Mary Anna Bruce of Washington, DC made her transition from earth to heaven on Friday, April 16, 2021 at the age of 89. Mary was born on April 11, 1932 in McCormick, South Carolina to Lonnie and Sarah Quarles.
She received her formal education in the McCormick public schools. She relocated to Washington, D.C. when she was a teenager. On November 1, 1952, she married Nathaniel Bruce and through this union they raised six children.
Mary accepted Christ at an early age and attended the Bailey Bethel AME Zion Church in McCormick, South Carolina. She loved the Lord and as she continued her walk with Christ, she was baptized at Southern Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. She loved attending church services and spending time with her family and friends.
She was a stay-at-home mom until her youngest son started school in 1965. She began working various jobs to help support the family. She started her career at the National Education Association (NEA) on October 1, 1967. She began working in the Facilities Management Department as a housekeeper. She held various positions in the Conference and Facilities Department. She was promoted to clerk in the mail room, she handled assignments of NEA’s labor staff to setup floor plans in conference rooms and finished her career as an Administrative Assistant. She exhibited strong work ethics and was held in high esteem by her supervisors and colleagues. She retired on December 1, 1994.
Mary enjoyed traveling with her family on cruises to various domestic and international destinations. Her favorite things to do was relaxing and completing crossword puzzles, and if you knew her, you knew she had a stylish way of dressing (no one would ever guess her real age) and her favorite past time was shopping at “Macy’s”. She also loved to hang out with her girls and friends and going with them to the casinos and playing the lottery. Nothing tickled her heart like the love and respect of her children.
She was a healthy, strong and independent woman who showered those whom she encountered with love, opened arms, warm hospitality, a kind spirit and pure heart. Whenever she entered a room, her smile shined brighter than the sun. The neighborhood of 3536 Center Street, which she resided for 46 years will never be the same without her loving spirit and warm soul.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Nathaniel Bruce, Sr.; her parents: Lonnie and Sarah Quarles; her grandson DaVonne Wooten; her siblings James "Jay" Quarles, Florie Gaston, Margie Quarles, Barbara Jean Drakeford, Virginia Gibbs, Floyd Quarles and Henrietta Smith and her long-time companion Curtis Lumsden.
Mary leaves a legacy of strength, love and a strong family bond to her children: Lillie A. Hines, Carletha B. Washington, Twanda B. Rodgers, Nathaniel Bruce, Jr., Bernardo Bruce and Shaunetta Bruce; her siblings: Catherine Grant of Brooklyn, NY, Edward (Joyce) Quarles of Buffalo, NY, Leroy (Darnell) Peterson of Southaven, MS, Delores Quarles of Buffalo, NY; her grandchildren: LaVance (Yolanda) Gholston, Barbara (Russell) Hines, DeCole (Kelly) Fields, Sr., Tyrone Washington, Jr., Tarah Preddie, Devin (Amanda) Rodgers, Tyauna Bruce, Brandon Bruce, Dionte’ Bruce, Shaunetta Burton, Myanna Bruce; great-grandchildren Michael Gholston, Amanda Horn, Malcolm “JJ” Heath, Jr., Russhawn “Zach” Hines, Elijah Hines, DeCole “DJ” Fields, Jr., Johnathan Fields, Glen Bookhardt, D’Vonte Braxton, Daijuan “Chyna” Wooten, Brandon Preddie, Jenae’ Preddie, Nakiyah Organ, Yulani Rodgers, Deiandre Rodgers, Amari Rodgers, Niylah Ware, Jacob Lockey, Kayla Lockey, Jayce Cooke, Cali Bruce, six great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her best friend/cousin Alberta Williams.
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