Mary Alice Person

REFLECTIONS OF THE LIFE OF MOTHER MARY ALICE PERSON

‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day’ 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

Mary Alice Person, distinguishably called Mom, Momma, Mommy, Ma-Dear, Mother, Grandma, Granny, and Gan-Gan was born on December 27, 1934, in Water Valley, Mississippi to the late John Wesley and Clister Toliver. She peacefully departed this life on December 1, 2023 at the golden age of 88 in the comfort of her home in Water Valley, MS surrounded by family and loved ones. Mary Alice’s bright smile, kind loving spirit, and servant’s heart will be greatly missed.

Mary Alice confessed her belief in Christ at an early age at Bayson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where she remained a faithful and dedicated member until her health failed. Mother Person served numerous years on various ministries including the usher ministry, mother’s ministry, prayer ministry, Sunday school teacher, and any other capacity in which she could lend a hand.

Mary Alice was an Assembly Technician for over 32 years at Borg Warner receiving employee of the month and working alongside some long-life friends. She retired in 2004, continuing to immerse herself in cooking for her family, traveling, gardening, canning, and serving in her church and community. Mary Alice prided herself in cooking large dinners for every holiday filled with love and laughter.

Mary Alice was a long-time member of the Heroines of Jericho, Worthy Matron of St. Joseph Chapter # 8 Order of Eastern Star for numerous years, frequently visited friends and community members in the nursing home, visited the sick, and used her savory cooking skills to lift others’ spirits.

Fond memories of Mary Alice include: baking holiday goodies, canning vegetables, sharing her recipes, organizing photo albums, collecting coins, working in her beautiful flower gardens, and most importantly spending time with all her children and grandchildren.

Mary Alice was united in holy matrimony on June 8, 1964 to Sam Herman Person, Sr. who preceded her in death. Mary Alice and Herman were proud parents of 15 children. One preceded her in death (Michael Bell). She leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy with five sons and nine daughters: Leon (Katherine) Buford of Abbeville, MS; Sam Herman Person, Jr. (Judy) of Coffeeville, MS; Wesley (Catherine) Kerr of Brookhaven, MS; Mae Catherine Foxx of Coffeeville, MS; Brenda Joiner of Water Valley, MS; Charlene (Jerry) Bafford of Memphis, TN; Cynthia Rowsey and Rose Mary Gee of Water Valley, MS; Sandra Davis of Cleveland, MS; Jacqueline Person of Water Valley, MS; Milton Person of Memphis, TN; Helen (Howard) Young of Brandon, MS; Dr. Vickie Person of Water Valley, MS; and Mark (Sharon) Person of Murfreesboro, TN. Mary Alice had 5 siblings who preceded her in death. She also leaves to cherish her memory three sisters and one brother: Bernice Evans of Cleveland, OH; Anne Johnson of Alton, IL; Bettye Nelson of Birmingham, AL; R.V. Toliver of Cleveland OH; a brother-in-law Floyd Person of Memphis, TN; 29 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, a very special Goddaughter (her honey bun) Machelle Harris, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones.

Although Mary Alice’s physical presence is gone, the beautiful memories, life-lessons, love for God and family will long continue. Our lives and countless others have been touched by her life. "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord’ 1 Corinthians 5:8.