Mary A. Sinnett

Mary Ann Elizabeth (Neely) Sinnett 1922 – 2024

Mary Ann Elizabeth (Neely) Sinnett, 102, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Broad Creek Care Center on Hilton Head Island, S.C., surrounded by her four loving children.

Born and raised in Spencer, W.Va., Mary was the cherished daughter of Howard Alexander and Amelia Neely. She attended Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Va., and began working in the insurance industry. In 1945, she married her childhood sweetheart, the late James “Jim” Monroe Sinnett. Together, they lived in Wisconsin, Panama, and various cities in Florida during Jim’s Naval Medical Service and career as a general surgeon.

The couple eventually settled in Plant City, Fla., where they raised their children before retiring to St. Pete Beach, Fla. Mary had a servant’s heart dedicating countless hours to her church and the hospital auxiliary. As co-manager of the Gift Shop at South Florida Baptist Hospital, she provided comfort and care to families supporting loved ones in the hospital.

Mary was a talented cook and china painter who enjoyed teaching these skills to her children and grandchildren. She loved the art of competition and could often be found playing golf, tennis, bridge, and other card games frequently defeating players of any age.  She was an avid reader of the latest fiction and non-fiction novels, and she loved watching a good movie or Florida Gator sporting event.  Always eager to embrace new challenges, she learned to use the latest technology of the time and enjoyed playing bridge with friends and Face Timing family on her iPad.

Mary’s most cherished role was as the matriarch of her family. Her warmth, kindness, and respect for individuality created a lasting legacy of love. She had a unique ability to connect with people embracing their gifts throughout her remarkable 102 years.

Mary is survived by her four children: daughter and son-in-law, Jamie and John Evans; her son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Tracy Sinnett; her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Lou and Courtney Stubbs; and her daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Jim Painter. 

She leaves behind nine adoring grandchildren and (their spouses): Porter Evans (Allison), Geoff Orme-Evans (Kaebah), Emily Evans Bubp (Brennan), Zachary White (Brittany Queen), James Stubbs (Kaitlin), Steven White (Sterling), Jamie Sinnett (Jourdan), Mary Brooke Stubbs, and Summer Kate Sinnett. In addition, her legacy extends to 15 great-grandchildren: Reagan and Brooks Evans; Desbah, Ashkii, Magnolia, and Oakley Orme-Evans; Evan and Ethan Bubp; Hawkins and Leyton White; Will and Lily Stubbs; Tate and Steel White; and Stevie Sinnett.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, April 5, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, St. Petersburg, Fla., at 1:30 PM.   

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1200 Snell Isle Blvd., St. Petersburg, Fla., 33704.