Mary Phyllis Wade

Mary Phyllis Wade, age 85, passed away peacefully in the night May 14th, 2021 after a long battle with dementia. She was born February 28th, 1936 in West Frankfurt, Illinois to Wallace and Cecilia Reid. She was the youngest of 6, with 5 older brothers to keep an eye on her; Wallace Jr., Bill, John, Norman, and Francis, but Mary had her daddy wrapped around her little finger. Mary grew into a beautiful young woman catching the attention of many! Her high school year book had this capture by her senior picture: “Mary, pretty as a picture”!

Bobby Wade got word of this beauty living in Chicago and made 6 trips in 6 weeks to see her, then married her on September 11th, 1954 and brought her home to Kalamazoo, Michigan where they began carving out their piece of the American Pie! They both worked hard while raising three children, Dianna, Lonney, and Greg. Mary worked as a secretary for Eaton Corporation for 25 years after which she went back to school to become a realtor, then real estate broker, then property manager. After retiring, she worked for JC Penney just for fun.

At the same time all of this was unfolding, in 1970, Bobby and Mary began pastoring the “Apostolic Faith Church” in Kalamazoo. After 10 years, they moved to a larger building, the “Milwood Pentecostal Church” for another 10+ years. Mary was gifted in music and singing, she played the organ for all church services. Bobby and Mary recorded an album in 1970 called “The Evening Prayer”. Mary had a true love for God and people, instilling those principals into her children and all others she encountered. She made an impact on the lives of so many over the years. It seemed there was always someone staying in one of the spare bedrooms in her home, a foster child, someone homeless, a college student with nowhere else to go, a passing stranger; she made everyone she met feel special!

Mary loved to bake and cook with a very southern style, and canned much of what she grew in her garden. She was quite the seamstress as well, often making her own clothes. She also loved to travel, visiting much of the US.

As she began to slow down during the last few years or so, she spent much of her time doing puzzles.

Mary is survived by her brother, Norman Reid, her three children, Dianna Trine, Lonney & Angel Wade, Greg & Gera Wade, her five grandchildren, Jason Frailey, Scott Frailey, Christina & Derrick Patrick, Michael & Jessica Wade, and Erin Wade. She is also survived by six great grandchildren, Hunter & Ben Jones, Ellie Frailey, Micah Wade, Eli Wade, Peyton Munz and Wade Munz.

Bobby, her husband of 48 years, passed suddenly in June of 2002. She will be laid to rest by his side.

Mary's family will celebrate her life with a funeral service on Saturday, May 22, 2021 with a visitation beginning at 11AM until the time of service at 1PM at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Dr., Albion with Pastor David Trammel officiating. She will be buried privately in Albion Memory Gardens, Albion.