Mary G. Dials' Obituary
She was born, Mary Lee Geraldine Pumphrey on April 19th, 1949, along with her twin sister Martha, to their parents Rev. Harvey Thomas Pumphrey & Rency Jane Pumphrey in Graceville, Florida.
She was promoted to Heaven on January 13th, 2024, in Lakeland, Florida.
Mary graduated from Auburndale High School, home of the Bloodhounds. After graduation, she attended Southeastern College in Lakeland, Florida.
She had various occupations throughout the years, but her last two undertakings would be the pinnacle of her professional career. Mary and her business partner opened the very first video store in Lakeland, and a thriving video rental market would allow them to eventually open a second store. For their last endeavor, Mary helped build a successful pawn business, a twenty-year operation that allowed her to provide her nieces and nephews with endless CDs, video games, guitars, and the occasional power tool or gun for the brothers-in-law.
Mary loved to fish and was good at it. A simple cane pole and a cricket was her angler tool of choice. She had a tremendous passion for college sports, especially for University of Florida football, and did not miss many games on Saturdays.
Mary loved her church, serving faithfully at Eastside Assembly of God. Whether participating on the worship team, singing specials, planning the activities for Pastor Appreciation Day, or playing the role of Mr. & Mrs. Santa with Larry for the Christmas play, she served with excellence.
Her last days on this earth were filled with special moments surrounded by family and friends. Moments of reminiscing and laughing were mixed with an earthly struggle that she valiantly fought through with each passing day. Even in sickness, she still possessed a smile that would light up the entire room. Mary is preceded in death by her father, Rev. H.T. Pumphrey, mother, Rency Jane Pumphrey, her husband Larry (who preceded her to Heaven almost a year to the day) and her sisters, Patricia and Libby. She leaves behind an amazing family. Sister, Dene Wood (Paul), Sister, Rachel Reeves (Ken) Brother, Larry Pumphrey (Mayela) Sister, Lora Williams (Bob) Sister, Flora Haire (Bill) Sister, Laura Chase (Tim) Sister, Martha Johnson (Joel) and many nieces and nephews she loved very much. They will no doubt continue to put each other’s needs before their own with unselfish love and support, the same wonderful love and support shown to Mary.
May our memories of Mary continue to grow stronger and sweeter with each passing day. May we find peace in knowing we will see her in a little while.
Congratulations Mary…Welcome Home.
A private service has been conducted for Mary.
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