Mary Hallman

Mary Hughes Hallman, 78, of Leeds, Alabama passed away June 13, 2018. She was born to the late Thelma Pearl and James Griffin Hughes on January 8, 1940 in Avon Park, Florida. She is survived by her daughters Jeanne Hallman and Cynthia Hallman; her granddaughter Elizabeth Crooks; her ex-husband Jerry Hallman, and numerous other relatives and friends.

Mary graduated from Oneonta High School, class of 1958. "Mary Laura," as she was known by her classmates, played trumpet in the band and loved marching band music her whole life. In addition to being extraordinarily intelligent, she was also incredibly talented – from designing skating and evening wear, to creating hand-made greeting cards, to successfully pursuing an acting career in her later years. She appeared in films and television and music videos and worked with artists such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Billy Zane.

Mary was extremely brave; despite not knowing anyone on the West Coast, she loaded up a U-Haul truck and two young girls and moved to Southern California to ensure her daughters could pursue their dreams.

Mary was a deeply spiritual person. After retiring from a thirty-year career at AT&T, she seriously considered retreating to a convent. Instead, she chose to fulfill her calling by becoming a member of the Vestry at St Matthias Episcopal Church in Whittier, California as well as a Eucharistic Lay Minister, taking Eucharist to the elderly and infirm. She and her girls were also members of the choir. Mary was a vocal advocate of and an active participant in St Matthias’ mission to minster to the homeless.

A memorial Eucharist will be held Saturday, June 16th at 11:00 am at the church where Mary was baptized - Trinity Episcopal Church, 2014 Berkley Avenue, Bessemer, AL 35020. All are welcome to a reception immediately following at The Bright Star restaurant at 304 19th Street North, Bessemer, AL 35020.

In lieu of flowers, Mary's family respectfully requests donations be made in her memory to Alley Cat Allies (alleycat.org) for her love of animals and/or the National Conference on Ending Homelessness (endhomelessness.org) for her passion in caring for the homeless.