Obituary – Mary “Eloise” Eubanks Gholson
Mary “Eloise” Eubanks Gholson
BLOUNTSTOWN, FLÂ – Mary “Eloise” Eubanks Gholson was born on Aug. 29, 1923 and died peacefully at the age of 101 in Blountstown surrounded by her family on Dec. 8 on what would have been her 81st wedding anniversary.
Eloise was born and grew up in Chattahoochee, where her father owned a store. In her late teens, her family moved to Blountstown when her father closed his store to pursue other business opportunities.
She graduated from Chattahoochee High School in 1941, alongside her high school sweetheart and future husband, Angus Gholson. She attended Florida State College for Women and was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. During her first year of college, her father passed away suddenly. In 1942, she left school to work at the (World War II) Ration Board in Blountstown to help support her family until she married in December 1943 while Angus was on temporary leave from the United States Air Force during WWII. After the war, Angus finished college and together they settled in Chattahoochee, living in his childhood home on Bolivar Street. Eloise genuinely loved and cared for the Scarborough/Gholson extended family as her own her entire life.
She worked as the Secretary at Chattahoochee High School for decades. Eloise was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church and an active member of the Chattahoochee Woman’s Club. She frequently directed weddings in Chattahoochee and surrounding towns.Although Eloise was beautiful in appearance at every age, her servant’s heart was what defined her. She was happiest serving others and did so graciously, humbly, and faithfully with a cheerful heart. She was a hard worker, never a complainer, and naturally maintained her steady composure in all circumstances. Her Christian faith and daily devotional sustained her through life’s triumphs and challenges.
Her roles as “Mother,” “Grandmama,” and “G” brought her great joy; she loved those that called her those names purely and deeply. Her husband was by all accounts an accomplished veteran, forester, and botanist, winning accolades far and wide. She served by his side in every capacity so that he could pursue his career, interests and passions. They were a team and she was his biggest behind the scenes cheerleader during their marriage of 70 years. He was who he was because of her.
Her talent for preparing second to none traditional southern food and hosting guests with grace and charm drew thousands to her table over her lifetime. She welcomed anyone who wanted to be there with a smile and always encouraged her guests to go back for seconds. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will especially remember her creamed corn as “liquid gold.” Her handwriting was meticulously perfect; her thank you notes were sincere and prompt, highlighting the importance of gratitude for even the smallest gestures. She was the epitome of a kind and dutiful southern lady.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Angus Kemp Gholson, Jr.; by her son, Angus “Kemp” Gholson, III; by her parents, Bennett Thomas Eubanks and Eloise Brantley Eubanks; and by two siblings, Norma Elaine Yon and Bennett Thomas Eubanks, Jr.
She is survived by her daughter, Laura Gholson Smith (Jerry) of Alachua; by her four granddaughters, May McDonald Smith Weber (Tim) of Tampa, Tara Antoinette Gholson Kirk (Kip) of Warner Robins, GA, Marjorie Eloise Smith Drummond (Gray) of Chiefland and Laura Elizabeth Gholson Croley (Will) of Tallahassee; and by her nine great-grandchildren, Elise Claire Weber, Andrew Smith Weber, Austin Tyler Kirk (Amiya), Elizabeth Ann Kirk, William Alexander Kirk, Kay Eloise Drummond, Kate Graham Drummond, Wilson Mahaffey Croley and Caroline Elizabeth Croley; by her three great-great-grandchildren, Calloway, Kanaan, and Kylan Kirk; by her sister, Betty Ann Cayson; and by devoted nieces, nephews, and cousins.
When Angus passed away almost 11 years ago, his final words were “I love you” to his beloved Eloise. He, along with her devoted son, Kemp, surely helped welcome her to heaven as she left this world saying “well done, good and faithful servant.”
A visitation with family will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Chattahoochee Fellowship Hall at 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, Dec. 22.. A memorial service will follow at the church at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Funeral arrangements are being made by McAlpin Funeral Home of Sneads.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Eloise Gholson to the First United Methodist Church of Chattahoochee, 18 W. Marion Street, Chattahoochee, FL 32324; and the Angus Gholson Nature Park through the Magnolia Chapter Florida Native Plant Society, P.O. Box 3434, Tallahassee, FL 32315.
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