Mary Anne Allred

Mary Anne Lopez Allred Merkel, age 80, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023, in Lakeland. Born July 6, 1942, in Key West, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Daniel Lopez, Sr. and Nell Rose (Knight) Lopez. Mary Anne was a longtime member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Lakeland, where she was a choir member for many years. She was the first Womens Golf Coach at Florida Southern College which was her alma mater. She was the sixth generation of her family born in Key West, FL. Mary Anne had most recently worked as an Assistant Golf Professional at Lone Palm Golf Club in Lakeland and also worked as a teacher and golf coach for several different schools in Polk County. She is survived by her loving family that includes her children: Joanne Allred of Lakeland and Donald Allred, Jr., also of Lakeland. Mary Anne also leaves behind her brother, Joseph Daniel Lopez, Jr. (Mary Vendetti) of Dunedin, her grandchildren: Allison Huston (Sean), Zachary Dyer (Alexandra), Emilie Green (Darius), Zoe Martin, her great granddaughter, Elliana Green and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends for a Celebration of Life gathering on Thursday, February 9th from 6pm to 8pm at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow.