Mary Leavie Catherine Brownlee Minchin went home to be with Jesus on Sunday, October 16, 2011. She passed away at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida. She was 93 years of age.

Leavie was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia to Guy and Essie Brownlee, the second of eleven siblings. Determination was one of her strong points, and she exhibited this trait early on as she worked her way through school to receive her degree in Home Economics from Berry College in Rome, Georgia. Education was her chosen career and remained important to her all of her life.

After graduation from Berry, she moved to Florida where she taught secondary school in Monticello, Mayo and Aucilla before moving to Chipley to serve as the Washington County Home Demonstration Agent. It was in Chipley that she met and married confirmed bachelor, Robert Edward Minchin, Sr. Leavie went on to teach for over twenty years at Kate M. Smith Elementary School and influenced many students during that span of time.

In her retirement, Leavie enjoyed many activities, including travelling with her friends, painting at the Council on Aging, and quilting with the ladies in Wausau. She had a penchant for photographing any event she attended and was well known for sharing her photos with many people. In addition, she found much joy in serving others. Her time was often spent in baking her famous yeast bread to give to others, driving her friends to doctors' appointments, and visiting with many in nursing homes and hospitals.

She loved her church, First Baptist of Chipley where she taught Sunday School for many years. In later years, she was a member of the Fidelis Sunday School Class, Triple L and WMU. Her membership in the Washington County Historical Society and Washington County Retired Educators also meant much to Leavie.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Edward Minchin, Sr. and her infant son, James Allen Minchin. Survivors include her son, Robert Edward Minchin, Jr. and wife, Susan and their children, Bob, Minch, Joy, and Joshua all of Gainesville; and another son, Malcolm Guy Minchin, Sr. and wife, Beth and their children, Matt and Mary Beth of Chipley and Macc and his wife, Becka of Gainesville.

She dearly loved her family, who were her pride and joy. Being a member of the "greatest generation," Leavie loved her country and felt blessed to live in Chipley for over 60 years and to have so many friends that cared for her. For the last six-plus years of her life, she spent half her time in Gainesville with her eldest son and his family. She leaves behind many friends in this area also.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at First Baptist Church of Chipley with Rev. Michael Orr officiating. Interment will follow at Glenwood Cemetery in Chipley. The family will receive visitors and friends on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home Brickyard Road Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that honorariums be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund of Chipley.