Mary A. Shuford
Mary Alice Shuford, of Melbourne, Fl., aged 90, passed away at William Childs Hospice House on March 31, 2025.
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 Dorothy. 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’s impact on the community was profound, and her legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire us all.
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. We are deeply grateful for the love and support shown to Mary Alice during her life and in this difficult time of her passing. Mary is survived by her sister Peggy Burrell from Denver, NC., Colleen Gambill from Charlotte, NC, Dorothy Canaday from George West, TX., and many nieces and nephews around the US.