Mary Susan Daughton Nesby

Friday, April 4, 2025. Born to the late Frank and Sadie Daughton of Sparks,

Maryland on December 23, 1930. She was affectionately known as Aunt Mary,

Aunt Susie, or Mary Susan to many! She was the youngest of sixteen children.

Mary was the last surviving sibling, making her the final member of her generation.

As a child Mary attended Stevenson African Methodist Episcopal Church, her families' church

of several generations. Mary was educated at the (Quaker Bottom Road Colored School House)

in Sparks MD completing all six grades. As an adult, she began working in the community as a

domestic worker. She was entrusted with caring for the children and bringing order to the home.

Never having any children of her own, she is credited with raising many children, including her

great nephew whom she raised from an early age Ronnie Edward Daughton, Sr. Mary did all of this

with great pride and joy! Always willing to help, contribute, and do the best to lend a hand. Her

signature phrase, “What can I do” was always heard when she entered any home.

Mary met and married Joseph Vernon Nesby in 1979. She left Maryland with Joe for her new life

in Ithaca, NY. Mary settled in and made many friends and attended Saint James A.M.E. Church

where she served on the hospitality committee, taught Sunday school, sang with the gospel

group, the Harmonizers'. Mary stayed busy in the community with bake sales, knitting and her

favorite, volunteering at the hospital gift shop. At home she ran a small daycare and taught piano

to local children. Unfortunately, Joe became ill and passed away after a brief illness on June 30,

1990. Shortly thereafter, Mary returned to Maryland picking up where she left off, being active in

her family church and community.

Her journey as an Eastern Star

Mary and her sister the late (Elizabeth D. McCall) joined an organization called the “Order of

the Eastern Stars.” They became members of Adah Chapter No. 8 of Towson, MD. The two were

faithful and supportive members of their chapter and the organization. They rarely missed

meetings and served in many positions within their chapter. Mary was eventually elected to the

position of Worthy Matron of her Chapter and served a total of ten years. This earned her the title

of the longest sitting Worthy Matron of Adah Chapter.

Mary was known throughout District 7 and across Myra Grand Chapter as Sister Mary and most

notably as Aunt Mary to all who loved and adored her! Mary was a member of her organization for

60 plus years and was recently honored at Adah Chapter’s 111th-year anniversary event on

October 5, 2024. She was honored for her dedication to serve, wisdom, and loyalty. Mary

attended her last chapter meeting on November 9th, 2024, at age 93! As a Member of the Eastern

Star, she received many awards and accolades for her lifetime accomplishments.

In her loving memory, Mary leaves to celebrate her legacy, the three Golden Girls, Bettie L

Weems, Frankye Daughton Stewart, and Nancy R. Pinchback. Five generations of nieces and

nephews. And special friends, Ann Robins and Jill Ferguson.

A special thanks to Jarrid Thomas, her great-great nephew who cared for Aunt Mary daily and

lovely in her final year of life. Mary was a champion for her family and friends, and we are all

blessed to have had her in our lives. We love you Aunt Mary!

Relatives and friends are invited to gather at Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley, Inc., 10 W. Padonia Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Friday, April 18, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM for visitation. An Eastern Star service will begin promptly at 11:30 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 12:00 PM.

Interment will follow at Stevenson A.M.E. Church Cemetery, 811 E. Quaker Bottom Road, Sparks Glencoe, Maryland 21152.

In Lieu of Flowers:

Mary D. Nesby dearly loved her Church. In Lieu of flowers, the family prefers that you make a contribution to Mary Nesby's home church by supporting Stevenson A.M.E. Church Historic African American Cemetery. "Est.1850’s”

Donations can be made by:

Mail: P.O. Box 563, Sparks, Maryland 21152

Zelle: stevnsonamechurch@gmail.com

Givelify: Stevenson A.M.E. Church