Memories of My Mother - Dee Renfroe
Margeaux Donovan Gibson, daughter of the late Dee Renfroe, lovingly shares her memories with us.
Dee wore many hats throughout her life, but it was in her family’s pecan business where her heart truly found its home. After marrying Stephen, the love of her life, and celebrating the birth of their daughter Margeaux, Dee poured her passion and energy into J.W. Renfroe Pecans.
As general manager, she became the heart and soul of the business, helping it grow from a small corner store into a beloved Pensacola treasure and a regional destination. Her vision expanded the retail shop, mail-order service, and holiday gift offerings, turning the family business into a nationally recognized name.
With her sharp mind, warm spirit, and tireless dedication, Dee touched everyone she met—leaving a legacy of love, hard work, and sweet success that still inspires today.
By J.W. Renfroe Pecan Co
This Sunday marks our first Mother’s Day without my mom, Dee Renfroe, who passed away at the end of January. It’s hard to put into words just how much she meant to our family—and to Renfroe Pecan.
Following in her beloved mother’s footsteps, she poured her heart and life force energy into making a local name for Renfroe Pecan. Some of my earliest and fondest memories are of being with her at work: Back in the 90’s, sitting up on the counter, watching her in action, sneaking a taste of hot fudge straight from the kettle, and just being by her side as she helped carry Renfroe Pecan through each pecan season over the years. I even spent the first months of my life with her as she developed and opened our former Eastgate Plaza location—a testament to her dedication not just as a mother, but as the driving force behind the Renfroe name.
She carried the legacy of our matriarch, Nana (Lil) onward with her determination and focus toward upward movement and impeccable quality standards.
She ran the retail shop, oversaw mail orders, managed production, and helped grow Renfroe Pecan into a beloved local destination. She did it all with strength, grit, a sense of humor, and an unmatched work ethic. Her legacy is in every bag of pecans, every batch of fudge, and every longtime customer who walks through our doors with a memory of her smile.
This Mother’s Day, we honor a truly dynamic woman. We miss her deeply, and we’re proud to carry her legacy forward.
Happy Mother’s Day in heaven, Mom. And happy Mother’s Day to our dear Nana (Lil Renfroe).
Love,
Margeaux
Mary Deborah Renfroe, affectionately named DeeDee by her grandchildren, 71, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. A devoted mother, grandmother, and businesswoman, Dee lived a life defined by resilience, quiet strength, and an unwavering commitment to her daughter, parents, and those that she held dear.
Mary Deborah Renfroe August 1, 1953 ~ January 30, 2025