Miss Mary Magdalene Digby
Funeral services for Miss Mary Magdalene Digby, who died August 2, 2020, were held Thursday, Aug. 6, at South View Cemetery in Monticello. Rev. Ricky Hammond, pastor of St. John C.M.E. Church was eulogist. Rev. Dr. Lavonia McIntyre offered words of comfort.
To most people, it was “Mary.” To family it was “Sister.” She was the oldest of six girls and was born on December 25, 1937. She took the position as the oldest very seriously.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Isham and Annie K. Digby; four brothers, Benjamin (Geneva) Luby (Ola Mae), William E. Digby, Sr. and George Digby, and her niece Anika Marable of Valdosta.
Mary was a lifelong learner and teacher in nearly all aspects of her life. She graduated high school in 1957, and graduated from Fort Valley State College in 1961. She completed her Master’s degree from Clark/Atlanta University in Atlanta. Education and Library Science were her areas of concentration. She taught school for 35 years to the students of Jasper, Putnam and Baldwin County.
After retirement, she continued to preach and teach. She was given the title of “Exhalted” by former pastor, Rev. C.C. Hunter of St. John C.M.E. Church. This allowed her to lead church services, pray, other services, teach Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, etc. When the doors were open, she would be at church. She served on the Steward Board, the Trustee and others. When her health began to fail, she didn’t serve as much.
Mary leaves to cherish precious memories of her, first cousin, Mack Heard of Roanoke, Ala., sisters, Elizabeth, Doris, Emily and Martha Digby of Monticello, Sharon (Dr. Michael Marable) of Valdosta; a very special relationship with her great-niece, Nia and grand nephew, Shakeel, as their guardian. Other nieces and nephews include Angela (Leander Edwards) of Rutledge, Ariana and Tre Kimmins, William (Pamela) Digby, Tevin Digby, Donterious Digby, Tamija Digby, Everett (Monica) Flournoy, Isha and Tumorion of Stone Mountain, Akeem (Madoka) Marable with Hibbiki and Kanahde of Atlanta, Amari Marable, Akil Marable, and Kobie Marable, all of Valdosta, Rodney (Alexis and J.T.) of Tifton, and many other relatives, friends and former students.
Smith and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.