Mary Hellena Eyre

As a young woman, Mary Hellena moved to Queens, New York, where she met Arturo Eyre. They were married on September 25, 1959, and together they raised their four children first in Queens, and later on Long Island, where they created a lifetime of love and cherished memories. Throughout her life in New York, she worked for Hofstra University and Suffolk/Long Island Developmental Center. Mary Hellena was actively involved in the PTA, Central Islip School Board, and the Brightside Civic Association, and was also a proud Cub Scout mom. She enjoyed cooking, refurbishing furniture, and mostly playing Bingo and was affectionately known as “the Bingo Queen”. Mary Hellena was also the proud “me-ma” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Later in life, Mary Hellena and Arturo moved to Stone Mountain, Georgia, where they enjoyed spending time with family and friends and added an additional daughter, Darlene Lewis, to the family.

Mary Hellena was preceded in death by her beloved husband Arturo (known to many as “Andy”), her mother Gussie, father James, and sisters Maxsenia and Berniece. She is survived by her loving children - daughter Bonnye Johnson of Berrien Springs, Michigan, son Douglas Downs (Jacqueline) of Harlem, Georgia, daughter Darlene Davis of Dallas, GA, daughter Karla Eyre of Stone Mountain, Georgia, and son Waleed ibn Artur (aka Lenny or Arturo Jr.) of Atlanta, Georgia. Her sister Stella Ramsey of Thomson, Georgia, along with 6 grandchildren – Brian Johnson, Marc Johnson, Ashton Downs, Peyton Downs, Kayton Downs, and Christian Davis, and 4 great-grandchildren – Briannah Johnson, Aubrey Furbush, Jaxson Furbush, and Nolan Davis. She also leaves behind multiple nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends.

Mary Hellena will be laid to rest beside her beloved Andy at Floral Hills Memory Gardens, located at 3000 Lawrenceville Highway in Tucker.