Mary Brown Guest

MARY FRANCIS BROWN GUESTBARTOW - Our loving Wife and Mother was called home because God requires another Angel in heaven. Mary is deeply missed, and will live in our hearts and minds forever. Born on January 13, 1943 in Bartow, Mary passed on November 8, 2018. She is preceded in death by her parents Rob Brown and Maudella Hester Brown, two brothers, Bennie and Robbie Brown. Mary is survived by her husband, C. Wayne Guest, sister Gladys Johnson, two sons, David (Heather) and Ben (Sarah) and six beautiful grand children; Yancey, Robyn, Mason, Kaylyn, EV, and Sawyer. Mary grew up in Bartow, graduating from Summerlin Institute (High School), Class of 1961.Mary began her working career at Bartow Ford. She married Wayne in 1963, and became an Army wife as Wayne was drafted soon after. Mary traveled the world including the Middle East, Europe, Canada as well as every state within the USA. She even worked in the White House addressing Christmas cards for the First Family and helped with decorations. In 1981, Mary served as Hostess at Key Bridge Marriott Hotel for Hollywood entertainters attending President Reagan’s Inauguration. During this time, she was a devoted Army Officer’s wife and loving mother as she worked to improve the life styles for soldiers and their families as well as her own. Upon retirement from a career as an Army wife, Mary finished college by graduating from USF with a degree in teaching and began a teaching career with the Polk County Public Schools. She taught Business Education and Computer Technology courses at her alma mater, Bartow High School. Mary greatly enjoyed the student Work/OJT program with Mid Florida Credit Union. She especially loved teaching the children of her high school classmates. Her retirement plans began when she started to have her classmates’ grand children in her classes. Mary loved traveling, particularly the National Parks. Her favorite was Bryce Canyon Park in Utah. Mary was a true Gypsy when it came to traveling. She loved the tradition summer family vacation to Anna-Maria Island.A Celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 3:00, on Tuesday, November 13, at the First Baptist Church, 410 East Church Street, Bartow, FL. Reception will be held in the Ministry Center after so family and friends can gather and share memories while enjoying dinner. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mary’s name may be made to Summerlin Institute Alumni Scholarship, c/o Polk Education Foundation, PO BOX 391, BARTOW, FL, 33830.