Search by Name
Search by Name
Mary Jane Winston Roy, age 85, went to be with the lord on Saturday, August 2, 2014, after an extended illness, at Golden Living Center Walnut Creek. Mary Jane was born October 19, 1928, to the late Bardella Vactor Winston Williams and Willie Winston, although was raised by Bardella and Charles Williams in Washington, Pa.
She graduated from Washington High School in 1945. From there, she entered Bennet College for woman in Greensboro, N.C. After two years, she transferred to Penn State University Main Campus, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Sociology in 1952.
Mary Jane was hired by Morganza Reform School after graduating from Penn State, as the youth activities coordinator. In 1953, she moved to Erie, Pa. to take a job with the URBAN LEAGUE, as the recreational director for girls at the Booker T. Washington Center. There she met and married her husband of thirty-five years Howard D. Roy, in November of 1953. In later years, she worked as a traveling social worker and an early childhood educator, for migrant worker families who were employed by Troyer Farms. Mary Jane then worked at Henderson Methodist Church as a preschool director, and shortly after, she and a group of parents founded the Har-Lin Community Center on Buffalo Rd. In 1970, Doctor LaPenna, the Erie City School Superintendent, asked her if she would start the new title twenty daycare program for the school district. Mary Jane said she would take a leave of absence for a short period of time to start the program for the Erie School district. She started and stayed with the Erie School District for three years. Mary Jane opened ten daycare centers for the district. In 1973, Mary Jane returned to Har-Lin, and continued to provide quality childcare and education for the children of Erie, as well as provided summer jobs for the youth, in the NYC program every summer. Also, Mary Jane was instrumental in establishing the two-year early childcare associates degree offered by Villa Maria College, with lead support of Sister Eunice and Sister Alice Schierberl. Mary Jane retired from in Har-Lin in 1993. Mary Jane Roy was Affiliated with National Black Child Development Institute, Black Administrators in Child Welfare, Orpha Chapter #21 (order of the Eastern Stars), Daughter of Isis, ABWA (American Business Woman's Association), and Penn State Alumni Association and PACCA.
Mary Jane attended St. James A.M.E. Church, where she served as a Trustee, a Stewardess, as well as chaired many committees throughout the years.
In addition to her parents, Mary Jane was preceded in death by her husband Howard D. Roy, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Mary Jane is survived by her three children, Howynn Heidelberg (Clarence), Shawn Roy, Wendy Boyd (Steven), all of Erie; seven grandchildren, Patricia Heidelberg, Allison Roy-Bell (Stephen Bell), Samantha Heidelberg, Jonathan Roy, Ethan Heidelberg (Juliza), Shawn Roy Jr., and Dorian Boyd; and three great-grandchildren, Julian, Mia and Treyvon.
Friends may visit with the family today, August 7, 2014, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., at St. James A.M.E. Church, 236 E. 11th Street, and a funeral service there on Friday, August 8, 2014, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Kary Williams Jr. officiating and Rev. Jon Goshay eulogizing. Interment will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Funeralization is by Law Funeral Home, 2926 Pine Ave.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Your mom touched so many lives. I remember when I took my daughter to Harlin day care. This day care at the time were one of the few day cares that would take a baby a 6 weeks old. I had to get back to work being a single mom. My baby girl was always taken such good care of. Wendy, I have a picture of my baby at 3 months old with you holding her back cause she couldn't sit up just yet. You were all like family to me. I have never forgotten your kindness. I'll be praying for you. Your mom rest peaceful in our lords arms. She is being well taken care of now. She lives in all the good she has done. God bless you all. Sincerely, Cindy
August 12, 2014
My deepest sympathy for your loss. My son Alan spent 4 years at Har-lin and I believe Gramma Roy,Howynn, Clarence and Wendy truly made a difference in my son's life. I will always remember her smile. Such a beautiful soul.
Michele Brown
August 11, 2014
Wendy, Dorian & Family, so so sorry to see that Mary Jane has passed. We were out of town & just found out from paper. Just know that you are all in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time. She was a beautiful person and feel comfort to know that she is now in a more beautiful, pain free & peaceful place!
With love, Leslie Lubak & Family
August 10, 2014
May the God of all comfort, comfort your hearts.
Pastors Curtis & Vickie Jones
August 9, 2014
Howynn, Shawn and Wendy Sorry for your loss. Your mom may be gone but she will never be forgotten. She always had a kind word for everyone. Beautiful smile
Sybil Conwell(Jackson)
August 9, 2014
Howynn, Wendy and Shawn, please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Your mom's legacy will continue to live on in the many lives she touch through her work in the community. God's continued blessings
Toni Horton
August 8, 2014
So Sorry to hear of your lost, prayers with you and he family.
