Mary Lee Adway

Ms. Mary Lee Adway passed away on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at her residence in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 71 years.

Each of us has a purpose in life. We believe that God’s purpose for Mary was to bless the lives of the many people she met with her wisdom and support.

Mary was born on December 19, 1950, to the late Earvin and Willie B. Jackson-Adway, in Altheimer, Arkansas. Mary professed Christ as her Savior at an early age and joined New Hope Baptist Church in Altheimer, Arkansas, under the leadership of Reverend Alvin Terry. Mary was a faithful member of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Chevez Marshall. She served in the Culinary Ministry where she took great joy in preparing food for the children each Sunday. Mary loved attending Mission and Bible Study. Many times, she humbly expressed how amazed she was that her desire to study and learn the word of God more fully enabled her to become a teacher of His Word. Her love for God and his people shone through and Sister Mary lived a life of service to her family, friends, and students.

Mary received her early childhood education in Altheimer School District, graduating from Martin High School in 1968. Upon graduating from high school, she matriculated at Arkansas AM&N College (now the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff). In 1972, she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology. Mary began her professional career as an instructor in the Saginaw Public Schools where she retired. She embraced the teaching profession with pride and much love for her students.

Mary leaves to cherish forever memories her three sisters, Bobbie Freeman, Chicago, Illinois, Loistene Johnson, and Jerri (Porter) Taylor, Pine Bluff, Arkansas: six brothers, Willie Lee Adway, Altheimer, Arkansas, Robert (Felicia) Adway, Saginaw, Michigan, Curtis Adway, Otis Adway, Barry (Janet) Adway, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and Rickey Adway, Chicago, Illinois. She will be missed and always remembered by her beloved nephew, Robert Adway II; Anthony Harris who was like a son; her family, friends, and Sisters in Christ, Valarie Emerson, Carolyn Riley, Ophelia Jones, and Doris Jones.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Earvin and Willie B. Adway, one sister, Inez Jackson, and two brothers. James and Earvin Adway.