Mary Hoover

Mary Lilly Hoover was born on December 8, 1933, to Parathinia Alexander and Walter Hoover in Lexington, MS. In 1953, at 20, she moved to Chicago, IL, to start a new life. Mary L. Hoover attended Ambrose High School in Lexington, MS, where she graduated in 1951, receiving her diploma. She worked at Best Kosher for 31 years before retiring in 1996. Mary married her lifelong partner, John Sawyer, who preceded her in death in 2011.

Mary dedicated her life to Christ by joining Pleasant Green M.B. Church in 1997, where she remained a member for 28 years. She loved attending Sunday service to hear Pastor Matthews speak. Mary, affectionally known as “Granny,” was a hard worker. She loved to cook, especially for her family, whom she loved spending time with. Granny was a savior to many in some way, whether it was a long conversation on the phone, an ear to listen to when you were telling her all your business or lending you a few dollars. Whatever the need, Granny was there to meet it. You would get an ear full, but she had your back in the end.

Mary “Granny” Hoover departed this life on August 22, 2024, surrounded by family. Preceding her in death are her beloved husband, John Sawyer; daughter Mary Ann, and grandchildren Reginald and Taya; sisters, Evelyn Allen and Gladys (Irene) Allen; and brother, Herbert Hoover. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Barbara “Be-Be” Craig and Colette “Bae-Bae” Hoover; sons, Howard “Count” Hoover (Cynthia) and Leonard “Pete” Hoover; bonus daughter, Diane (John) Gusie; 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; one great great- grandchild; and a host of cousins, friends, and family.

Family and friends will gather for a visitation for Mary that will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453.

A church service will occur Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church, 7545 South Vincennes Avenue, Chicago, IL 60620 followed by a graveside service on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Mount Hope Cemetery, 11500 South Fairfield Avenue, Chicago, IL 60655.