Mary Ward Huntley

Mary Ward Huntley, 78, of Orange Park, passed away September 1, 2011 at her home, Fairway Oaks, surrounded by her family. Mary Huntley was born on February 18, 1933, in Slocomb, Alabama to Wyatt C. and Ruby Elizabeth Ward. Mary grew up in Bonifay, Florida with her parents and her recently departed older brother, Harold Gene Ward where she completed high school. “Mary Frank,” as she was known to her hometown friends, was an outstanding student, skipping a grade level and graduating a year early. She was also an outstanding athlete, cheerleader and drum major. She attended Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Pensacola, Florida. Mary was also Miss Holmes County and Miss Fort Rucker. Mary met the love of her life, Louis L. Huntley, who was an officer in the U.S. Army, while working at Fort Rucker, Alabama. They were married on July 27th, 1952 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2002. Mary and Louis built a beautiful life together and were married almost 54 years before he died July 12, 2006. Mary and Louis are survived by their three children, Frank, Edith (Kemp Stickney) and Ward (Betsy) Huntley. Their grandchildren include Eason Huntley, Anne Michael Smith (Rick), Macy Huntley, Ashley Huntley, Taylor Huntley, Farrell Huntley, Bogan Huntley, Crocker Stickney and Eliza Stickney.

Mary was an active member of the Orange Park United Methodist Church where she chaired numerous committees including the Altar Guild which she founded and Worship Committee. She served as Youth Director and was President of the Women’s Group. Mary was also very involved in the community. She served on the Board of Visitors at the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts where she established the Florida Artist’s Fund to give students an opportunity and subsidy for workshops, field trips and hands-on experiences. She was a member of the board of the Clay County Salvation Army, the Clay County Council on Aging and was presented their arts award for her financial support of the cultural arts in Clay County in 2008. Mary was a past president of the American Cancer Society in Clay County, participated in the non-profit organization now known as Clay & Baker Kids Net and served on the board of the Penney Retirement Community. Mary was well known for her gift of hospitality and gardening. She served as a past president of the Orange Park Garden Club and was in the Cardinal’s Garden Circle. She was also noted for her flower arrangements for which she won numerous awards. She was a member of PEO and the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America.

The love that Louis Huntley had for his treasured wife Mary will now embrace visitors of the Lee Adams Florida Artists Gallery. Envisioned as a bridge for Florida artists of the past, present and future and located at the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts in the Mary Ward Huntley Wing. The gallery was formally dedicated to the residents of the State of Florida in November 2004. Mary Huntley passionately believed that “great artists are everywhere… some of the best live here in our state, in our community, in our backyard.” It was her commitment to nurturing these artists, and Louis’ love for her that created this gallery. Her legacy to the visual arts and to the inspired artists she so adored will forever live for visitors of her gallery and for artists whose works will be on display for the community to view.

Mary was a loving, gracious, Christian lady. A true lifter, Mary never shied from speaking kindness to others. She was loved and adored by her Children and Grandchildren and will be missed. The beauty and light she brought into the lives of everyone she knew and touched will be with us always.

Funeral services will be held 3 PM, Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at Orange Park United Methodist Church, 2051 Park Avenue, Orange Park with Pastor Leeann Inman and Pastor Danny Morris officiating. Family will receive friends 5-7 PM on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at the church. In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be made to MARY WARD HUNTLEY FLORIDA ARTIST FUND OF THE THRASHER HORNE CENTER, 283 College Drive, Orange Park, FL 32065 or SEAMARK RANCH, P.O. Box 24032, Jacksonville, FL 32241or ANGELS FOR ALLISON, P.O. Box 126/5513 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244.

Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL. Please post tributes at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.