Mary Lyda Pinckard

Mary Lyda Pinckard, age 98, went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 12, 2025, surrounded by family who loved her dearly. Mary was born on April 4, 1927 to Dr. and Mrs. Henry and Edna Lyda in Frisco City, Alabama. She had six siblings, and her family remained in Frisco City through her childhood.

Mary graduated from Frisco City High School in 1945 where she had been active in many school organizations including the glee club and the band. She received a music scholarship to study at Montevallo College where she earned her bachelor's degree in music education in 1950.

At age 23, Mary came to DeFuniak Springs to teach music in the Walton County public schools. It wasn't long before she met a handsome local fellow named E.D. "Buddy" Pinckard and was immediately smitten. They often saw each other at church and community functions. In 1952, the couple was united in marriage at First United Methodist Church in Frisco City and returned to make DeFuniak Springs their home following a honeymoon in Niagara Falls, New York. Throughout their life together, Mary and Buddy were blessed with a circle of friends who remained extremely close.

Mary left public school teaching in 1972 to become a private piano instructor and taught over 200 youth and adult students over three decades. She loved God and her church and served as the church pianist, along with organist, Emily Dannelley, at the First United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs for over 45 years. She and Mrs. Dannelley released three CDs of recorded music. She accompanied the FUMC Men's Bible Class which was dear to her heart, provided live accompaniment for the Chautauqua Children's Theater productions, and frequently played for residents at the Stanley House assisted living and, more recently, at Summer Vista assisted living in Pensacola. She was a lifelong member of Beta Sigma Phi.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, her brothers, and sisters. She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Edward D. "Buddy" Pinckard, daughter Martha (Mark) Fricks of Pensacola, Florida, son Les (Caroline) Pinckard of Dothan, Alabama, son James Pinckard of Farmington, New Mexico, and foster son Dan Lynch of Lake Wylie, South Carolina. She is also survived by seven adored grandchildren and eight cherished great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Mary Lyda Pinckard Scholarship for Music, University of Montevallo Foundation, 75 College Drive, Station 6215, Montevallo, AL 35115 https://www.montevallo.edu/give/giving-opportunities/scholarships-giving/ or to a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025 - 10:00 -11:00 a.m. at First Methodist Church, 88 Circle Drive in DeFuniak Springs. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m.