Mary Frances Hyder Reed, 85, Gainesville, FL passed away Monday, September 28, 2026, at ET York Hospice Care Center surrounded by her family. Mary was born October 17, 1940, in Crossville, Tennessee and was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and cherished friend. She devoted her life to her family and to caring for others, leaving behind a legacy of love and strength.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of sixty-six years, Elbert Thomas Reed; her two daughters, Linda Reed Proffitt and Tiffany Dawn Reed; her parents Walter and Ruby Hyder and her brothers, Paul Hyder, David Hyder, Gordon Hyder, and Ray Hyder.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Sandra Reed Yancey of Gainesville, Fl, and Vickie (Jeff) Reed Wilt of Gainesville, FL; her sisters, Clara Jo Hyder Sutter and Brenda Gail (Rick) Hyder Monroe; and her grandchildren, Richard Allen (Kristie) Proffitt of Lebanon, Tennessee, Jonathan Thomas (Lindsey) DiGiovanni of Atlanta, Georgia, Joshua Reed (Samantha) DiGiovanni of Atlanta, Georgia, Ashley Wilt (Kyle) Ramirez of Gainesville, Florida, Jacob Richard Yancey of Gainesville, Florida and Abigail Brooke Wilt of Washington, DC. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Richard Proffitt III, Kaleigh Proffitt, Everett DiGiovanni, Emery DiGiovanni, and Amara Ramirez.

Mary’s youngest daughter, Tiffany was her beloved companion for 48 years. Tiffany, who had Down Syndrome, lived with her mother throughout her life. The love and companionship they shared were a special and enduring part of Mary’s life.

Mary had a special love for babies. In every community where she lived, mothers sought her out to care for their children so they could return to work. She was nurturing and loving, and she cared for countless children over the years. Her gentle spirit and devotion to children touched many families and left a lasting impression on the lives she helped shape.

She was also a woman of strength and determination. She encouraged her daughters to be strong, to study and to become independent. She taught them that all was possible and to never depend on someone else to provide for them, but to build lives in which they could stand on their own. These lessons were among the greatest gifts she gave her children.

Mary loved holidays and decorating. Her family looked forward to her beautiful seasonal decorations and admired her natural talent for creating a warm and welcoming home. She also loved flowers and arranging them, bringing beauty and joy into the lives of those around her.

Mary’s legacy of love, nurturing and independence will continue through the generations.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, followed by a reception, hosted by the family, at Williams-Thomas West area Chapel 823 NW 143rd Street, Newberry, Florida 32669.