Psalm 30:5…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Mary Lena Williams was born on February 6, 1931, in Memphis, Tennessee. She was the only child of John Leonard and Leila Marie (Myrick) Coleman.
Mary lived in Chicago, Illinois and Springfield, Missouri before settling in Los Angeles, California. She spent the past three years in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Mary accepted Christ at an early age. She was a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles for over 30 years. She sang in the choir and was part of the Mother's Ministry. After relocating to Charlotte she joined New St. John Baptist Church.
Mary graduated second in her class in high school and attended LeMoyne (now LeMoyne-Owen) College in Memphis. She furthered her education by specializing in the field of nursing. Mary was a nurse at St. John's (now Mercy) Hospital in Springfield, Missouri for several years. She received specialized training and began working with open heart patients. After she retired, Mary worked as a private duty nurse until she was 75 years old. As a testament to her caring nature, Mary's patients and their families continued to keep in touch with her long after their professional relationship ended.
Mary was a spirit-filled woman who started each day by reading her Bible. She enjoyed spending time with family, writing letters, reading, and cooking. She also enjoyed outdoor activities such as gardening and fishing. Mary was well known in the community for her generosity. As an example, she shared the produce from her garden with friends and neighbors. The best words to describe Mary are: patient, loving, and kind.
Mary was preceded in death by her father and mother, John Leonard and Leila Marie Coleman, and her beloved husband Charles. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Mary leaves to cherish her memories her daughters Christine Jarrett and Joyce (George) McMillan; her son William Glenn Beasley; grandchildren Douglas (Kerry) McMillan, Charles McMillan, Micah Jeremy Beasley, and Maisha Marie Beasley; great grandchildren Kaylyn, Drew, and Kercy McMillan; and a special friend Kay Howard.