Mary A. Hiers

Mary Alberta Potts Hiers from Tampa passed away October 3, 2022. Born March 11, 1929 in Lincolnton, North Carolina, she moved to Tampa where she attended Wilson Jr High, Plant High School, and The University of Tampa where she was a member of the DK sorority. In 1951 she married John Douglas Hiers, a 2nd Lt and a graduate of The Citadel in South Carolina. They served 24 years in the Air Force, traveling throughout Asia and the United States. When he retired from the Air Force in 1975 as a Lt Col. they returned to Tampa.

Mary was a charter member of the Red Cross Angels while stationed in the Philippines and volunteered with the Red Cross during the Vietnam War caring for wounded soldiers at the hospital on Clark AFB. At Hulbert AFB in Fort Walton Beach, FL, Mary served as the President of the Officers’ Wives Club. In Tampa she was a member of the Sunset Point Garden Club, Chairman of the Tampa - Hillsborough County Library Council, a member of the Tampa Convention Advisory Board, and treasurer of the 50th Reunion Committee of Plant High School Class of 1947. Mary worshiped at Christ the King Catholic Church and served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister there. She was a member of Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club, and played on their tennis team into her eighties, serving as captain for many years. Afterwards, Bridge became her game of choice, playing at and winning many local tournaments.

Mary is survived by her son Fr. John Hiers Jr and wife Brenda, son Bruce T. Hiers and wife Lois; 4 grandchildren, Todd (wife Dee), Shawn, Ryan, and Maddi; 3 great-grandchildren, Ariana, Morgan, and Connor. She was predeceased by her son Todd, her husband John (Doug) Hiers, her parents Peggy and TJ Potts, her sister Laura Lee Clanton, and brothers Johnny Potts, Joe Potts, and Keith Willis. Mary was a loving wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother and will be missed by all.

Services will be held October 15th at 1 pm at the Blount & Curry Funeral Home - MacDill. A reception will follow at 2 pm at Palma Ceia Country Club.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Hospice, or to Christ the King Catholic Church, Tampa, FL.