Brenau devotee Mary Tibbetts dies

GAINESVILLE - A woman long associated with Brenau University has died.

Mary Overby Tibbetts graduated from Brenau in 1932.

Tibbetts was a Brenau faculty member in the Speech and Dramatic Art Department; the school's first full-time director in the Office of Alumnae Affairs; was instrumental in creating the Brenau National Alumnae Association; and, according to the Brenau Web site, showed a "high degree of dedication and loyalty to Brenau University."

She is described as the "driving force in the establishment of the Brenau Archives and the Archives Room in the Trustee Library," was a Alpha Xi Delta alumna, helped form the College Players which grew into the Gainesville Theatre Alliance, and initiated the Brenau Book Fair that operated for 15 years.

Tibbetts received the Outstanding Alumnae Award for service to Brenau.

Outside the Brenau family, Tibbetts was active in the Progressive Arts Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, and Gateway Garden Club in Gainesville.

A memorial service will be held at a later date for Tibbetts, who was 94.