Mary Jeanne Boyce, 78, of Niceville, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2020, at Carington Manor in Crestview, FL. Mary was born to Richard Hampden and Jeanne Sellew Liggett in Roanoke, VA. She was Valedictorian of Byram High School and was proud to return to school after her children were older to earn her Associates of Arts degree at Okaloosa Walton Community College.

Mary is survived by her husband of 54 years, Clifford Debs Boyce; daughter Danielle Marie Reich and son Brian Walter Boyce; granddaughters Olivia Marie and Laila Rose and grandson August Elliot; siblings John Liggett (Cheryl), Susan Hudson (Robert), Beth Dabit (Elias) and Ginny Waters (David); and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mary grew up in Raymond, MS, where she played the piano for family and church gatherings, and was a member of the Hi-Steppers at Hinds Junior College. She worked as a draftsperson, and was a talented painter, sculptor, dancer and musician, playing the piano for her church and singing in the choir. After her children left home, Mary began rehearsing and performing regularly with the Pelican Pickers, the Milton jam circle and other area musicians. During this time she added dulcimer, violin, guitar, ukulele, penny whistle, mandolin and washboard to her musical endeavors. Mary was also an avid runner, cyclist, hiker, camper, birdwatcher and Master Gardener. She passed on her love of animals, the arts and the outdoors to her children. She had a beautiful and generous spirit, sharp wit and brought joy to every room.

The funeral and burial services will take place on Friday, October 2, at 11:00am at the Spring Ridge United Methodist Church cemetery in Terry, MS. The family requests that donations be made to Alzheimer's research or the National Audubon Society in lieu of flowers.