“My Angel”

Mrs. Mary Margaret Washington Terry was born May 10, 1935 in Mobile, Alabama to the late Levi and Rita Washington. She departed this life on Saturday, February 27, 2016. Mary met and married the late Albert Lee “Tipping” Terry on July 22, 1955. Out of this union two girls were born. Mary attended and graduated from Central High School Class of 1952.

Mary started her journey in the retail business at Bayou Food Company in Bayou La Batre, Al. First she worked at Hamels Department Store in downtown Mobile, AL. While working at Hammel’s, she decided to take classes at Cullman Business College. This is where she got her first promotion as a sales manager. Next, D.H. Holmes Co., Ltd. bought out Hammel’s Dept. Store, which is the oldest retailer in the South at 147 tears. After taking Carnegie courses, “Old My God”, Mary could not be stop from earning one major promotion after another. The retail giants saw something special about this lady. She continued to be promoted over the Soft Line Dept. With her accomplishments as a retail manager for D.H. Holmes Co., Ltd., she received one of the most prestigious award called the ALPHA AWARDS by the Fashion Group, Inc. of New Orleans. But D.H. Holmes was not through with her. Mary Terry was offered a position to be manager of the entire D.H. Holmes Store. However, she declined the offer because of her age at that given time. Finally, in 1989, D.H. Holmes Co., Ltd. Merged with Dillard Dept. Stores, Inc. Approximately after a year and a half working for Dillard’s, she resigned.

Mary held membership in Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Saint James Major Court #6 in Bay St. Louis and also a member of St James Major Court #172 in Prichard, AL, where she held the office of past Grand Lady. She has 36 years or more of dedicated service to this noble order.

Mary was a devoted mother that loved her girls. She made sure they were exposed to whatever life has to offer. She was a college football fanatic. Any team her nephew coached, she was there with her car decorated with all the bells and whistles. The Lady was the mouthpiece of the family. She was born to lead and give orders. People would name call her Boss Lady, Ms. Tilley, and finally family and friends declared her as “The Source” because of her intellectual ability to be in the know. It didn’t matter if she was right or wrong (90% of the time, she was right). Her resilience and perseverance allowed you to automatically listen and follow her lead. Mary loved and enjoyed life to the fullest. She didn’t let anyone or anything get in her way. She was high spirit, high stepping, fast walking, plenty of fun, and fancy free. She always kept a smile on her face no matter what. Her presence mesmerized you with her enchanting, gorgeous, fascinating, witty, and beautiful personality inside and out. However, she was opinionated and didn’t mind putting you in your place. But if you ask her for anything, she will give you her last. She will tell you in a minute, “It’s Just Money”. She spread love and compassion throughout the community. She was truly an Angel on Earth.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Levi Washington, Sr. (Rita Mae); husband, Albert L. Terry; brothers, Robert Washington (Helen) and Richard Washington.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories two daughter, Alpha (Vernon) Porter of Fairhope, AL, and Callie M. Terry of Mobile, AL; sister, Deloris (Solomon) Barge of McDonough, GA; two brothers, Levi (Ada) Washington, Jr., Tallulah, LA, and Glover T. Washington of Hawthorne, CA; sister-in-law, Betty Washington of Denver CO; two devoted cousins, Anita Lewis and Dorothy Blake; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 7, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. at St. James Major Catholic Church, 714 College Street, Prichard, AL. Rosary will be recited at 10:30, Mass of Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. with Father Hyginus L. Boboh, SSJ Celebrant.

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