Obituary of Norma Jean Goodman McGarry

McGarry, Norma Jean Goodman, 87, passed on to Heaven on Saturday, March 3, 2018. She was born February 23, 1931 to Joseph M. and Lucille Lowe Goodman. She was a graduate of St. Petersburg High School Class of '47, attended Randolph Macon College, and graduated from the University of North Carolina. She was a Debutante, presented in 1950. Shew was a long time member of the Junior League and the St. Petersburg Yacht Club where she was well known for her extraordinary talent for floral arrangements and decorating for the numerous parties held there over the years. Her special touch usually involved Magnolia leaves which she would clip from her own trees. She never missed an opportunity to send flowers to someone for any occasion. She dedicated her life to her family and her Lord and Savior, Jesus. The most giving spirit anyone will ever know. She dedicated her life to her family and her Lord and Savior, Jesus. She taught the 3 and 4 year olds at First Baptist Church for over 30 years. The most giving spirit anyone will ever know. Over the past 25 years Norma Jean spent most of her time in Durango, CO in the home built by her husband, Judge Mark K. McGarry Jr. Together they adventured on their motorcycle all over the southwest. She enjoyed gardening, golf, floral design, and was an amazing cook. She was famous for her special Rum Cake. She will be fondly remembered for the many beautiful weddings, birthday parties, and events she held at her magnificent home and expansive gardens which she tended herself. She is predeceased by her of 62 years, Mark R. McGarry, Jr, who died in 2015. She is survived by her brother, Joe Goodman, sons, Mark III (Susie) of St. Petersburg, and Brian (Aurea) of Cumming, GA; and her grandchildren, Patrick R. McGarry, Alyssa McGarry, and Angelia Boudreau. Very special thanks to her loving care givers of the past 2 years, Helen and Lisa- who provided extraordinary aid and comfort to Norma Jean and our family. Visitation will be held from 11am until the service at Noon with a reception to follow on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Anderson McQueen Family Tribute Center, 2201 Dr. MLK Street St. Petersburg, FL 33704. Private burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to First Baptist Church, 1900 Gandy Blvd. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33072.