Mary Alice Elizabeth (Luster) Beasley

God in his infinite wisdom dispatched her angel to bring his daughter home on November 16, 2018, while surrounded by family at Northeast Medical Center.

Mary as one of eight children was born July 17, 1938 in Fountain Inn, South Carolina and was raised as a country girl in Gray Court by her parents, Esau Luster, Sr. and Allie Stewart Luster.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Beasley; son, David LaDell Beasley; her brothers and sister: Allen, Bobby Jo, Milton B., Esau Luster Jr. and Dorothy Hill.

As a very young girl, 63 years ago, Mary, more affectionately known as "Sweet," married her soulmate, O’Dell Beasley with whom she shared a storybook romance. All who knew her knew she loved being his wife and modeled what it meant to be an unconditional, loving and supporting wife. Together, they enjoyed raising two children, LaDell and Crystal. As a mother, with her gentle spirit, Mary taught her children the importance of faith and integrity, the value of hard work and family.

Known best for her love of beauty, Mary attended LaRoberts Beauty College in Brooklyn NY in 1956. She enjoyed a long illustrious career as a Master Cosmetologist receiving many awards and honors during her lifetime including serving as the Secretary of SC State Board of Cosmetology. Unselfishly stepping out on faith, Mary decided to relocate her successful business to North Carolina in efforts to keep her family together and to support her husband’s dreams. With her unique, anointed hands rather than opening her own salon, she associated with Ms. Perry at Do Drop Inn where she forged many strong ties becoming a respected, well known rock in the salon and Westside Community. She also enhanced the atmosphere and business of the salon.

In addition, Mary assumed the role as a Pastor’s wife in 1966 – at Wilson Heights Church of God in Charlotte, NC. Her transition to North Carolina began her career as a Minister’s wife, mother and civic leader. Mary loved the Lord and would often weep when her husband would preach. She was an active participant with church events and known for her fundraising efforts which included hosting successful baby showers for many years.

After much prayer and consideration, a historical undertaking transpired in Charlotte, NC in early 1978. Mary and O’Dell decided to open Beasley Funeral Home creating a new ministry encountering the community on a different level through funeral service. Together, they both took pride and enjoyed serving the underprivileged and soon became leaders in the industry and well respected within the community.

Mary is survived by her loving and dedicated husband, Elder O’Dell Beasley; daughter, Mrs. Crystal Beasley Walker and her husband, Elijah H. Walker; her step-daughter, Sandra Smith (Eddie-deceased); eight grandchildren, Imani Fitzgerald, Elijah C. Walker, Jada E. Walker, Brittany S. Beasley, Brandon C. Beasley, Altonia Johnson, Kimberly Smith and Darnell Smith; two sisters, Mrs. Annie Ruth Talley (Curtis) and Ms. Gladys Blakley; one brother, Mr. Luther T. Luster, Sr. (Barbara-deceased); brothers-in-law, Willie J. Hill and Cardell Beasley, Jr. (Elleanor), sisters-in-law, Carolyn Beasley Shortt (Robert), Calvernetta Beasley Williams (A. P. III), Elaine Beasley Walker (Frank) and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank all the caring people at Bayada Home Health Care who watched over and cared for Mary the last few years of her life with kindness, professionalism and genuine concern.

The family would also like to thank Mr. Tito Truesdale whom Mary and O’Dell affectionately thought of as a son.