Mary Ann Beverly Everett

Mary Ann Beverly Everett, 98, of Titusville, FL, passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2022.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, in Hartsfield Cemetery in Hartsfield, GA with Mr. Dykes Everett delivering the eulogy.  In addition, a gathering for Mary's family and friends will be held in the near future in Titusville.

Nearly a century ago in the small Southwest Georgia town of Bay, Mary Ann Beverly was born to Lanie Smith and James Howard Beverly on September 27, 1924. Mary quickly became the adored center of attention of her six loving older siblings, who took pleasure in indulging the baby of the family and helping ensure her rural childhood was idyllic.

In 1943, at the age of 19, Mary married her brother Wilburn's best friend, Roy Hartford Everett Jr., who soon thereafter entered World War II active military service.

Mary and Roy's life as a young married couple took them on adventures to various locales, including stints in Texas and Ohio. In 1961, they moved to Florida, settling first in Titusville while they built their forever home in Mims. Other than playing with her grandchildren when they were small, nothing brought Mary more joy than working in her flower garden, tending her citrus trees, and simply enjoying her family and her quiet Florida life. Mary and Roy were married 63 years, until his death.

Mary was a "giver" -- a kind and selfless soul who spent the majority of her life lavishing love and care on those around her. She also had a playful side. With a twinkle in her eye, she once admitted that she'd secretly keep treats in her pocket for family dogs so they'd like her "best". Those who knew her (including the dogs) were fortunate to be a part of her life.

She surprised everyone when, after her children were grown, she obtained a commercial driver's license and began driving a big yellow school bus for Brevard County schools. She drove the school bus for several years, and for the rest of her life the popular Mrs. Everett was greeted warmly by now-grown adults who recognized her and said: "Do you remember me? You drove my school bus!" Of course, she remembered every one.

Mary was raised in the Methodist faith and later attended services and Sunday School at the Baptist Church. A little known fact is that Mary was second cousin to former First Lady Rosalyn Smith Carter.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Roy (in 2006) and his five siblings (who were like siblings to Mary as well) in addition to her own six siblings: James, Evelyn, Fred, Crittenton, Olin, and Wilburn; and grandson Hartford.

Survivors include her children and grandchildren, who brought her so much joy and pride: devoted daughter Cathy Everett, son Dykes Everett (Lisa Simonton), grandsons James Everett (Allison Lane) and Chase Everett, and many, many nieces and nephews and their families, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Much gratitude is owed to the kind people at Southern Living home in Titusville, who gave Mary tender, loving care in her final few years.

We offer thanksgiving for the life Mary led and the family she raised. Mary will be laid to rest at the family plot in Hartsfield, Georgia, next to her beloved husband and in the company of family and friends who predeceased her.