Obituary of Mary M Mann

Mary M. Mann was born on October 6, 1934 to the late John and Clydia Mann in Beauford, North Carolina. She was educated in the school systems in Beauford, North Carolina. Mary subsequently relocated to New York where she met the love of her life, William Holley (affectionately called Bill). On November 24, 1960, Bill and Mary were united in holy matrimony. They were blessed to rear 2 beautiful children, Givens Cornelius Mann (lovingly referred to as Charles) and Lydia Holley. Mary was employed at White Castle, West Hempstead, NY until she retired after 27 years. She was honored in Columbus, Ohio for her dedicated service and commitment to the franchise for so many years. Over 53 years ago, Mary met and began working for the King Family of Roslyn Heights. As time progressed, Mary's relationship with the family grew past employer/employee. They became her extended family. She loved them as her own and held the King's in high regard. Every childbirth, graduation and major accomplishment was celebrated along with them. They will forever remain as part of her family. Mary was a woman of great character and had a heart of gold. She didn’t require much, but yet found great fulfillment in how she unselfishly loved others. Mary found great joy in her God given blessing as a mother and loved her son, Givens, with all of her heart. She would often say, “I would give my right arm for him” and everyone knew she meant it with all of her being. Mary wholeheartedly believed that her family was her greatest treasure and never ceased to find opportunities to be a blessing in the lives of her son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even as her health began to decline, her heart still yearned to care for her family. A woman of a few words, Mary’s life can be best summarized by the song, “May The Works I've Done Speak For Me”. Her gentle and overwhelmingly sweet spirit were a testimony to her faith in God. She loved God with all her heart no matter what physical trials and tribulations she experienced. She always “thanked the good Lord for keeping her”. Although she greatly enjoyed watching game shows and the cooking channel, Mary knew how to value the quiet times. Even as she would spend hours on her terrace observing various people come and go, she knew how to value her alone time. Her love was frequently expressed as she would cook and it was evident in every bite that it was a meal prepared in love. It was a special treat for her grandchildren to get that special call to come take food home along with her signature walnut brownies for dessert. Mary lived in accordance with Acts 20:35 which states that “… It is more blessed to give than to receive”. There was nothing she would not do to aide her family and loved ones. Nothing was out of reach. If she had it, she desired to make your life easier and give of her substance. Often times her adult grandchildren would be summoned to come get “lunch money” and there was no refusing it as that was never optional. She never asked for much, but gave unselfishly with no expected return. She even kept every gift that was given to her and would cherish it just as it was given. When asked why she wouldn’t wear jewelry gifts, she replied “I think too much of it to wear it and mess it up”. Each item was kept in its original condition as cherished memorabilia. On Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 12:08 a.m., Mary entered her eternal rest at the Orzac Center for Extended Care and Rehabilitation in Valley Stream, New York. She lived a life of love and transitioned in the same peaceful manner. Her final words to her son were, “I love you” and she drifted off to sleep. Two hours later, she transitioned into her final resting place. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, William Holley, daughter, Lydia Holley, two sisters, Ida Pearl Phillips and Queenie Daniels, as well as three brothers, David Ross, James Albert Ross and Billie Wayne Ross. Mary leaves to cherish her memory, one devoted son: Givens Mann of Hempstead, NY; four sisters: Lydia Barrow of Bell Haven, NC, Ellen Mann of Long Island City, NY, Ruth Mann of New York, NY, Annie Exum of Philadelphia, PA; two brothers: Charles (Ida) Mann of Jamaica, NY, Edward Ross of Greenville, NC; four grandchildren: Cornelius Jerome (Bernice) Willis of Powder Springs, GA, La Christa (Curtis) Brown of Roosevelt, NY, Andre’ Mann of Hempstead, NY, Cherise (David) Vann of Hempstead, NY; twelve great-grandchildren: DiAndre Willis, Alisha Willis, Di’Naysia Esau, Alfredrick Esau, Cornelius Willis, Jr., Monae’ Brown, Amaya Brown, Kayla Mann, Synii Mann, Christian St. Eloi, Alyssa St. Eloi and Zoe’ Vann; her extended family, the King family of Roslyn Heights, NY, a special friend, Mother Rivers, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Gone But Never Forgotten