Mary Starling Sullivan, 1933-2024

Mary Starling Sullivan, 91, of Babson Park, FL, died on Saturday, March 30 after a full life and quality time with family and loved ones.

She was born on January 17, 1933, in Miami, FL, to Clyde and Georgia Starling. In 1950, she graduated from Miami Edison High School. Mary met Richard J. Sullivan (Dick) in Connecticut. They were married at Forest Park Christian Church of Miami, in 1952.

Mary and Dick began their family in south Florida. In 1973, they relocated to Babson Park, after vacationing here for several years and falling in love with Crooked Lake. In addition to a loving wife and mother and devoted grandmother, she was a business owner operating a hair salon for over 30 years.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Richard J. Sullivan and her sisters Faye Mumford, Lorraine Marlier and Martha Menze. She is survived by her sister, June Handley, her children-Shelley Underwood, Rick Sullivan and Julie Seay, their spouses-Jim Underwood, Ellen Sullivan and Jimmy Seay, six grandchildren-Jenn Underwood, Jimmy Underwood, Ryan Sullivan, Mariel Sullivan Davis, Judson Seay and Hayes Seay, seven great grandchildren and eight nieces and nephews.

She was deeply loved. Mary leaves a legacy of hospitality that deeply impacted her family and friends and lives on in the lives she touched. She is remembered for her incredible cooking, love of the beach and fishing, sense of humor, generosity and Christ-like faith.

Her memorial service will be held Thursday, April 18th at 4pm, in the chapel at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales. There is a reception to follow. Friends and family of the Sullivans, Seays and Underwoods are welcome to join us, to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lake Wales Care Center.