- Date Of Birth: January 1, 1926
- Date Of Death: July 12, 2013
- State: Florida
Our beloved Mary Jim Abbott passed away Friday, July 12, 2013, due to natural causes. She was a wife and mother, a grandmother and great-grandmother, and a best friend to those she had helped through the years. She was always so very positive and willing to listen and give advice to anyone that needed her help or guidance. It would be true to say that all who knew her, loved her.
Mary Jim was born in Pine Bluff, Ark., to Mary and Jim Allen, on Jan. 1, 1926. She had two brothers, Billy and Talmidge; one sister, Annette; and several nieces and nephews. Mary Jim is the last in her family, except for the three sons, John, Mike and Sid, of her deceased niece, Gwynne Ann Roberts. Mary Jim met the love of her life, William W. Abbott at a USO dance in 1944. They were married at Clemson University shortly thereafter, where Bill was attending glider training for the Air Corps. She was 19 at the time, and became a military wife for the rest of her life. She was always very involved in the Officer’s Wives Club, the Gray Ladies, and volunteered for anything and everything she could. Over the course of Bill’s career in the Air Force, they traveled all over the world, including Japan, Germany and Newfoundland. She had three sons, William W. Abbott, Jr. (Cathy), Stephen J. Abbott (Cindy), and James A. Abbott (Debbie); and grandchildren, Jessica, Christopher, Lindsey, Nathan, Amanda, Micah and Launa; along with great-grandchildren, Morgan, Finn, and Lily Skye. We will remember a special lady whose gentle ways and positive approach to life and love touched us all so very much. She will be deeply missed.
She was well known by many in the community, and helped countless people solve their problems and start their lives anew. She was always willing to listen intently, lending a compassionate ear, while suggesting a course to follow, and being available every step of the way. To all of her friends, Mary Jim’s life was a model of commitment, love and caring. She gave of herself quietly and lovingly, and without expecting anything in return.
There were numerous people in her life, but none as fond to her as Glenda Roberson, her best friend, and latter in life, her caregiver. Glenda was a gift from God for not only Mary Jim, but for Bill, Sr. during his last days. Our family is so thankful for her unwavering care and attention. A special thanks to Ruby, Rebecca and Phyllis for their care and love as well.
