So many great memories with Mary. She was one of a kind. I’m blessed to have known such a beautiful person and friend. 

Mary was such a great friend to her neighbors Charlie and Audrey Arnold and all of their children. She will be missed by all the Arnold family. I’m sure the Lord intervened when her good friend Susan Arnold died on 8/24 so Mary and Susan could ride on the same angel’s wings to heaven. Mary will long live in the  hearts of all the Arnolds. Chuck Arnold. 

Mary was my second cousin, she and my dad were first cousins. Even though she was 25 years older than I was, it was always a pleasure to see and visit with Mary. I loved it when she and Ruth would come to Portland and visit.  She was always happy and she loved to talk about family and what it was like growing up here.  Her dad was buried in the Portland cemetery and she would go there when she was here to pay respects. She was one of my favorite people and I truly loved her. Rest in peace pretty lady. 

Mary was a wonderful lady.  She was a great friend to my parents, Bill and Roberta Nobles, for many years.  I recall the many stories of their outings and fun times.  These are wonderful healthy memories. 


Mary was the consummate southern lady with a lovely southern accent. Always pleasant and loving in the 50 years we knew her.  The world will miss her.  Condolences to Jan and Mark.


Mary was a friend and mentor, and I'm forever grateful for the investment she made in my life.   When I first attended Sunday School at First Baptist she was an Outreach Leader.  She made me feel welcomed and loved.  Later there was what was called "Summer Love," when you have a person you keep up with for the summer but is kept secret.  When I learned it was Mary that had been tenderly caring for my heart all summer, I also learned we came from the same town of Monroe, Louisiana!   We were bonded for the rest of life!  My life has been better because she was part of it.   

My heart goes out to Jan, Marc, and Joe, as well as the rest of her family and friends that knew and loved her. I had the pleasure of meeting Mary a few years ago and, when I did, I realized I was in the presence of a proper lady and it was wonderful! On the surface, I admired her sense of style, her smile, and the way she gracefully carried herself. Beyond that, her love and devotion to Jesus was admirable and unwavering, as well as the love she had for her family. She will be missed by everyone that was fortunate enough to experience her.

Mary was Mama Mary to me and my family. She was an Amazing Woman. My family was so blessed to have her in our lives.  She was part of our family. We will miss her so much but we know she is in total Peace!

60+ years of loving memories, there is one we can never forget; "The Full Moon Call". I can still hear Mom (Ruth) saying, "Gotta call Sister Mary, it's a full moon" or "Just talked to Sister Mary, it's a full moon". After Mom's (Ruth) death those same words rang out again, but from "The Love of My Life", Sonny. He never missed that call, "it's a full Moon, gotta call Aunt Mary".  After his death, September 12, 2021, with a broken heart and tears in my eyes, I found myself dialing Jacksonville and after hearing her voice, I would say, "It's a Full Moon Aunt Mary." Never missed that monthly call.

On one of our calls, I asked Aunt Mary when did this famous call begin. Her reply was, I'm not really sure if it was Faye or Maxine, but because we all lived so far apart, this call was our special SISTER BOND. What more can I say, what an honor to be part of that "Special Bond". 

A wonderful lady has gone to Heaven. I so enjoyed the times I had with her and the stories we shared about our families … i too was raised with nine siblings. She was a devout Christian and a friend that I loved. I have been blessed by knowing her.

We had the honor meeting Mary 5 years ago. Already 91 when we purchased the home next door, we were amazed at her independent spirit, energetic demeanor, and love of family. She was a gem of a person and it  didn't take long for her to become a part of our family and we part of hers.
I recall bragging to friends about my neighbor who in her 90's was driving her Cadillac all over town. We visited Mary almost daily and were there to help her in any way she needed.
We so loved listening to the stories of her life, her experiences, and all about James, Jan, and her siblings. She so loved her family!
We will miss her terribly but will always have the memories of this beautiful soul who left such an indelible mark on our lives.
Dearest Mary, rest eternal in the presence of God,  reunited with your beloved family, and know we love you will never forget you.
 

Know we are praying for  the family of our long time friend ......we will miss her.   Thankful to have served our Savior, Jesus, together these many years.    She has now heard Jesus say well done faithful servant .She was a blessing.
We loved her 
Richard and Faye Rambo 

My cousin, Mary, was such a precious person. Although she would be the first to admit that she was far from perfect, she loved the Lord with her whole heart. She also loved her family and many  friends. She wanted everyone to know and love the Lord. There’s no telling how many people accepted Jesus because of her bold witness. I will miss her cards and phone calls. Like many others, she had a great influence on my life and my faith. I’m sure that Jesus and all of her loved ones in Heaven are rejoicing with her now. Rest In Peace, Mary. I bet when you entered the gates of Heaven the Lord said, “Well done my faithful servant.”

Dear Jan,

My sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your beloved Mother.  Your Mom was a  wonderful, spunky and energetic woman who loved her family dearly.   Always so kindhearted and caring.  A truly wonderful neighbor with a heart of gold.  


Dearest Jan,

Heaven celebrated welcoming your precious mother, Mary, through the gates with triumph for a life well-lived. I pray you feel the love and support of your family at Riverside Presbyterian Day School. Draw strength from us and the special memories of mom you'll carry forever and from our ultimate Comforter, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In Him, your dear friend,
Marye Edenfield

Hello to Jan. Your mother was such a sweet friend for many years. Our birthdays day were only a day apart and we were in  a Breakfast club for many years. She always had a great sense of humor. She loved our Lord Jesus with an everlasting loved. I loved her "southern" accent. We talked on phone many times. I will miss her. Just know you and family are in my prayers daily. I have many happy memories of you as u were growing up in FBC with my children also, David and Pam. May God bless u  in coming days. Love and prayers, Carolyn Tarpley

I am named after this sister of my mother Ruth. I can never forget all the “encouragement cards” over the years she mailed to me. She never forgot me or my sons for birthdays & holidays either. Once when I came to visit her a long time ago , I accepted Jesus as my savior at the 1st Baptist Church. I was as shocked as she was since I was raised Catholic! Thankfully he chose the perfect timing to move my spirit when I was with her and we cried together. 
Jan, Marc & Joseph know  that all that have passed before her are waiting with open arms…


Each month on the full moon, all the cousins will look up and think of our dearest Aunt Mary and Aunt Ruth. We will miss our annual birthday cards. We were very fortunate to have had Aunt Mary with us through so many of life’s joys and pains. 



It is with love in my heart that I say I will always remember all the fun times I shared with "Miss Mary."  She became family.  All of our sightseeing trips with "Miss Ruth" are treasured memories.  RIP "Miss Mary."
Love always,
Vickie



OBITUARY

Mary Wells Reeder

12 January, 1926 – 22 August, 2022

Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel

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