Mary Hutchins

Surrounded by family, Mary Pilcher Hutchins passed away from complications of a brain tumor at home in Jacksonville, Fla. on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020.  Mary was born on Feb. 12, 1943, in Albany, Ga., to Ima Jeanne and Edwin Pilcher.

Mary spent her school years in Orlando, Fla., and was a graduate of Orlando’s Edgewater High School, where she was elected class sweetheart.  As a young adult she relocated to Mobile, Ala., and was an active member of Cottage Hill Presbyterian Church, the PTO of her children’s school, and the Junior Women’s Club.  The Junior League of Mobile recognized Mary’s effective leadership and commitment to the community by selecting her as Outstanding Young Woman of the Year in 1969.

Mary later moved to Birmingham, Ala., as a corporate wife and began her career with BellSouth as a successful account executive.  Known for her ability to foster teamwork and accomplish important goals, she held other key leadership and executive support positions in the company prior to retirement.

Following retirement, Mary and her husband moved to Jacksonville, Fla., where she once again forged many close friendships and shared her talents with the community.  She held numerous leadership positions at Palms Presbyterian Church including deacon, treasurer of the board of Presbyterian women, and Bible study leader.  She was also an active participant in the Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry; the Navy League; and the Jacksonville Newcomers of the Beaches organization, as well as its alumni club, which she helped establish.

Mary treasured time at the beach with family and kayak outings with the Paddle Princess kayaking club.  Loved ones remember her as a devoted and caring daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, colleague, and friend.  All who met Mary recognized her beauty and impeccable style -- qualities that were equally matched by inner grace, quiet strength, a generous spirit, and easy good humor.

Mary is survived by her husband of 48 years, Malcolm Hutchins; daughter Wendy Marshall of Jacksonville, Fla.; son Robert Holmes and wife, Allen of Charleston, SC; and six beloved grandchildren.

A memorial service in celebration of Mary’s life will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11:00 a.m. at Palms Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception at Glen Kernan Country Club. Memorial gifts may be made to the Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (jaxbeam.org).

To attend the service in person you must RSVP . You can RSVP at http://bit.ly/MaryHutchinsMemorialService . If you are not able to attend in person, you can watch the service live by visiting www.palmschurch.org .