Mary Alice Shuford

on March 31, 2024

Mary Alice was born on January 29, 1935, the same day as her father, Walter Gambill. She was the

fourth child of Walter James and Alice Rose Gambill and was born at their home in Flat Creek,

NC. She grew up on a farm with two older brothers, Jimmy and Billy, and sisters, Peggy, Colleen, and

Dorthy. They had a storybook childhood with laughter, music, sports, and pranks.

After high school, Mary attended Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC, where she met her

soul mate, Dave Shuford. After graduating from WCU, they went to the University of Tennessee,

where Mary received her master’s degree in education. They graduated and were married in

Weaverville, NC. Dave joined the army, where they were stationed in Germany. I believe this is when

the bug of traveling hit them. While there for the next three years, they traveled extensively through

Europe. After Dave's service, they returned to the States and lived in Hollywood, FL. Mary was an

elementary teacher and loved helping children excel. This is where their love of deep-sea fishing

and golfing hit them. Mary was an avid angler and a great golfer, winning several club

championships and even getting several hole-in-ones.

Dave was offered a job in Tucson, AZ, and their sense of adventure again hit them. They traveled all

over the West Coast and lived the cowboy life; they were city slickers. Mary changed her career and

started in real estate with Coldwell Banker, where she once again excelled as a realtor, being

named a top agent year after year. She also won city golf tournaments and hit holes-in-one. When

Dave decided to retire, they moved back to the east coast to Melbourne, FL. Mary and Dave retired

but continued to give back to the community by volunteering at the King Center, the Marlin games,

their church, Beacon Baptist, and the local senior center. Mary had a beautiful voice and sang in

various vocal choirs and churches, often lending her voice for solos.

Mary's passing leaves a void in the hearts of her loved ones. Her sisters, family members, and

cherished neighbors mourn her loss. Mary now rests in heaven, reunited with Dave and their

beloved family and friends. Her smile and laughter will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved

her. Mary is survived by her sister Peggy Burrell from Denver, NC., Colleen Gambill from Charlotte,

NC, and Dorothy Canaday from George West, TX.