Mary Rebecca Twiss

Mary Rebecca Twiss, 90, of Oxford, Florida—a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother who was a magnificent warrior for Christ—passed away peacefully at home on March 4, 2026, surrounded by her close family. She was born in Panama City, Florida, in 1935 to John and Ada Lee, who were devoted parents to her and her eight siblings. Rebecca and her husband loved vacationing in the Smoky Mountains, which eventually led them to move there in 1978 from Leesburg, their longtime hometown, where they both attended Wildwood High School. Rebecca met the love of her life, Clyde Twiss, in Oxford during their teenage years, and they were married a few years later. He proposed to her with her younger sister, Johnnie Mae, sitting in the backseat. They were excited to begin their new life together. Rebecca and Clyde were married at Oxford Assembly of God. Soon after, they eagerly started a family of their own, and their children—Connie Early, Otis (Beth) Twiss, and Phyllis Steinmetz—meant the world to them. Though Rebecca loved cooking, gardening, and wine-making, she was also a gifted poet. However, her favorite role became that of grandmother. She treasured her time with her grandchildren and loved being their “Granny,” never failing to be there for life’s celebrations, birthday parties, and holidays. Rebecca also had a special place in her heart for Arlo, her beloved furry friend and Christian dog. She treated him, and the pets she had before him, like the valuable family members they were. She often took credit for making sure he knew Jesus. Rebecca was preceded in death by her husband, Rufus Clyde Twiss; her grandson, Christopher Robin Rimes; her great-grandson, Asavior Mease; her siblings, Mertie Brown, Ellie McKinley, Ruth Sellers, James Lee, Bill Lee, and Shirley Sands; and her parents, John and Ada Lee, along with many dear friends and extended family members who are waiting to see her again. She leaves behind her children and grandchildren: Jon Burton, Shelly West, Lacey Skinner, Dylana Rector, Garrett Twiss, Aaron Davenport, Adam Davenport, Chris Davenport, Aaron Steinmetz, Dustin Steinmetz, Cody Steinmetz, and Cory Steinmetz; as well as 20 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Rebecca was a faithful member of Oxford Assembly of God, where she devoted her time and energy to serving Jesus. Rebecca will always be remembered for her poetry and the way she shared her love of God. We could not have asked for a better mother, grandmother, or aunt. She will be missed every day, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Encounter Church, 4698 E County Rd 462, Wildwood, FL 34785, with services beginning at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow at Pine Level Cemetery in Oxford, Florida Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Lady Lake, Florida.

Mary Rebecca Twiss

March 31, 1935 - March 4, 2026