Mary Williford Reid

September 14, 1915 - June 8, 2014

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 Mary Elizabeth Williford Reid, the only daughter of the late Will and Mary Baker Williford, was born September 14, 1915 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She was called to rest on June 8, 2014. Mary was preceded in death by her brothers Lonnie, Leroy, and Julius Williford. On October 28, 1943, she was united in holy matrimony to the late Calvin R. Reid and to this wonderful union of 25 years, one daughter, Lorraine Elizabeth Reid (Burke) was born. Mary grew up in Rocky Mount, North Carolina where she had the importance of God, work ethic, and an education instilled in her at an early age. She attended and graduated from Rocky Mount public schools and later went on to receive her Bachelors of Arts degree from Shaw University. Mary was an advocate for students to have educational opportunities. She was a committed and dedicated teacher in the North Carolina public school system for more than 40 years. The majority of her teaching career was spent in Nash County where she eventually retired. Mary realized that with God in her life; she could fulfill her life’s mission. Mary was a longtime member of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Rocky Mount and more recently, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Tarboro where she sang joyously in the church choir and was active with the Episcopal Church Women’s Organization. Not only was Mary active in the church, she also played an integral part in the community giving back through service and mentorship. She remained an active member of the Beta Zeta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., served as one of the founding members of her bridge club, Las Amigas, as well as, the Leisurettes, the National Educational Association (NEA), Edgecombe/Nash Retired Personnel, Booker T. Washington (BTW) Alumni Association, and Shaw University Alumni Association. Mary leaves behind to cherish her memories, her daughter, Lorraine R. Burke (Mervyn), Dallas, TX; grandson M. Thomas Burke, III (Bridgette), Dallas, TX; Great-Grandson, Jordan, Dallas, TX; Nephew, Leroy Williford (Eva), Buffalo, NY; Grand Nephews: Zachary, Myron, and Zachary, II (Buffalo, NY); and a host of other cousins and friends.