Mary Ann (Sifford) Mackey was born in Gastonia, North Carolina on January 1, 1946, officially one of the first baby boomers. She was raised in Clover, South Carolina and had many childhood friends. Her father owned the local hardware store, and her mother was an honored teacher in the Clover school system. In high school, Mary learned piano and played clarinet in the marching band. After graduating with honors, she attended St. Andrews Presbyterian College for 2 years in liberal arts. Mary then became a Carolina Gamecock where she majored in math and business.
After leaving college, she worked in Charlotte, North Carolina for a short time with a major insurance company. When her friend was moving to Austin, Texas, she decided to go along for an adventure. There Mary met her lifelong partner, Jim Mackey. They married in 1972 and had their first child. After vacationing in Colorado, they decided to move to Colorado Springs in 1976. She was the bookkeeper for her husband’s pharmacy, and it was then that she had her second child. Her family was then complete. Mary moved to Woodland Park in 1988 where she raised her teenagers. When Cripple Creek became a gambling town, she worked as a bookkeeper for a casino for 3 years. Mary then decided to work for herself and started her own business. She quickly gained many clients who really needed her help. Mary moved back to Colorado Springs in 2004 where she continued her business until her retirement.
She was an avid reader of science fiction as well as other types of fiction. Mary loved camping under the stars. She was an avid hot springs enthusiast and made it a point to discover as many as possible. Mary enjoyed camping at music festivals, especially when the family was able to attend. She liked solving computer solitaire games and was an accomplished sudoku player. Family was her pride and joy and she loved whenever she could spend time with them.
Mary was preceded in death by her father, S.A. Sifford; and her mother, Mary Lou Price Sifford.
She is survived by her sister, Amelia Sifford Shortino; husband, James Otis Mackey; son, Michael James Mackey; daughter, Lila Hope Mackey; and granddaughters: Elyssa Shea Robbins, Samantha Marie Pollard, and Shauna Michelle Mackey.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, February 23, 2024, at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910.
Rest in Peace, our loving matriarch of the family.
Julie & Larry
14 Feb 2024We are so sorry for your loss. Mary Ann was such a sweet lady! Many prayers!
Amy Shortino
15 Feb 2024Mary Ann, my sister, you will forever be in my heart. I send love and hugs to Jim, Michael, Lila, Amber, Harry, Elyssa, Samantha, and Shauna. God bless and keep you all.
Sue Lawley
15 Feb 2024Jim – Mary Ann will be missed. She was a good friend and touched many. My sincere condolences on your loss. My heart and prayers are with you, Michael and Lila.
Wayne & Arlene Gaylord
17 Feb 2024Jim – We were saddened by the news about Mary Ann and our prayers are with you. Wayne and Arlene.
Anonymous
29 Feb 2024My condolences to Mary Ann’s family. We had such fun growing up in Clover.
Martha (Smith) Wilkie
7 Mar 2024My sympathy to Mary Ann’s family. Mary Ann, Amy, Carolyn, and I had many happy times growing up in Clover. The four of us spent many fun nights at the Sifford’s house during our high school days.