Mary Virginia Veazey, 66, passed away peacefully at her residence on Nov. 13. She was a native of Chilton County and owner of Sticks Press, a small publishing company.
Mary graduated from the University of Montevallo in 1965. She then attended the University of Arkansas and Auburn University, where she received master’s degrees in French, English and history. She taught in the English Department at Auburn University for several years, but teaching full time was not her niche. In 1977, she began working for the State of Alabama Highway Department in Maplesville. She enjoyed her job there and the friendship of her co-workers. Her position also gave her time to write, research and collaborate with other authors, which she enjoyed best. Mary was an accomplished poet, author, publisher, editor and illustrator. She was the publisher of Sticks Press.
Mary had a love for nature. She spent her days tending to the hummingbirds, feeding squirrels, playing with her dog, Pup, and rescuing the occasional honeybee that made its way into the house. She enjoyed living in the country and leading a simple life.
Mary’s quiet strength, generosity and loving spirit will forever set an example and remain an inspiration to her family.
Her father, the late Henry Vinson Veazey, preceded Mary in death. She is survived by her mother, Nita Marie Veazey; two brothers, Larry Vinson (Betty) Veazey and Thomas Stephen (Joyce) Veazey; three nephews, Joseph Heath (Amber) Veazey, Matthew Vinson (Trista) Veazey and Jason Adam Veazey; two special nieces, Malissia Veazey (Stephen) Loucks and Amanda Victoria Veazey; and her best friend, John Mella.
There will be a celebration of her life at her residence at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Chilton County Humane Society.