Mary Irene Smith Crumpton of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida died with her family by her side on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. She was born on October 24, 1928, in Philadelphia as the youngest of 4 children to Donald and Thelma Smith. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Donald Smith, Jr., Duke Smith; sister, Martha Smith MacKelcan; and her loving husband Bernard Lee Crumpton, Sr.
Growing up, Mary spent her summers in Maine with her family, where she began her life-long love of the outdoors. After graduating from high school, she immediately went to work to help support her mother and family. Her father died at a very young age. After her father’s death she and her mother moved to Atlantic Beach, Florida where Mary would meet her future husband. Mary’s mother later remarried Dr. John Frederick Dashiell of Chapel Hill, N.C. Mary’s mother and stepfather preceded her in death.
Mary’s life was devoted to raising her family. All four of Mary’s children were born in Jacksonville, Florida. Mary is survived by Martha Finnegan (Mickey), Bernard Lee Crumpton, Jr. (Laurie), Mary Anne Thomas, and John Andrew Crumpton, Sr. (Katherine). Mary’s (Nana) greatest love was the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Margie Crumpton.
Mary will be remembered for her love and kindness to all who met her during her life. The years that she and Bernie spent with Ford Motor Company created lifelong friends whose children remain close with the Crumpton family to this day. After Bernie’s retirement from Ford Motor Company, they moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. As a member of the Ponte Vedra Inn and Beach Club, Mary met new life-long friends as she played golf and tennis. She was President of the PV Inn and Club Women’s Golf Association and was a volunteer at the Players Championship for many years.
However, her real passion became the relationships she developed as a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach. Mary was a true believer in Christ and volunteered many hours serving the church. She led the altar guild, answered phones, took care of memorial flowers for Christmas each year, and helped provide church support to weddings.
In 2007, Mary moved to Vicar’s Landing retirement community in Sawgrass. Again, she made new life-long friends who played bridge, enjoyed dining out, attending concerts, and just having a great time. The family would like to thank Christ Church and Vicar’s Landing for all they did to enhance Mary’s life.
Those that know Mary will miss her very distinguishable laugh. At parties or just around the house, her laugh would brighten anyone’s day who heard it. Her children treasured their weekly phone calls where stories were shared, and Mary’s laugh could make any trouble go away. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren will miss the trips to Nana’s place in Ponte Vedra Beach. She made each of them feel special by her love and kindness.
A celebration of life will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida on Thursday January 25, 2024, at 11 a.m. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mary’s honor to Christ Church. Please visit her online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com.
