Mary's obituary
Celebration of Life and Legacy
Mary Louise Walthall was called home to be with the Lord on August 12, 2024. Mary’s life as a loving mother, grandmother, World War II veteran, nurse and minister, only scratches the surface of the 100 years of legacy she leaves in our hands.
Born on November 9, 1923 in Birmingham, AL, she was the oldest daughter of Anderson Walthall and Adeline Daniels. Her mother passed young in life, where she was then raised by her step-mother Georgie Boykins. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Anderson Walthall, Jr., sister Julia Ann Laster, and nephew, Joseph Laster.
Upon graduating from Parker High School in 1943, Mary enlisted in the US Army and served as a typist and postal clerk until her honorable discharge in 1946. With her father’s blessing, she moved to Brooklyn, NY in 1951 and lived there until she retired to Sharon Springs, NY in 1989. During that time, she became a dedicated mother to her daughter Michèle (Renée), a faithful minister at Good Samaritan Apostolic Church in Christ, a graduate of The College of Staten Island, and registered nurse at Coney Island Hospital, where she retired after 25 years of service. Her final years were spent in Queens, NY with her daughter.
Mary lived her life in service to others, and to serve the Lord. Her healing presence was a gift that touched countless lives through her work and ministry. Her love and commitment to her daughter and granddaughters was central to her life. She loved gospel music, food, learning, and reading her Bible. Her laugh was boisterous and infectious. Once she put her mind to something, nothing could keep her from accomplishing it.
Empathetic, generous, intelligent, tenacious and determined, Mary’s legacy continues in the lives of her daughter, Michèle (Renée), and granddaughters Crystal Walthall and Christina Walthall. She was blessed to be an aunt to Amelia McEachin and Myra Harris of Birmingham, AL, Laverne Walthall, Michael Walthall and Keith Walthall of Chicago, IL, and great-aunt to many more!
While we will miss Mary’s presence on this side of eternity, we take solace in holding close to our hearts her memory and legacy.