Mary B. Respress

Mary B. Respress, age 99, passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at the Lake Wales Medical Center of age related conditions. Mary was born on December 24, 1910 in New Hope Community, Holmes County, Florida. As a child and teenager Mary's family cleared and farmed a five mule farm of 100 acres in New Hope. Mary, her husband and children moved to Frostproof in 1953 from New Hope.

After moving to Frostproof, Mary worked in the citrus processing industry for over thirty years, first at Donald Duck in Lake Wales and later at Ben Hill Griffin Inc. in Frostproof. After being laid off from Ben Hill Griffin Inc. at the age of 70, she was a caregiver for several elders in Frostproof for over 10 years. She was a member of Southside Baptist Church in Frostproof. She enjoyed her family, friends and working in her yard in younger years.

Mary was preceded in death by her three brothers, her first husband, Comer Cullifer, son, Loy Mac Cullifer and second husband, Henry Respress. She is survived by her and Henry's children, Shirley Garza, Bill Respress (Linda) and Carolyn Milton (Larry); grandchildren, David, Tammy, Todd, Jenni, Scott and Greg; and fourteen great-grandchildren. Mary was lovingly called "Old Granny" by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held 2:00 PM, Sunday, April 18, 2010 at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Frostproof. A reception will follow at the family's residence.

Memorial gifts may be made in her name to Habitat for Humanity, East Polk County, Frostproof Chapter, 3500 Recker Highway, Winter Haven, FL 33830 or Macular Degeneration Research.

To view the webcast of her service, click the link below:
http://webcasts.lifetributes.com/132865