Mary Carver

MARY CARVER, loving matriarch and devoted wife was born on November 1, 1930 in Charlotte, North Carolina to the late Lucius James and Annie Ree Grier. "Mamie" as Mary was affectionately known was the youngest child from that relationship, as she adored her older brother Lucius Jr. Mary moved with her family to Chester, South Carolina where she spent her formative years under the doting and watchful care of her grandparents Mattie and Taylor Grier. Many of Mary's relatives recalled her gentle spirit and devoted attention to her grandparents. Mary went on to care for her grandmother Mattie until she died. Mary never forgot the agape love she experienced living with her grandmother which many say helped formed the beauty of Mary's unselfish heart. Mary returned to Charlotte with her mother, brother and stepfather Willie Young where she continued to attend high school until 10th grade at Second Ward High School in Charlotte. Mary then gave birth to her first-born son Thomas Grier followed by her first-born daughter Anne Brown. To support herself as a young single mother during challenging time, Mary worked at the Barringer Hotel in North Carolina. In 1950, Mary met and married Henry Joseph and from this union six children were born.

In 1952, Mary and Henry moved to Baltimore Maryland where Mary became a homemaker. The family settled in Turners Station in Eastern Baltimore County to raise their family. On October 22, 1962, Henry's premature death left Mary a widowed mother of eight children. Through the loving support of extended family and friends, Mary re-entered the workforce where she was hired by the Sears Corporation. Mary sought additional employment with Shelton Cabs as a dispatcher for many years and Christ King Church as a housekeeper. Everyone in Turners Station knew Miss Mamie. She was a friendly, open-hearted and unselfish woman. Mary worked to ensure her children had greater opportunities and encouraged her children to continue their educations.

In 1979, after accepting an invitation from her daughter to visit Galilee Baptist Church in Dundalk, Mary met and married Andy Hill. Andy, the big hearted protector and loving husband stood as the backbone for Mary and her children. Mary helped Andy manage the operations for his successful Hill's Trash Removal Company for many years. Their generosity supported the church, local elected officials and many charities. Mary went on to join numerous church organizations where she devoted her time and talents. As a member of the Galilee's Missionaries, Ushers, Golden Age and Deaconess groups, Mary traveled throughout the country with her little companion her oldest granddaughter Jawauna. Mary enjoyed strong friendships with many women that lasted until their last days. After Andy's passing in 1997, Mary again was widowed.

In late 1997, Mary met and married Wylie Kenneth Carver after an introduction from her half-sister Janie Mae Bumpers. The couple enjoyed travel and family events. Both Mary and Wylie continued their commitment to Galilee Baptist Church throughout their marriage. It was not uncommon to see them in matching outfits walking across North Point Road headed to church. Mary and Wylie opened their hearts and home to anyone in need. They loved their children beyond any material thing on earth. As Mary's health declined, Wylie served as her caregiver for many years. Mary valued the companionship and friendship they shared. Always a loving spirit, Mary saw the good in everyone she encountered and was truly unselfish.

Mary departed this life on November 11, 2016 surrounded by love. She leaves to mourn her husband, Wylie Kenneth Carver; eight children, Thomas Grier (who preceded her in death), Anne Alston (Otis), Carolyn Jenkins (Albert), Barbara Joseph, Cynthia Joseph, Darleen Joseph, Llamas Joseph, Myra Robinson (Michael), fifteen grandchildren, a host of adopted grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nephews, nieces, family friends and church family. Mary with the loving heart will be missed.