Mary Bloodworth

Mary Ann Helms Bloodworth

Mary Ann Helms Bloodworth passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, October 12,

leaving behind a legacy of love, learning, and adventure.

Born and raised in Greenville, Mississippi, Mary was the youngest of five daughters of George

and Lillian Graves Helms. A bright and determined student, she graduated from the Mississippi

State College for Women with a degree in Library Science. Her love of education and adventure

led her to earn a Fulbright Scholarship to study in France for a year — an experience that

sparked her lifelong passion for travel. During that time, she explored much of Europe, often

hitchhiking with a fellow student and collecting stories she delighted in sharing for years to

come.

Mary began her teaching career at a boys’ private school before moving to Apalachicola,

Florida, where she became the librarian at Chapman High School. For many years, she shaped

young minds there, inspiring generations of students with her enthusiasm for reading, theater,

and the arts. Beyond the library, she taught ballet, tap, and jazz, directed three-act plays, and

sponsored several school clubs. Her warmth and fairness touched countless lives — many of

her former students have told the family she was the one who helped them fall in love with

books.

Mary was also a devoted and loving mother. She poured her heart into raising her four children,

creating a home filled with laughter and encouragement. She celebrated their individuality and

supported their dreams with the same care and enthusiasm she gave to her students. She also

cherished her many nieces and nephews, taking great joy in staying connected to them

throughout their lives.

While raising her family, Mary continued her own education, earning a master’s degree in

French from Auburn University. She later moved to the Destin area and taught French and

Spanish at Fort Walton Beach High School, continuing to share her love of language and culture

with her students.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, George and Lillian Helms; sisters Eleanor Ware,

Louise Ratliff, Ruth Nunnery, and her twin Myrtice Stewart; and her grandson, Ronnie

Bloodworth. She is survived by her children, Melissa Bloodworth Chandler, Michael Bloodworth,

Ben Bloodworth, and Marcus Bloodworth (Hyun Bloodworth); her grandchildren, Jill Chandler

Trudeau (Thomas Trudeau), Gilbert Chandler IV, Sydney Bloodworth, Gabriel Bloodworth, Isaac

Bloodworth, and Lucca Bloodworth; and her great-grandchildren, Parks Trudeau and Chandler

Trudeau; as well as her former husband, Ron Bloodworth.

A service celebrating Mary’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday at Trinity Episcopal

Church, 79 6th St, Apalachicola, FL 32320.

Mary will be remembered for her kind heart, sharp wit, and deep belief in the power of education

— a teacher, mentor, and mother who opened the world to others through books, language, and

love.