Mrs. Mary Wakefield

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7-8

Sunrise:  Mary Lee was born October 8, 1920 in Fulton County, Atlanta, Georgia to the late Mrs. Alice Burt Whitfield.  She grew up in Montezuma, Georgia and at the age of twelve her mother and stepfather, the late Mr. Willie Whitfield relocated to Arlington, Georgia. Mary was joined in holy matrimony to the late Mr. Curtis Wakefield on September 11, 1943.  Together, they parented seven daughters.

Sunset: On Monday, May 17, 2021, she entered eternal rest.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Mr. Curtis Wakefield, a Mother, Mrs. Alice Burt Whitfield, a loving stepfather, Mr. Willie Whitfield, a daughter, Mrs. Mary Alice Turner Whitehead, a brother, Mr. William D. Burt, a stepbrother, Mr. Jimmy Whitfield, a grandson, Mr. Calvin Wakefield, a granddaughter, Ms. Carol Ann, three son-in laws, and many step aunts and uncles.

Education: Mary’s primary education in Arlington begin at the Thomas Grove Church School in Arlington, Georgia.  She later attended and graduated from the Albany Area Technical College where she obtained certification as a Master Cosmetologist.  She worked as a beautician until 2013 when her health failed her.  She loved her career as a beautician and was happiest when she was working in her shop.

Work and Play: Mary was employed by the Calhoun County School System for 31 years as a lunchroom cook and was known for cooking rolls. She was also a member of the Willing Workers Club of Arlington, Georgia, it was here that she developed many lasting friendships. Her favorite past times when she was not in her beauty shop were fishing, working in her flowers, and shopping.

Christian Experience: In 1945 Mary joined the Gethsemane Free Will Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. R.B. Burns.  In Gethsemane she served on the usher’s board under the leadership of Mrs. Rosa Lovett, she was appointed the Mother of the Church in 1997. She served as church mother until her death. She was an Eastern Star in the Brezeda Chapter #212 Order of the Eastern Star.

Family: Mary “Mama” always had time to listen to everyone’s problems.  She loved her front porch and avidly sit on her porch and talked to younger people about whatever bothered them.  She leaves to cherish her memories six daughters: Mrs. Carolyn Kimbro Atlanta, Georgia, Rev. Selinda Wakefield, Albany Georgia, Mrs. Gwendolyn Broddie, Augusta Georgia; Ms. Dianne Wakefield (Family Caregiver), Arlington, Georgia; Mrs. Terri Key (Harvey) Augusta, Georgia, and Mrs. Cathy Merritt (Reginald) Americus, Georgia.  Nine grandchildren: Linda Carol Patterson (John); John W. Whitehead Jr.; Senora Whitehead;  Lenore Whaley (Sam) , Leanne Carter (Chad); Carlton Burt (Meshigyn); Allison Broddie;  Kimberly Broddie, Jeffery F. Wakefield (Latonya), and Ashley Dukes (Fernandez). Twenty-one great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.  A host of nieces and nephews that she loved as her own.  Her caregiver Mrs. Nancy Evans, Cuthbert, Georgia.