Mary Gail Willhite

Mary Gail Willhite, 76, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2024, at Serene Gardens of Clarkston with her son Matthew by her side. Mary was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Shirley McAllister, her husband Larry Willhite, brother Alan McAllister, stepfather Harold Rideout, and brother-in-law Robert Koonter. Mary was born May 30, 1948, in Dearborn, Michigan where she resided until 1980 when she moved with her family to Lake Worth, Florida. She was a loving mother to her son, Matthew and his wife, Alexis. She adored and doted on her two grandsons, Luke and Mark, who proudly called her Grammy. Mary is also survived by her stepdaughter Cheryl Hood and her husband Randy, and their two daughters Michelle and Rachel with whom she cherished their many visits. Mary had a special bond with her sister, Marty, and was able to rekindle the closeness of their youth by living near her in Clarkston for the past year. Mary was also a devoted aunt to Robert McAllister, his wife, Heather, and their three children, Ryan, Christian, and Owen. Mary was a phenomenal baker and enjoyed creating cakes that resembled works of art for weddings and showers as well as making cookies and brownies for family and friends. The firefighters at her son’s firehouse were always elated when Mary showed up with some of her amazing baked goods. She was never happier than when she was playing country music and baking with her grandchildren sitting on the kitchen counter. She was an amazing shopper and enjoyed spending countless hours finding unbelievable deals. Above all else, Mary had an unwavering passion for helping others which naturally blossomed into a long-lasting career in nursing. Not only was she a blessing to those she cared for professionally, but also to her many relatives who relied on her for help. She was especially close with her aunt, Helen Welch, with whom she travelled the world and eventually became her primary caregiver. This dedication proved to be rewarded when she herself was in her final stage of life. The wonderful staff at Serene Gardens of Clarkston ensured that Mary was treated with the same kindness and compassion that she had once shown so many others.

Mary was an advocate for research of Alzheimer's disease and had participated in multiple clinical studies in the hopes that the research would prove beneficial to others. Please consider making a donation in memory of Mary to the Alzheimer’s Association.

To share memories of her life, a visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 10th from 10:00am to 12:00pm, memorial service at 12:00 at COATS FUNERAL HOME - CLARKSTON. A private burial will take place at a later date at Ottawa Park Cemetery.

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