Mary Ann Solomon

Mary Ann Solomon went to be with her Lord and to rejoin her beloved late husband on October 1, 2009. Born in Fort Myers on July 17, 1922, she was a proud 2nd generation native of Lee County. Her family were pioneer Floridians who sailed here from Louisiana in 1883. Mary Ann attended historic Edison Park Elementary and graduated from Fort Myers High, where she met the love of her life, Ellis Solomon. They married in 1940 and lived in the same house on Clifford Street from 1947 through 2004. Ellis was public and outgoing while Mary Ann was private and reserved. She supported her husband enthusiastically but preferred to remain in the background. She truly was “the wind beneath his wings.” Before health took its toll, she was an avid reader and worked as a volunteer helping others to achieve literacy. She was also active in Little League support groups, Cub Scouting and the PTA. She was a wonderful mother, a friend to all who sought her discreet counsel and a cook beyond compare. Throughout her entire life, MaryAnn’s lighthouse for living was her rock solid belief in the Christian faith. She and Ellis rarely missed a Sunday service at the First Baptist Church of Fort Myers where they were lifelong members. She was active in its auxiliary organizations, Sunday School and she particularly enjoyed her friends and her time in Bible study. Moreover, she honestly lived her faith each and every day. Mary Ann is preceded in death by her father, Ira Sapp; her mother, Eunice Maywald Sapp (Raymond); her brothers, Bill M. Sapp and Charles Howard Sapp; her cousin, Ann Eva Carter; and her beloved husband of 64 years, Ellis Solomon. Her passing is mourned by her son, Ron Solomon (Fort Lauderdale and Key West); her cousins, Julia Pearl Keen and Arthur Barron, Jr. (Fort Myers), and Jewel McDowell (Bradenton); and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. The family wishes to pause in this solemn moment to express sincere gratitude to the caring staff of Calusa Harbour and Hope Hospice. Thank you Katie, Gerald, Penny, Daniel, Shelley, Julie and the other wonderful people who cared so lovingly for “Miss Mary Ann“. Special thanks, also, to Dr. Robert Pritt, DO and Melissa Grubb, ARNP, ultimate professionals who combined skill and sensitivity in administering the highest quality of medical care. The Reverend Winfred Hendrix will officiate the celebration of life on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at The First Baptist Church of Fort Myers, 1735 Jackson Street, Fort Myers. Family and friends will be received in the church Atrium from 1:30pm until 2:00 pm. The service shall begin promptly at 2:15pm in the main sanctuary. Internment will follow at the Fort Myers Cemetery on Michigan Avenue and all guests are invited. Arrangements are entrusted to the Anderson-Patterson Cremation & Funeral Services. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that remembrances be in the form of donations to the First Baptist Church of Fort Myers or a simple prayer.

Mary Ann Solomon

July 17, 1922 - October 1, 2009