Mary Edna Mixon

Mary Edna Mixon was born on August 1, 1933 in Fayette, Mississippi to the late Reverend Warneta Tyler and Arneita Cruel. Mary was married to Alfred Mixon on May 27, 1978. They remained married until Alfred’s death in 2008. Mary was the loving mother to three daughters. One preceded her in death, Joy, in 2015. She was one of 16 children and was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, and five brothers: Joseph, James, Warneta Jr., Richard and Robert; and ten sisters: Bertha, Vergie, Irene, Henrietta, Thelma, Velma, Eva, Rebecca, Leviolet and Eudoxie. What a wonderful reunion there will be in heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Before settling in Turlock, Mary lived in Milpitas, California for 31 years. She worked as the Manager of Classified documents for Stanford Research Institute for a number of years, before retiring from GTE as the Supervisor of Classification Management, Education & Audits. Her job brought tremendous satisfaction as she traveled often from California to Washington, DC conducting training and audits. In addition to her career, Mary was an active member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in San Jose, California. She later became an active member of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Modesto. Mary enjoyed working in the church and worked with the youth ministry and the deaconesses of the church.

Mary had a passion for children. She pursued higher education courses in early childhood development and entertained the thought of opening a daycare center. She always said there are no bad children. She volunteered at her grandchildren’s daycare centers and schools whenever she could. Her grandchildren in Maryland have fond memories of her going on fieldtrips with their class whenever she visited.

Mary could be counted on as a true friend. She was forthright and not afraid to give tough love. She would lend a helping hand when needed and encouraged others to find the strength to stand for themselves and others. She loved her family dearly and spent many hours visiting with them by phone. Her hobbies included reading the bible, gardening, traveling, lunching with good friends Edith McClain and Annie McCain, watching her soaps, and cooking a good meal during the holidays.

Mary’s earthly journey ended early June 1, 2018 at her home in Turlock. She is survived by her daughter Myrna and her husband James, daughter Vontrese, grandchildren: Emani, Simone, Jonathan, Brittany, Matthew, Corinne; a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and numerous friends.