Mary Bibb

Mary Ella Moose Bibb was born in Statesville, North Carolina, on June 5, 1947. She was the eldest daughter of Frank and Margie Moose, who were married for over 50 years. Her beloved siblings are Sue, Phillip, David, Lynda, Paul, and Rachel. Mary embraced the role of big sister. From childhood to adulthood, she remained a constant, loving presence in her siblings’ lives. Sue frequently called Mary her Guardian Angel. In recent years, Mary and Lynda spent many hours together, quilting and sharing what was going on in their day-to-day lives. Mary loved her brothers and sisters dearly, lifting them up in daily prayer.

Mary was also a devoted daughter. She and her siblings treasured their wonderful mother, Margie, who passed away in 1998. Before she died, Mary and Sue took Margie on a trip up the east coast to Washington, DC, New York, and Maine — a trip she had always wanted to take. Around 2010, her father, Frank, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Mary took great care to ensure he was still included in family events, even after he had to receive more extensive care in a skilled nursing facility. Frank passed away in 2013 with Mary holding his hand.

Mary’s most treasured roles in life were mother and grandmother. When her daughter, Shelly DeAdder, was born in 1980, the doctor told Mary she was “on cloud twelve.” From that moment on, Mary and Shelly had an unshakable bond. They shared every facet of their lives. One of the best times they spent together was a trip abroad to Italy, Switzerland, France, and England. Mary discovered real gelato on that trip and ate it at every pitstop.

Seven years after Shelly was born, Mary’s son, Michael Bibb, was born. Michael was his mother’s constant companion, and she treasured every moment she spent with him, whether it was riding around looking at houses (a hobby of theirs) or having lunch several times a week. They loved pizza and pretty much anything at their favorite restaurant, the Harrisburg Family House. Mary was the most wonderful mother who loved her children unconditionally. She also embraced and adored her son-in-law, Chris DeAdder, and her daughter-in-law, Cailyn Bibb. Mary and Cailyn enjoyed frequent trips to Mary’s favorite thrift store, Goodwill. However, in recent years, Mary was encouraged not to make quite so many trips to Goodwill. She did have an eye for hidden treasures.

Mary also adored her eight-year-old granddaughter, Maryann DeAdder. There could not be a more doting and protective “Emmy” (as Maryann calls her). Maryann would visit her Emmy and they would read scripture and pray together. Maryann always came home with a deeper appreciation of God’s love.

While Mary’s priority was her family, she was also dedicated to her work. For over thirty years she worked for the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System. For much of that time, she served as a hospital schoolteacher, teaching children who were hospitalized for an extended time. She brought comfort to those children and their parents, praying with them if they were receptive to it. Sometimes children tragically passed away, and Mary would attend their funerals and grieve with their families. Mary took a much-deserved retirement, but went back to work part-time at the age of 74! For the last year or so, she worked in the cafeteria at Patriots Stem Elementary. She loved seeing the children, and her co-workers brought out her silly side. Her boss, Audra, and her other co-workers loved Mary very much. She was a light in their lives.

A life can be summed up with tales of family and career, but for Mary, her entire life was about serving Jesus Christ and showing His love to others. For over forty years, Mary faithfully attended Eastway Drive Church of God. She was there pretty much any time the door was open, and she raised her children in that church. She was involved with the outreach ministry there, spending over 20 years in the nursing home and homebound ministry. She taught Bible study lessons at Saturn nursing home for many years, sharing God’s love and compassion with those who are often forgotten.

Mary never shied away from sharing the gospel with friends, family, or strangers. Mark 16:15 says “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” That is what Mary did. She proclaimed the gospel, but she also lived it. God’s love, peace, and forgiveness were visible in Mary’s actions, not just in her words. Upon meeting her, no one would doubt that she was a woman of great faith.

During her last days on this earth, she was physically weak, but her spirit and trust in her Heavenly Father never wavered. She prayed continuously during those last days, mostly for others and not herself. She prayed for her children and for Maryann. She wanted Shelly to read the Bible to her, particularly the book of Psalms. In Psalms 23:3-4, the Bible says “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for though art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Beside that scripture, she had written in her personal Bible, “plan and purpose; promise for my life.” Mary lived that plan and purpose. As God promised, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenderitachapel.com for the Bibb family.