ELIZABETH ANN “BETTY ANN” ROBERTS MCCARTY. Died October 6, 2025 at age 93. Betty Ann was born in Tallahassee on January 15, 1932 to Thomas Jefferson “TJ” Roberts and Ruth Whitehead Roberts. She attended public schools, graduating from Leon High School in 1950. She went on to Florida State University where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and performed as a star acrobat and trapeze artist in the FSU Flying High Circus, earning a place in center ring.  After receiving her BA in Early Childhood Education from FSU, Betty Ann began her career as a kindergarten teacher at J.J. Finley Elementary School in Gainesville. On August 6, 1956, Betty Ann married the love of her life, the Rev. Barnum McCarty in Tallahassee. Together, they began a lifetime of love, faith, and service and were blessed with three lovely daughters.
As a clergy wife, Betty Ann served faithfully alongside Barnum as Rector of Trinity Church, Apalachicola 1956-59; Camp Weed 1959-62 where Betty Ann worked as the Camp Dietician and developed her passion for healthy cooking and nutrition; St. Andrew’s, Panama City 1962-71; and St Mark’s Episcopal Church Jacksonville 1971-95.
At each stop, Betty Ann was actively involved in church ministries. Her warmth, kindness, and steadfast faith were an inspiration to all who knew her.  Betty Ann’s enthusiasm and talents were boundless. She was an exceptional cook and baker, famous for her homemade breads, and a gifted seamstress. She lovingly sewed dresses for her daughters, made wedding gowns for two of them and many cherished heirloom pieces for her grandchildren. She also found joy in knitting, smocking and needlepoint.  Family meant everything to Betty Ann. She treasured vacations at St. Teresa Beach and Amelia Island, boating with her family on the St. Johns River, and every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her life was a living reflection of her three greatest loves: God, family, and country. Well done, good and faithful servant!
Betty Ann was predeceased by Barnum, her devoted husband of 65 years, and their daughter Sara Ann McCarty. She is survived by daughters Clara Elizabeth Pulignano (Nicholas Vincent) and Mary Shannon Graham (James Cole); five grandchildren Claire Elizabeth Pulignano, Nicholas Vincent Pulignano III (Kelly), Helen Laine Gandy (Coleman), Elizabeth Ann Gilrain (Sean), and James Cole Graham Jr.; four great-grandchildren (Lucy, Court, Graham, John Barnum); and beloved nephew Bill Fannin (Debbie).
A service to celebrate Betty Ann’s life will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 4129 Oxford Avenue, Jacksonville, FL on October 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.  The service also will be live streamed on the St. Mark’s website https://stmarksjacksonville.org/.  A Committal of Ashes will follow in the church’s Memorial Garden, with a reception afterward in Leatherbury Hall.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church or Camp Weed, 11057 Camp Weed Place, Live Oak, FL 32060.
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Dear Beth,Shannon, Billy and Families,
Jennifer and I are extremely sorry of your loss. I just recently learned of your mother and aunt’s passing. So many fond memories we all shared during the many summers we spent together at St. Teresa Beach. Ms Betty Ann was such an integral part of all the food, fun and fellowship. She always had a pleasant disposition. I remember she had her own unique way of expressing her guidance and direction when she thought we “might” be doing something unpleasing in her sight! What a blessing and a gift she was to all who were in her presence. She will be deeply missed, but the cherished memories of her and all of you will dwell in my heart and memory forever!
With much love, comfort, peace and our deepest sympathies,
Cliff and Jennifer Dunaway
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