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 her famous rice and peas and fried chicken, 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 additional daughters, Darlene Lewis and Linda Hinton, to the family. She also enjoyed assisting in providing meals to families at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House.

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 Lewis of Dallas, GA, daughter Karla Eyre of Stone Mountain, Georgia, daughter Linda Hinton of Lilburn, GA, 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 – Briahnna Johnson, Aubree Furbush, Jaxon 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.