Mary Elizabeth Knight Irby

Mary Elizabeth Irby, 89, of Alachua passed away June 1, 2013. Born May 12, 1924 in Bradenton, Fla., she was predeceased by her loving husband, William W. “Bill” Irby.

Mary Elizabeth was the daughter of Aaron Jesse Knight and Emily Williams Knight. A devoted mother and grandmother, she is survived by her four children, William W. “Will” Irby and wife Carol, J. K. “Buddy” Irby and wife Linda, Anne Irby Mitchell, and C. B. “Rusty” Irby and wife Connie; her grandchildren, William, Jesse, Patrick, Mary Elizabeth, Hanna, Brittany, and Roman; Brothers and Sisters-in-law, Juliana I. Wilson, Lewis M. Irby and Audrey W. Irby, and Palmer Darcey; eight neices and nephews.

Mary Elizabeth was a member of First Baptist Church of Alachua. Her membership in the Alachua Woman’s Club exceeded half a century. She was a graduate of Florida State University (FSCW) where she was a member of the marching band. An artist and teacher, she taught for many years at the Alachua Elementary School. Mary Elizabeth enjoyed reading, the arts, gardening, scrapbooking and travel. She and her husband, Bill, were world-wide travelers. They particularly enjoyed their visits to the British Isles, which influenced both Mary Elizabeth’s style of painting and gardening. She and Bill also spent many wonderful summers at their cabin above Penrose, outside of Brevard, N.C.

Mary Elizabeth loved her family, her hometown of Alachua, her many friends including her bridge playing pals and the “Walkie Talkies.” She was always proud to be recognized among the women of the Alachua Woman’s Club. Mrs. Irby remembered fondly and kept faith with the children she taught in public school and Sunday school. She treasured the delightful times with all whom she and Bill had the good fortune to travel. She loved her cats, too, they being good gardening companions.

Her family thanks the City of Alachua and its people for the warm embrace given to William and Mary Elizabeth Irby and their family over so many years.

A Graveside Service will be held at the Knight-Irby plot in the Newnansville Cemetery, Alachua. The service is scheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 5, 2013. Contributions to the Alachua Woman's Club Building Fund, P.O. Box 374, Alachua, FL 32616 or Friends of Children of North Florida, P.O. Box 358502, Gainesville, FL 32635 are requested in lieu of flowers.

Funeral Services will be under the direction of the Milam Funeral and Cremation Services, 311 South Main Street Gainesville, Florida 32601 352-376-5361.