Eudine McLeod

Eudine Markham McLeod passed away suddenly on Monday, July 13, 2026 at the remarkable age of 99. She had plans that week for a facial, working out at her gym and meeting her newest great-granddaughter.

Eudine was born on May 5, 1927 in Fairfield, FL. Her family moved south to Nocatee, FL shortly after her birth, where she lived until her marriage to Thurston McLeod in 1945. They moved to Gainesville in 1951 to be closer to her parents and to follow the Florida Gators. She and Thurston raised three children in Gainesville, Bill, Nancy and JoAnn. She worked at radio station WGGG for a short while before she decided she needed to stay home with her children. After they became school aged, Eudine began working a “temporary” job in Student Government that lasted 32 years. When she retired in 1992, Student Government honored her with an annual award in her name presented to the outstanding student who exemplifies “behind-the-scenes” dedication and devotion to the student body. Even after she retired she attended every event she could when she knew the former student body presidents would be there. She was also proud to be an honorary member of Florida Blue Key and attended many of their functions as well. After she retired, Eudine and Thurston began to focus on their physical fitness. They walked miles together before starting what turned into a 30+ commitment to working out at the gym. Eudine was a faithful member of Planet Fitness and the highlight of most weeks was when she went on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to see her “gym buddies.” She was an inspiration to so many because of her dedication to her physical fitness.

After Thurston passed away in 2009, Eudine continued to live alone but just a few years ago moved into The Atrium, a senior independent living facility. She loved it there! She made so many new friends and enjoyed the variety of activities available. She was determined to live independently as long as she could and she did until her last day.

Eudine loved her church and her family. She and Thurston were long time members of Highland Presbyterian Church, later Faith Presbyterian and most recently First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville. Eudine and Thurston made many life-long friends through the church. They played bridge every month with several other couples for 25 years. After she gave up driving on her 95th birthday, Eudine wasn’t able to attend church in person as often, but she began watching services on You-Tube. She particularly enjoyed watching the services at her daughter’s First Presbyterian Church of Tampa. Her faith was very strong and she ended many a conversation with “God is good!”

Eudine was also a published author. In 2015 she authored a book primarily for her grandchildren titled “A Journey from Then to Now,” in which she shared stories and information about her early years and family history. It’s now a treasured family keepsake.

Eudine was predeceased by her twin sister, Adine, her mother and father, Mable and Broward Markham, her husband Thurston, her sister Edna Mercer of Arcadia, her brother William “Ellis” Markham of Gainesville, her son-in-law Michael Strober and her son Bill. She is survived by her two daughters, Nancy McLeod Huggard of Gainesville (and her husband Charley who loved Eudine dearly) and JoAnn McLeod Strober of Tampa. She has two grandchildren who live in Australia, Raven McLeod Rutherford and David McLeod, and six great-grandchildren. Her other grandchildren include Ben Strober (Alexis) of Tampa, Jessica Strober Grove (Johnny) of Tampa, Emily Strober Abbott (Jesse) of Tampa, and Caitlin Strober Russo (Louis) of Atlanta. Between the Strober grandchildren there are another six great-grandchildren, with two more that will be added to the family this year. Grandmummy/Grandmama loved them all so very much!

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Eudine’s long and wonderful life on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 11:30 am at Milam Funeral Home, 311 S. Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601. Light refreshments will be available following the service. If you are so inclined, please make a donation in Eudine’s memory to Operation Catnip in Gainesville at ocgainesville.org.