Mary Ruth McMahan's Obituary
Mary Ruth McMahan, aged 86, passed away on March 13, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Born on February 18, 1940, in Inglis, Florida, she was a distinguished academic and professional, contributing significantly to the fields of pathology and forensic science.
Mary earned her Bachelor of Science from Stetson University, followed by a Master of Arts in Zoology from the University of Kansas, and a Ph.D. in Zoology from Iowa State University. Her academic journey led her to a notable career as an assistant professor in the Department of Pathology at Bowman Gray School of Medicine. Mary also served as a crime laboratory analyst with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, where her expertise played a crucial role in the advancement of forensic methodologies.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Mildred; brothers, Paul, John, and James; and niece, Debbie. Mary is survived by her nephews Ted, Tom, Tim, and James Jr. "Chip"; nieces Terry, Jan, Jean, Vicki, and Cheri; and cousin Mary Ann Joslin.
Mary's legacy is marked by her profound commitment to science and education, as well as the lasting impact she made on her family and community through her dedication and kindness. Her contributions to her field and the lives she touched will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.
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