She transitioned to heaven on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. Without a shadow of a doubt, Mary is enjoying the presence of her Savior whom she loved with her whole heart.
Mary was an unapologetic follower of Jesus. She never made a decision without prayerfully consulting the Lord for direction. Her life was a testament to what it means to trust God through life's uncertainties. No matter what she faced, she remained steadfast in the Word and refused to waver or complain. As a result, she was blessed by God beyond measure.
Mary also had an enduring love for her family. She poured herself into her children often sacrificing herself and her own needs for them. She instilled in them a selfless and fierce love for one another and reinforced the motto: We are a sharing family.
Mary loved for her family to be together - especially on Thanksgiving - which was her favorite holiday. She was known for her cooking and baking skills. Granny’s famous fried chicken, sweet potato casserole and homemade cake, known as a “ hot cake” were among many of her famous tasty dishes. Her food would always disappear in a matter of minutes as friends and family devoured her recipes. It brought her so much happiness to see family and friends enjoy being together over a good meal. She relished any opportunity to spend time together with loved ones and she cultivated any opportunity to do so.
Granny had a special bond with her three grandsons; Jackson, Jerry Jr. and Jude. She reminded them to always keep Christ first in their lives and to do everything with excellence. She was also a confidant to many people who came across her path. She provided a safe place for them and her counsel was always laced with godly wisdom.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; sister Dorthy Maddox and brother Henry Maddox Jr.
Mary leaves a legacy to three loving and devoted children, a daughter Vernida (Aubrey) McKoy and sons Von Shirer, Jerry (Priscilla) Shirer, Sr. ; three loving grandsons, Jackson V. Shirer, Jerry C. Shirer, Jr. and Jude M. Shirer; her beloved siblings; Annie Jewel Hill, Sarah Middleton, Cynthia Hudson, Carolyn Beard, Timothy Maddox (Trina) and April (Sam) Cockrell; special beloved nieces and nephews Michelle (Glenn) Harbin Sr., Kimberly Frazer, Glenn Harbin Jr. and Danielle Harbin of Alabama ; sister and brother in love Pete and Shirley Bacote of Hampton Virginia and a host of family and friends. And last be not least, Melo, her loving grandog.
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