Mary Faye Williams Bivens

She was born Dec. 7, 1937 to Ophelia Day and Porter W. Williams in Odenville, AL.

Mary Faye was a life long resident of Saint Clair County and a 1956 graduate of Pell City High School.

Following high school Mary Faye married John Haisten and the Lord blessed them with two beautiful daughters Sonya and Teresa. She had an unparalleled work ethic, retiring from the St. Clair County Circuit Clerk's Office, where she served for 28 years. In 1977 she met the love of her life, Charles Luther Bivens and they were married for 17 wonderful years before his death.

As always Mary Faye overcame her sorrow by bringing joy to the lives of many. According to her, so many times we tend to forget someone who is no longer able to contribute to our community. Through cards and visits she reached out to the home bound, just as she did to those who were still active. We all need encouragement. Through all of the personal obstacles she overcame divorce, cancer twice, and the loss of her husband. Hurting people were always a concern to her and she felt like her greatest contribution to her community was a true concern for people that was backed by action for others.

Mary Faye attended Cropwell Baptist Church where she was a member of the Class of All Ages Sunday School Class. Mary Faye was also active with the Omegas Group. She was a member of Pell City Business and Professional Women, member of American Legion Post #109, a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and a member of the Planning Committee of the Pell City Dance Club. She was also a Board Member of the American Cancer Society, and a Certified Representative of Reach to Recovery of the American Cancer Society. Mary Faye was involved in local politics and worked the poles for all the elections.

In 2001 Mary Faye received an award as the Longest Cancer survivor from the American Cancer Society.

Mary Faye is preceded in death by her husband Charles Luther Bivens, sister Ruth Strong, and her brothers Jack, Charles, and Richard Williams.

Mary Faye is survived by her two daughters; Sonya H. Wilson (Terry) and Teresa H. Carden (Bobby), four loving grandchildren Lindsey W. Alverson (Jud), Caleb Thomason, Lauren W. Isbell ( Corey) , and Ashton C. Stewart (Hunter), and four precious great granddaughters Amelia Anne and Mary Caroline Alverson, Vivian Leigh Isbell, and LillieAnna Pearl Stewart. One brother P.W. Williams (Peggy) and one sister Betty Sides (Bob). A very special cousin, Chris Whitfield and many nieces and nephews.

The visitation for Mary Faye will be Tuesday April 17, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Cropwell Baptist Church followed by a service celebrating her life. The family will be having a reception following the service in the fellowship hall at Cropwell Baptist Church.

A private family graveside service will be at Saint Clair Memorial Gardens. Dr. Michael Barber officiating the celebration.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest that donations be made two of Mary Fayes favorite Charities Styles Make Smiles or Pell City BPW Scholarship Fund. Both charities are located at Metro Bank, in Pell City, AL.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Northside Medical Associates, especially Dr. Rock Helms and Cathy Jennings CRNP for all of the years of tender, compassionate care for our mom. The family was blessed with mom's caregivers, Donna Muller, Hazel Brown, Peggy Limbaugh, and Teresa McGinnis and thank them for all the love that they showed our mother and family during her time of illness.