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Mary Pearl Young was born April 18, 1933 to Allan Jack Young and Minnie Pearl Johnson in Shreveport, Louisiana. She moved from Forest City, Arkansas at the age of 11 and attended Wentworth elementary school in Calumet City, Illinois graduating 8th grade in 1947. She was the only African American in her graduating class in 1951 from Thornton Fractional Township High school in Calumet City, IL.
Mary accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized under the leadership of Rev. Rankin at Zion Missionary Baptist Church in East Chicago, IN. She has been a faithful member ever since.
Mary actually skipped the graduation ceremony to start her first job working at the maternity ward at St Catherine’s Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana. She also held positions at Nabisco and the Post Office before becoming the systems manager at Indiana Bell. In 1978, Mary began working at Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services. She diligently took courses at the Indiana College of Commerce to become a professional secretary. In 1994, Mary also obtained her Associates degree of General Studies at the age of 61. She was known to be a hard worker so it’s no surprise that she also picked up another job as the hostess at McDonald’s. She also became certified to be a substitute teacher and Home Health Aide in 1996. She was very well known for walking to work even up to her retirement in 2010.
Mary served on the usher board and outreach ministry for the sick and shut in. She was there every Sunday with her banana, coffee, and sandwich. She loved the Lord without a doubt. She prayed and read her bible every day and every night and was there for Bible Study every Wednesday.
Mary was outgoing and loved enjoying life and her family. Playing cards was her thing and she loved puzzles. Thrift Shopping was a true joy for her. She had a passion for knitting, playing the piano and even line dancing! Sista Baby, Ma or Ms. Mary...whatever you called her, if you did, she would answer and there was almost always a yes in her spirit. Her smile was infectious and you could not hear her laugh without laughing too. She led with love. She was kind and so sweet, it’s a wonder we don’t all have cavities. When asked “how are you?” She would say things like “I’m still here” and “I’m alright it’s the world that’s all wrong” Mary was so understanding and was the true definition of how unconditional love looks. She transitioned into glory at the age of 87.
Mary is preceded in death by Allan Jack Young and Minnie Pearl Johnson (parents) Marshall H Kirkland (brother) Jobie Brown Jr. (uncle) Catherine “Cat” Rivers (cousin)
She leaves to cherish her memory her children Rodrick C. Carter, of Atlanta, GA, Lloyd V. Snead, and Mechelle A. Sanders both of Gary, IN; grandchildren Rodrick (Keeley) Carter of Seaton, IA., Anjanette (Maurice) Turner, of Seaton, IA., Felicity (Victor) Clark of Gary, IN., and Maya Lenee’ Willis, Lenexa of KS.; sister Vivian Evans; nieces Toni Cooper-Harris, Tammy Shubrick, Tiffany Evans of Raliegh, NC., Delores Kirkland of Gary, IN., Robin Ivory of Altadena, Ca., and Marcie Spencers, Boilingbrook of IL; oldest living relative, great aunt Bessie Flournoy of Texarkana, AR.; sister in love Louise Kirkland of Gary, IN; special family Almarine “Dude” Kates of Argo, IL.; cousins Larry “Bay Bruh” Holmes Jr. of Inglewood, IL. and Beatrice Hart of Houston, TX; special daughters Desiree Sanders of Chicago, IL. and Latoya Sanders of Chicago, IL; special longtime friends Ira A. Sanders Jr. and Helene Sanders of Chicago, IL .and Ernestine McElroy of Hammond, IN and a host of great-grand, great-great-grand children, other family and friends.
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