Mary Sue Carey

Mary Sue Carey, 91, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2023. She was born on October 8, 1932, in Monterey, TN, to Grace and Charles Toney. Mary Sue leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by her husband, John Carey, her five children and their spouses: Dr. Thomas Anthony Russell and Gina Russell, Terri Mills and Scott Mills, Dr. Tammy Maharrey and Timothy Maharrey, John Carey, Jr and Jennifer Carey, Laura Carey Smith, and Jamie Smith.

In addition to her husband and children, Mary Sue is remembered by her grandchildren: Keith Russell, Kathryn Russell, Kate Shelton, James Shelton, Jennifer Saxton, Grady Saxton, Nick Geeslin, Caitlin Geeslin, Robert Lipe, Jessica Lipe, Christian Byars, Hunter Byars, Austin Powell, Robby Mills, Nicki Mills, Macy Slabicki, Van Slabicki, Cassidy Carey, Camryn Carey, and Jace Carey. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren, including Livie Geeslin, Lennon Geeslin, Piper Geeslin, Thea Lipe, Peyton Lipe, Henry Russell, Sarah Russell, Jordyn Shelton, Gavin Saxton, Gabe Saxton, Zach Mills, Cheyenne Mills, and Damein Shaw.

Mary Sue Carey led a life filled with love, compassion, and joy. Known for her qualities, including being an active church member at Terry Parker Baptist Church, she participated wholeheartedly in church Bible studies, Wednesday night services, the church library, and gardening. She also shared her passion for gardening, cultivating beauty and serenity in the natural world. Her green thumb brought joy to her surroundings, and her love for gardening was a testament to her nurturing spirit.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Mary Sue created a home filled with laughter, stories, and love. Her sense of humor, kindness, and wisdom will be deeply missed, but the memories of the moments shared will forever be cherished by those who knew her.

A Memorial Service will be held on January 4, 2024, at 5:00 PM at Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home, 3600 Third Street South, Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Friends and family are invited to join in celebrating Mary Sue Carey's life and sharing cherished memories.

"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and very dear."