Mary Regina Cumbie

The Funeral Service will be held at the Catholic Church of the Epiphany, 201 Lafayette Street, Port Orange FL 32127 on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 11:00am, with Father Michael Giglio and Father John Bosco Maison officiating. A reception for friends and family will be held after the Mass. Burial will take place in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Shannon Maloney Funeral Home, 4084 Halifax Drive, Port Orange FL 32127.

Regina was born in Montgomery, AL on February 24, 1924 to Joseph Ulrich Messier and Minee Litchfield Messier. Regina was married to Joe Merrill Cumbie, who preceded her in death in 1996; they were married for 48 years.

Regina was in the first graduating class of Emory University School of Nursing in 1948, worked as a professional nurse, and was a licensed RN for more than 65 years. During her tenure as a nurse, she worked in pediatrics, coronary care, intensive care, adult nursing, administration, psychiatric-mental health, therapeutic touch, and holistic healing.

Active in the community, Regina worked with many non-profit service and social justice organizations, which included serving on the Board for F.A.I.T.H. (Fighting Against Injustice Towards Harmony). She was also devoted to working with parish ministries, including Healing Ministry, Eucharistic Ministry, and Ministry of the Sick. She was co-founder of the Apostolate of Epiphany and founder of the Bereavement Ministry, serving as a counselor, organizer, and group facilitator.

Regina also flourished as an artist in her later years, creating more than 40 oil paintings in the past 2 years. Regarding her painting, she once stated, “Since losing my vision slowed down my ability for outside work, I am finding a wealth of new and interesting activities; life is so interesting with its twists and turns.”

Regina is survived by ten children: Susan Shue (Norm), Sharon Ann Cumbie (Walter R. Wall), Donna Cumbie Self, Nan Cumbie Baker (Ed), Joseph G. Cumbie, Kathleen C. Hartz (Todd), Tommy Adams, Sean M. Cumbie (Susie), Marguerite Chambers (Bryon), Kim Woodward (Brian); 20 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 4 nieces, 3 nephews, and a sister, Floriva Messier Cotter. Regina was also preceded in death by her brother, Charles Messier.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to the Apostolate of Epiphany (Attn: Rita Gray, Catholic Church of the Epiphany, 201 Lafayette Street, Port Orange FL 32127) or to F.A.I.T.H. (221 South Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach FL 32114).

The family of Regina Cumbie wishes to thank friends, family, and caregivers for your love, respect, and support; you have made a difference.