Mary Jacqueline Brumley

Mary Jacqueline "Jackie" Brumley, 77, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Tallahassee, Florida, on May 15, 2020. Mrs. Brumley was born in Davie, Florida on December 3rd, 1942 to Lem Evan "Shorty" and Mary Elizabeth Ferrell. She was the fourth daughter with sisters Dorothy (Charlie), Martha Janel "Winkie" Freeman (Jack), Gwen LaCroix (David), and a brother that followed her, Sammy Ferrell. Her father, known as Shorty Ferrell, moved his family to Okeechobee, Florida when Jackie was still in school and built a strong business, Eagle Bay Dairy. Her mother, Mary Ferrell spent her life taking care of all of the needs of her children, her husband and her home. Jackie was blessed to grow up in a big, loving family. In her high school years, she was known as a spirited person and a great cheerleader. She married young, had two daughters, and started a daycare and preschool business in Okeechobee. There is no doubt that what brought her the most joy in life was the business she built, Kountry Kids Daycare in Madison, Florida, which included a wonderful preschool where children came and learned all they could soak up before going on to kindergarten. She loved the kids that came to her preschool deeply, and they loved her. To them, she was "Miss Jackie" or "Nana." She watched them all grow up and they would routinely come back to visit with her throughout their school years to keep her posted on their lives. She received invitations to all of their high school graduations and weddings. Each year as the kids would graduate high school, many of them would gather together with her and share memories and their plans for college, working, etc. She referred to the children as kids she had "raised" and to her they were her family. She ran this business for many years, but was forced to retire after she had a stroke in 2012. She missed having children around terribly. When she would see the kids at restaurants, shopping or at events, they would all run over and hug her tightly, no matter how old they had gotten. Her face would always light up with excitement when she saw them. After her passing, her family was surprised to find the number of things she saved related to all of these children and her business. She saved bracelets that had charms with their names on them, pictures, cards and newspaper clippings. Teaching and caring for young children was her passion and she received high praise for the wonderful way she cared for and taught the kids all they needed as a foundation to begin school. Jackie recently moved to Tapestry Assisted Living in Tallahassee, Florida. Of course, her loving companion (dog) Shiloh moved with her. Although she was at first hesitant to go, it was surprising to her and to her family how quickly she made good friends and enjoyed the activities they offered. Her daily routine included exercise class, cooking, crafts, having breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour with her friends. Even Shiloh made new friends with Jackie's housekeeper, staff members, and other residents. She had never before played bingo, but she soon looked forward to it each day and beamed with excitement when she would win. She called her daughter every time she won and was so proud of her victory. Probably the best day in her life was November 24th, 2018. As an early birthday present she was surprised with a limousine ride to Doak Campbell Stadium where she sat in a seat close to the 50 yard line, on the 10th row up. She cheered and danced in her seat as her favorite football team - THE FLORIDA GATORS beat the FSU Seminoles 41 to 14. She was loud and never stopped cheering the whole game. At first the FSU fans that surrounded her were annoyed by her, but they soon became excited for her enthusiasm and even came from rows away to give Nana a "high-five" when the Gators would score and even after they won. The father of the family that sat behind us was none other than Johnny Lynch. He put his championship ring on her finger and took pictures with her that he posted online. She had no idea who he really was, but he treated her with such kindness and cheered right along with her. Mrs. Brumley is survived by her dog Shiloh, her daughter, Jackie Lee Fulford;, her grandchildren, M.J. Kinard, Mary Elizabeth Garrity and Stuart Garrity; and great-grandchildren Daisy Kinard, J.T. Kinard, Emily Ray, and Brantley Barber; her sister Dorothy "Dot" Shaw (Charlie), brother Sam Ferrell; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, and other family members. Mrs. Brumley was preceded in death by her father "Shorty" Ferrell, her mother Mary Elizabeth Ferrell, and her sisters "Winkie" Freeman and Gwen LaCroix. The family has been further saddened by the loss of Uncle Charlie Shaw, who passed just 4 days after Mrs. Brumley. Thank you NaNa for the love you spread on this earth and for teaching such valuable lessons to your children and grandchildren. We will all live each day in happiness and thankful for the family and lives that we have. May you rest in peace and pain free in heaven with your family that went before, and since. You are now in God's hands. May you will live in heaven happily ever after. A Memorial Service will be held at the Tallahassee National Cemetery at a later date, when restrictions due to COVID-19 will no longer prohibit a gathering. Please return here periodically for updates for the date and time of the service which will be posted as soon as they are confirmed.

Mary Jacqueline Brumley

December 3, 1942 - May 15, 2020