Mary Crawford Stiles Vandegrift

With profound sorrow we announce the passing of our dearly beloved Mary Vandegrift, but with great joy we announce she has transitioned into her glorious, eternal life in the arms of Jesus and those loved ones who came before her. Mary died peacefully at the age of 93 the morning of Thursday, March 7th with family by her side. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Erskine Vandegrift, Jr., and son, Dennis Vandegrift, Sr.

Mary was born in Birmingham, AL on February 11, 1931 the daughter of the late Lucile White Stiles and Rives Clifton Stiles. She was an only child and lost her mother when she was twelve years old, so she was invited to join the family of her mother’s sister. In her early years, she was very active in Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, but soon became interested and active in Second Presbyterian Church while living with her aunt, uncle, and cousin. This was a pivotal time in her life as she would continue to grow in love and her newfound faith.

Mary graduated in 1948 from Ramsey High School and it should be no surprise to anyone who knew Mary that she had been a cheerleader. Mary has always been a joyful, positive and sparkling personality; she never did forget the Ramsey High School fight song and she could sing it aloud at the drop of a hat any time someone wanted to hear it. After graduating from Ramsey, Mary worked for General Motors Acceptance Corp. (GMAC).

Mary’s life took an incredible turn one night in 1951 when she met a dashing man at a church event, attracted by his beautiful blue eyes. Five months later Mary became Mrs. Erskine Vandegrift, Jr. They attended Central Park Presbyterian Church, and then joined Shades Valley Presbyterian Church in 1956. Mary and Erskine lived and loved; their lives were centered around the church. Mary served as a deacon, elder, Sunday School teacher and Presbyterian Women’s Circle Leader. In 2000 she was made an honorary Lifetime Member of the Presbyterian Women. For many years Mary and Erskine together led the Senior Adult Ministry, a model ministry known throughout the presbytery. For her hard work and commitment in the service of the faith, Mary was awarded the 2002 Golden

Eagle Award as Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year by the State of Alabama for “outstanding contributions to older citizens.”

Mary always loved children, so much so she took courses at Samford University and was thrilled to teach 3-year olds at St. Mark Methodist Kindergarten for 18 years, a vocation which she sincerely grew to love.

Mary wanted a large family, and she and Erskine were blessed with 4 children, 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Mary is survived by children: Teresa Rathbun (John), Elaine Pickett (Bobby), and Keith Vandegrift (Chris); grandchildren: Dennis Vandegrift, Jr. (Lindsay), Angela Vandegrift (Ben), Brittany Vandegrift (Randy), Leslie Deaver (Jonathan), Ben Vandegrift (Britney), and Mary Berschauer (Mitchell); and great-grandchildren: Tommy Vandegrift, Brooklyn Vandegrift, James Deaver, Madison Deaver, Oliver Vandegrift, and Matthew Berschauer.

Mary Vandegrift lived a beautiful life full of faith, joy and great love. She was a Trophy of Grace and the loving partner to the beautiful man which God gave her. She was the matriarch of a large family who loved her desperately. She was a warm and caring friend to many, and she lived the Gospel every day of her life…

We believe that as our Mary was greeted by Jesus, He embraced her, and whispered in her ear, “well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

Arrangements are Friday, March 15, family graveside prior to 1pm Service at Southminister Presbyterian Church in Vestavia, AL.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Southminster Presbyterian Church, www.southminsterpcusa.org, or to your favorite charity.