Mary S. Ackerson-Griffith died peacefully at Mease Life in Dunedin, FL on July 9, 2023, at the age of 87. She was an award-winning real estate agent for over 57 years, often working with her husband Benjamin E. Griffith. Ben was the love of her life, and she lost him in February 2023. They worked for the last 20 years as a team, delighting in helping people find the perfect home.
Mary is survived by her daughters Rosalind (Bob) Diederich and Katharine (Will) Coble; sons Ben S. McGiveran III, Johnathan (Mari) Griffith, and Robert T. (Kim) McGiveran. She also leaves behind her loving grandchildren, Stephen, Katie, Willie, Virginia, Ben, Chris, David, Emma, Ian, Zach, Conner and great grandchildren Kayden and Everett.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday August 12, 2023, at the Church of the Ascension, 701 Orange Ave., in Clearwater, FL. The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday at a reception in the Church Hall following the service.
A longtime resident of Clearwater, Mary developed many deep friendships and was involved in organizations that impacted the lives of so many others. Her laughter, sense of humor, caring heart and love, will be so missed by her family and friends. Memorials in Mary’s name can be directed to the Church of the Ascension or P.E.O. Chapter FO, instead of flowers.
In February 2022 I made the decision to go to FL from NJ to see Mary and meet Ben. Mary and I grew up together and her Dad, as Priest of my church in Atlantic City, confirmed and married me. I last saw Mary in 1957. That’s right, 1957. In April 2022 I did go to Florida and saw her and Ben during that time. What a wonderful time just chatting, reminiscing, going to lunch and dinner and meeting some of her family. I can’t believe that, after all those years, this special “reunion” occurred. Many wonderful phone calls followed. Thanks for the great memories.