Born: Nov. 24, 1916

Died: Jan. 6, 2013

Mary B. Padbury, 96, former teacher and elementary school principal at Westside and Cedar Lane Schools in Niles, died Jan. 6, 2013, at Consulate Healthcare of Lakeland, Fla.

She was born Nov. 24, 1916, in Chilicothe, Mo., to Charles and Bessie Bell, formerly of Niles. Mrs. Padbury was a member of First United Methodist Church at Lake Morton, Lakeland, and a 61-year member of Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority. She was a graduate of Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Mich., and held a Master’s Degree from Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.

She was predeceased by her husband of 71 years, G. Dale Padbury. Survivors include her daughter Ann M. (Charles) Rienks, Lakeland, Fla., her son, Dr. Allan D. (Judith) Padbury, Sr., Jackson, Mich., grandchildren Laura Abernathy, Punta Gorda, Fla., Lisa (Paul) Schifferer of Elgin, Ill., Dr. Allan D. (Catherine) Padbury, Jr., Jackson, Mich., Jill (Frank) Page, Jackson, Mich., great grandchildren, Lindsey Abernathy, Tifton, Ga., William and Nathan Padbury and Becca Page, Jackson, Mich. Mrs.

Padbury was also a member of the State of Michigan Retired Principals Association and a former member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles. Starting in a one room rural school house with a wood fired stove and continuing on to an administrative career, Mary vigorously pursued a life long passion; the education of children. Fondly remembered by her hundreds of former students and never forgetting their names or faces, she will be missed by all and will stand as a treasured icon in her chosen profession; Elementary Education. Heath Funeral Chapel in Lakeland handled arrangements and a private family committal service was held at the Columbarium at the First United Methodist Church at Lake Morton.  Memorials may be made to the First Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL, 33801, or Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Ameson Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823.