Mary Irene Gavin

Mary Irene (Annis) Gavin daughter of the late John and Violet (Edwards) Annis was born January 11, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois and departed this life on Friday, August 30, 2013 at her home near Richland, Missouri at the age of 81 years, 7 months and 19 days. Mary attended school in Chicago, Illinois until age ten, before her family made the decision to move to Davenport, Iowa, where she attended school, becoming an exceptional student, a dancer, and the captain of the cheerleading squad. Mary graduated in 1949 from Davenport High School. She attended the University of Iowa, majoring in Mathematics, and pursued a career as a model. In 1952, Mary married Joseph Gavin and together they shared over fifty-one years before his passing in June of 2003. God blessed Mary and Joe with 3 precious children, Jo Ellen, Ruth and John. In 2007, love blossomed once again for Mary, as she renewed her relationship with her childhood sweetheart, the love of her life, Harold White. Together they enjoyed traveling around the country visiting family and friends, watching TV, reading books, holding hands, and enjoying the pleasure of each others company. They were inseparable. While visiting Richland, Mary fell in love with the town and its people, and decided to relocate here. When she moved to Richland in 2008, she found a new church home at the United Methodist Church. She was a faithful attendee as long as her health permitted. All her life, Mary was an industrious, dedicated and enthusiastic example of everything a woman can be, both as a mother and as a professional in the field of interstate transportation. Over the years she worked as an office manager for companies like Rock Island Motor Transit, Conway Central Express and Clairmont Transfer. Mary greatly enjoyed walking, dance, sports, traveling the world with her friends in the Plus Sixty Club of Davenport, IA, and, in the quiet moments of her life, reading. However, spending time with her children and being a “Big Time Mom” to her beloved children and, in later years, a devoted companion to Harold, was where Mary found her greatest joy and inspiration. Mary lost her courageous battle with cancer in the morning hours of Friday, August 30, 2013 at her home near Richland, at the age of 81 years, 7 months and 19 days. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her step-mother, Margaret; one sister, Dani “Lila” Stevens, and her husband, Joseph Gavin. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her 3 children: Jo Ellen (Butch) Ferguson of Richland, MO, Ruth Gavin (George Velasco) of Phoenix, AZ and John Gavin (Aida) of Fayetteville, NC; the love of her life, Harold White of Richland, MO; 4 grandchildren: Shawn Hite of Ocean Springs, MS, Comador Ferguson (Captain, U.S. Army) of Clarksville, TN, Joseph Webster of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, and Kelly Ferguson of Ocean Springs, MS; one sister - Violet Roggenbuck of Hernando, FL; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. Mary was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend who gave, in life, far more than she received. We will remember and miss her elegant presence and beautiful smile. Today, however, we celebrate her life and treasure the many wonderful memories she created with all those who knew and loved her. Funeral services were held at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 3, 2013 in the United Methodist Church of Richland with Rev. Mitch Henson and John Gavin officiating. Rev. Mitch Henson sang, “How Great Thou Art” and Cindy Payne accompanied Merlene Smith as she sang, “Blessed Assurance”. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mary Irene Gavin to the United Methodist Church of Richland and may be left at the Memorial Chapel of Richland. Online condolences may be left at www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com

Mary Irene Gavin

January 11, 1932 - August 30, 2013