Mary Shuman Gonzales, 81, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away on September 12, 2021. Mary was born in Alachua, FL on September 30, 1939 to Otis Benson Shuman and Myrtice Scott Shuman.
She graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1958 where she received her high school diploma. Mary owned and operated a beauty shop for many years in Alachua County. She retired from J. C. Penney beauty salon after 20 years. She enjoyed gardening, baking, and spending time with her son, daughter-in-law and grandson. She was an avid Gator fan.
Mary is survived by her son, Phillip (Nancy) Gonzales of High Springs, FL; her grandson, Ethan (Bobbi) Gonzales of High Springs, FL; and her great-granddaughter, Bellamy Gonzales of High Springs, FL; 3 nephews, 2 nieces, and numerous friends.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, Otis and Myrtice Shuman; her son, Jason Clay Gonzales; and her sister, Jackie Mercer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. John’s Church, P O Box 1946, Alachua, FL 32616.
The funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at St. John’s Church, 26000 NW CR 239, Alachua, FL with burial to follow at St. John’s Church Cemetery, Alachua, FL
My sweet friend Mary spoiled me with her baking. I loved her sweets, such as her divinity candy. I ask one day for a class in making divinity.
She accommodated me and taught me her secrets. I will miss her lemon pie and pound cake but most of all I will miss Mary. Mary was a gentle charming woman and a good friend. Mary was apart of our “Lunch Bunch”. She enjoyed her friends and loved her family. She was excited about becoming a Great Grandmother for the first time. Mary looked forward to being closer to her family, when she decided to transition to assisted living. She would have loved her new adventure at “Plantation Oaks”. The last time I saw Mary was on September 11, 2021. Several of her friends brought wine and pizza to have a luncheon with good conversation, a good send off to High Springs along with good memories. We never dreamed it would be last time we would see our friend.
Mary, I thank you for being my friend. Your love of plants was a learning lesson for me. I “Thank You” for the painted tile picture of cats, which will always remind me of you. I will celebrate your life every time I raise a class of wine, eat pound cake, make divinity or watch your loved Florida Gators games.
I believe, that one day we will see one another again…Until then, please
keep me in your prayers as I will keep you in mine.
Olivia Sue Andrews
It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to my very dear friend Mary. We’ve shared so much through the years. So many fun things that made us laugh, and yes even a few sad things that made us cry. Thankfully there were many, many more fun things! It’s the day to day things that make friends truly close friends.
Mary had a tremendous knowledge & understanding of plants. Hillwood was a much prettier place because of her years of service on the Hillwood Landscape Committee. Thank you Mary! As an avid baker Mary delighted us all with her delicious recipes. We loved getting a call from Mary that she had just baked a goodie & wanted to share it with us. We were on our way. Mary had a deep love of family. She was so proud of each & every member of her family and always was able to point out what made each of them so special.
I could go on & on for it’s not easy to sum up a long time friendship in just a few sentences. But in the interest of all I will keep the rest in my heart & end by simply saying it’s been an honor & a privilege to know & love you Mary. I miss you!
Paula Bedard
Mary had many talents but there is one talent that not many people know about: she was a great matchmaker. Mary set up a “chance” meeting at Aunt Lanie’s house in Alachua with myself/Buell and his family when they were visiting from Georgia one weekend. Buell and I were married for 35 years before he passed. Thank you, Mary.
My daughter, April, was also introduced to Roy Alligood on Mary’s steps in her house in Santa Fe Hills. Four children and five grandchildren later, they are still going strong!
We will miss you, my friend.
Yvonne Smith