Mary Paul Morton

After blessing the world with her presence for a few days short of 106 years, the Lord called Mary Paul Morton to her eternal home on October 13, 2021. She was born as Mary Paul Busby in Martin, Tennessee on October 22, 1915 to Grover B. and Rev. Clara R. Busby. The family moved to Lansing, Michigan when she was five years old. Mary lived a life of determination as she underwent two global pandemics, segregation in the United States, the Civil Rights Movement, and the challenges of the 21st century. Mary’s distinguished life was exemplified by her talents, service, style, and class.

Named after her grandmother who introduced her to yarn arts, Mary was raised in Lansing, Michigan. The Busby family acted as a pillar for the 20th century Black Lansing community, connecting people with resources and information as they navigated the migration to Lansing and Northern segregation. Those who knew Mary were fortunate to hear her engaging stories about experiences with historical African-American luminaries in Lansing and Chicago, Illinois. These included Joe Louis, the Little family (Malcolm X), the Canady family, and the family of Emmett Till.

Mary was proud of her achievements throughout her life in the face of racial barriers. As a young musician, she played in the Lansing Central High School Band. She often spoke of her 1933 performance with the National High School Band at Chicago’s “A Century of Progress International Exposition,” commonly known as Chicago’s World Fair. As an adult, Mary resided in Lansing and Chicago. Mary graduated from Cook County School of Nursing and worked at Cook County Hospital in Chicago later returning to Lansing for the remainder of her life. She served as one of the few Black registered nurses in Lansing for many years. Mary was proud of her cabin in Idlewild, Michigan, a premier African-American resort community during the segregation era, that she helped build. At the time of her passing, Mary was the oldest member of Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lansing and a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Mary enjoyed collecting antiques, sewing, crocheting, and knitting. She had an exquisite collection of fine china and figurines of which she took great care. Mary was ahead of her time, extremely intelligent, and gifted with her hands to create marvelous things. Crocheting, knitting, masonry, and carpentry were not only hobbies but activities at which she was extremely talented. Friends and family often marveled at the quality of Mary’s creations. She sewed stunning gowns, upholstered furniture, and even painted and fired her own ceramic goods like plates, lamps, and figurines. Mary also enjoyed hosting dinner parties, and she loved traveling to new places, like Mexico and Puerto Rico. Fiercely independent, later in life, Mary lived on her own for almost her entire senior years. Known for a quick walking pace even during her centenarian years, her family had to always be in shape to keep up with her.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory her son, James T. Wahls; her daughter, Cheryl Jones; her daughter-in-law, Hon. Theresa Doss; her grandsons, James Christopher Doss Wahls, Esq. and Erron Anderson; her granddaughter-in-law, Dr. Maria S. Johnson; her great-grandchildren, Zolah IdaRuth Johnson Wahls, Nathanael Anderson, Klevan Anderson, Johnathon Anderson, Mariah Anderson, and Layla Anderson; a niece, Clara Rhonenee. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Grover B. and Clara R. Busby; her son, Frederic Grover Wahls; her sisters, Marjorie Jefferson and Grovella Porter; and her husbands.

A woman of beauty and elegance, Mary lived a life of service and dignity that continued a family legacy and history and shall serve as an example to later generations. Until her last days, she demonstrated her brilliance and intelligence as she impressed her caregivers with her impeccable wit and medical knowledge. Mary’s fighting spirit never diminished and represented a model for all as they navigate life.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. respectively on Friday, October 22, 2021 at Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church at 3500 West Holmes Rd in Lansing, Michigan with Reverend Lila Rose Martin presiding. The funeral service is for close family and close friends only. A live stream of the services will be available on Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes’ website. Burial will be at DeepDale Memorial Gardens in Lansing.

Arrangements entrusted to Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, Michigan, 48912. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grlansing.com.