Mary L. Macon

O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalms 136:1

Mary Lee Earl (affectionately known as “MaDear”) was born July 6, 1925 in Fort Davis, Alabama. She was the only child of Roosevelt Dawkins and Carrie Bell Earl. She departed this life on July 25, 2012 in Stockton, California.

MaDear was raised and attended school in Bullock County Alabama and Columbus Ga.

MaDear was joined in holy matrimony to James Macon Sr. in June 1946. (He preceded her in death) To this union 10 children were produced. She loved her family and cherished the time she spent with them. She enjoyed many hobbies, including cooking, canning, fishing, gardening and giving.

She accepted Christ, was baptized at an early age. She worked in many capacities in the church including choir member. She also worked several years as secretary for the Mount Zion District Baptist Congress of Northern Alabama.

She moved from Alabama to California in 1969 where she united with the Starlight Missionary Baptist Church in Menlo Park, California where she worked in many areas of the church including choir and Sunday School.

In 1971, she became a charter member of the Greater Friendship Baptist Church of Menlo Park, California where she also worked in a number of areas in the church including the choir; Sunday school; Baptist Training Union; and Hospitality.

In 1983 after visiting her granddaughter in the hospital, she was inspired to begin one of her greatest love, preparing Easter baskets for children in her church and community. This became an annual labor of love for the next 29 years, with the exception of one year when she was ill. However, that year she donated funds to the church to prepare the baskets.

Her motto was “IF ONE CHILD IS HAPPY MY WORK IS NOT IN VAIN”

In 1989 she united with the God’s Throne Baptist Church of Stockton, California where she continued her ministry of preparing Easter baskets and served as a mother of the church.

She was also a co-founder of the T.L.C. (Tender Love & Care) club. A community club that pro provided food to needy families during holidays.

MaDear worked in a variety of jobs, mainly housekeeping; where she worked for more than 20 years at Kaiser Hospital in Redwood City California and as an independent contractor.

Mary leaves to mourn her children James Macon Jr. (Beatrice) of Mountain House, CA; Robert Macon (Rosie) of Newnan, GA; Earnestine Wilson (Ricky deceased) of Stockton, CA; Carrie Stamper (Larry) of Stockton, CA; Gladys Jones (Eddie) of Stockton, CA; Jackie Macon (Rachel) of Manteca, CA; Larry Macon (Diana deceased) of Stockton, CA; Delois Hartley (Derrick) of Stockton, CA; Albert Macon (Michelle) of Tracy, CA; Roosevelt Macon (Johnnetta) of Mountain House, CA; 25 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren, one Sister-in-law Margaret Harris, one Godchild Lela Hall-Walker of Menlo Park, CA. She was adopted as Mom by many. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

MaDear will be missed by all who knew and love her yet her legacy of love, kindness and giving will live on.