Obituary of Mary McNatt Robey

Mary McNatt Robey, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, died Monday, March 14, 2022, in Jacksonville, Florida at 94 years old. A lifelong giver and purveyor of traditional Christian values, Mary was born Mary Katherine McNatt on September 25, 1927, in Clinch County, Georgia. Molded by Southern Georgia clay, some of her happiest childhood memories were of venturing down to the creek with her siblings or enjoying an RC Cola and a moon pie after a hard day’s work on her father’s tobacco farm. One of nine children, Mary’s formative years helped her develop a work ethic beyond reproach, a trait that would come to define her life. Leaving home at 18, Mary’s robust upbringing would continue to serve her as she moved from the frigid Northeast back to the hot and humid South. As a young adult, she aided the country’s efforts during WWII working as a riveter on frigates and other warships. Thanks to her time spent in the shipyards, family and friends lovingly referred to her as a real-life Rosie the Riveter, and in response, she would assume the iconic flexing pose. With an equally impressive resolve, Mary’s strength of character often mirrored her physical capabilities which regularly drew admiration from loved ones. Finding her place in Jacksonville, Florida, she set about building the quintessential Southern home for her two children, Katherine Alligood Boylston, and James Steven Alligood. Calling back to her modest raising, Mary took an assembly line job at Swisher Sweets before finding her occupational home at Sears & Roebuck. Working from the candy counter all the way up to regional manager of the jewelry department, she flourished in a storied career that spanned over four decades. While working at Sears, she met the kind-hearted Thomas E. Robey, an Allstate Insurance Agent, former military pilot, and the love of her life. They married in 1978 and went on to live, love, and travel much of North America. From the forested terrain of the Appalachians and Canada’s rugged Rocky Mountain country to Alaska and Hawaii, they savored life and sought beauty together wherever they saw fit. In her later years, Mary enjoyed visiting the casinos of Biloxi, Mississippi, and Las Vegas with friends and family, and weekend trips to the Woodbine Opry to kick up her heels to the sounds of classic country and rock n’ roll. She continued dancing and indulging in live music well into her golden years. Mary is mourned by a sister, two brothers, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and countless loved ones. A memorial service will be hosted on March 21, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. at Eternity Funeral Home at 4856 Oakdale Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Following her service, a more informal celebration of her life will be held by friends and family at her home. She will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.