passing on her knowledge of the earth and its beauty. She also dedicated time to supporting her church, the cancer society, teachers, and students, always striving to make a positive impact on those she encountered. Mary lived a rich and fulfilling life, dedicated to her family, her faith, and her community. A beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she is survived by her children Suzanne Dixon, Cindy Ebersold (Lee), both of St. Augustine and Thomas Willis (Liz) of Cocoa. She is survived by her grandchildren Gabrielle "Gabbi" Willis, Leah Willis, Cooper Willis, John David Dixon, Stephen Dixon, and Elizabeth Dixon, along with great-grandchildren Conor, Caelinn, and Ciaran. She was preceded in death by her daughter Penny Lou Willis Wools. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at St. Johns Family Funeral Home with Father Tom Willis officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Mary's honor to Grace United Methodist Church, the St. Augustine Archaeological Association Eugene Lyon Education Fund, or a charity of your choice. Mary’s legacy will live on through her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Elizabeth Willis

December 13, 1929 - November 21, 2024