Mary Beth Dronkers, of Wewahitchka, Florida, passed away on August 8th, 2026.

Mary was born to William and Elizabeth Longshaw on February 13, 1961, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. She grew up in Cerritos, California, alongside her four siblings. Mary attended Gahr High School, where she was a member of the marching band and played the clarinet.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Mary enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1979, beginning a distinguished 20-year career dedicated to serving her country. During her time in the Navy, she was stationed in California, Hawaii, Florida, and Japan and served in six squadrons. She was deployed three times for six months at a time, including to the Philippines to assist with relief efforts following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, as well as deployments to Puerto Rico and Sicily. In 1992, she earned the rank of Chief Petty Officer, a reflection of the determination, strength, perseverance, and dedication she brought to every challenge she faced. She retired from the Navy in 1999.

The Navy was not only an important part of Mary's career, but also where she found the love of her life, fellow sailor Patrick Dronkers. Together, they built a life filled with adventure, raising their three daughters while following Navy orders all over the world. Through those experiences, Mary and Patrick gave their daughters a childhood rich with memories, experiences, and valuable life lessons.

Mary cherished her daughters. There was never any doubt of the unconditional love she felt for them. Motherhood meant always saying 'I love you' at the end of every phone call and showing her daughters how to navigate the world with fierce independence. While Patrick was away for 6 months at a time during the girls' childhood, Mary assumed the role of Mother and Father. However, it was never a hindrance. If anything, it amplified the mother she was because she wore both hats, and wore them vehemently.

After retiring from the Navy, Mary continued to pursue her love of learning and earned her degree in Culinary Arts from First Coast Technical College. She worked as a professional chef for nearly a decade, creating meals and friendships along the way. Eventually, she followed her true passion and founded her own custom cake business, Charmed Cakes, in 2011.

Mary's cakes were more than simply beautiful and delicious. Each one was made with care, thoughtfulness, and an abundance of love. Her generosity extended far beyond her customers, and it was rare for someone to order from Mary only once. She was always looking for a reason to brighten someone's day. Whether it was to say "Thank you," "Happy Holidays," "Congratulations," or "Get Well Soon," Mary found countless reasons to share one of her creations with someone she cared about.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, William and Elizabeth Longshaw, and her sister, Kathy.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Patrick; her three daughters, Jennelle (Gene Law) Dronkers, Lisa (Eric) Bidwell, and Kelly (David) Conrad; her six grandchildren, Jaxon, Dean, Oliver, Jane, Kya, and Alice; her sister, Betsy; and her brothers, Mike and Matthew.

Mary will deeply missed and lovingly remembered b her family, friends, former shipmates, customers, and all those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her. Her memory will live on in the family she cherished, the friendships she made, the cakes she created, and the many lives she touched along the way.

In Lieu of Flowers the family has requested that donations be made to Mary:

Fila 911 Rescue and Rehab

Dianne Kuykendall

102 Berry Road, Jasper AL 35504

(205) 300-0039

Ways to Donate:

PayPal: Fila911rescueandrehab@gmail.com

Cash App: $FilaRescue

Venmo: @Fila911RescueandRehab

Zelle: FilaFriends@gmail.com

Brown Funeral Home & Blue Lake Crematory of Chipley, FL are in charge of the arrangements.