Valeria Boyd
August 8, 2014
God bless Mrs. Roy for her lifelong dedication to early childhood education and child care. Our sympathy to her family.
Jim Mack
August 8, 2014
To the Roy children,
So sad to see the passing of your wonderful mother. I work at Kaufmann's (Macy's) in the men's dept. I LOVED to see your mom AND dad when they would come in shopping!!Always sweet, always smiling, always happy! Great lady.
Nancy Boekeloo
August 7, 2014
Our deepest smypathy and prayers are extended to the family Of Mrs. Mary Jane Winston Roy. May God bless you in your grief journey and may your family aspire to do even greater things as a testament to her memory and life of service to others.
Virgil & Pearl McIntosh
August 7, 2014
Shawn, Howyn, Wendy and family; I was sorry to read of your loss your Mom was truly a very special lady. Shawn when we were growing up your Mom was always so sweet and well respected. Time stops for no one remember through God all things are possible.
Dave Buzard
August 7, 2014
To Howynn, Wendy and Shawn, I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother, my friend. I'm not in town, please know my prayers are with you.
Alice Branson
August 7, 2014
To The Roy Family,
My deepest Sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
JD Presley
August 7, 2014
To The Roy Family,
It seems strange to be writing this as our families were always intertwined.I guess after grandma (Mittie) died I expected Ms. Roy to live forever. My heart goes out to all of you and I know in the days ahead it will not be easy. What I do know is With God, You can do all things because He is your strength. Your Mom left an Awesome Legacy.She taught strength, empowerment and endurance. Her fight is over and I have no doubt, The Father has said, Come on up, Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things,I will make you ruler over many. Enter into the joy of your lord. May He now comfort you and bless you to carry on with even greater purpose.
Luv Ya, Capucine (Cappy Ott) Hines
Capucine Hines
August 7, 2014
To the extended Roy family, May the Lord continue to keep you in his care during this difficult time. It's never easy to say goodbye to a loved one but the comforter will give you peace in each passing day. Mrs. Roy was a trailblazer and left her footprint on this community. You will now be able to celebrate the life of one well lived. A Bennette Belle in all respects.
Peace & Blessigs
Denise Horton & family
DENISE HORTON
August 7, 2014
Condolences to Howynn, Shawn, Wendy and the entire family of Mary Jane Roy. Charming, talkative and intelligent, Mrs. Roy always had a smile for all she met. She left a legacy in Early Childhood Education in the City of Erie and worked diligently to provide the quality care that preschool children received. She will be missed.
Although there are no words that can help ease your sorrow, my prayer is that sweet memories and the comfort and peace will surround you all as your mother finally rests in the arms of our
Savior.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
The Pryor Family
August 7, 2014
To the Roy family...may God bless and keep you in your time of sorrow. Mrs.Roy was a very talented, special person. We know God is saying "well done my good and faithful servant".
Denise(Dee)and Julia Williams
Denise Whitaker
August 7, 2014
To the Family my god comfort you in your time of grief. With Sympathy.
ANN JONES
August 7, 2014
My condolence to the entire Roy family, Miss Roy will be deeply missed... May God continue to bless you all in this time of bereavement.
Felicia Morgan and family
August 7, 2014
Family,
May you continue to hold onto Gods unchanging hand during this time.
Kimberly Rowley
August 7, 2014
Dear Howynn, Shawn & Wendy,
I am very sorry to learn of Aunt Mary Jane's passing. She always made me feel welcome in your home and I always enjoyed visiting with her. I know how very much she loved you and her grandchildren, and she was well-loved by you and many others in return.
With sincere sympathy and love,
Eileen Harrington-Roy
August 7, 2014
ToThe Roy Family May You Find Peace And Comfort in Knowing That Mrs.Mary IS Resting In God Loving Hands,,,,Chris Jordan And Family
August 7, 2014
To the Roy Children:
Your mother was a wonderful person. Always smiling and always giving good hugs. She never forgot a face. Her work will never go unnoticed. God has a special place for her.
Teresa Chatman
August 7, 2014
Howynn, Wendy and Shawn my prayers are with you during this time. I also want to thank you for sharing your mother with the Erie Community for so many years. Her work lives on in so many young adults who were blessed to attend Har-Lin, mine included. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Anne Goshay-Page
August 7, 2014
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more