Mary Brehon Gay

Mary Brehon Gay CHESAPEAKE - Mary Brehon Gay, of the 2600 block of Hemple St., celebrated her 84th birthday by returning to the arms of God Feb. 4, 2009. Born in Norfolk, to the late Joseph H. and Mary Donaldson Brehon, she was the 10th of 12 siblings. She is survived by her husband, Odie M. Gay Jr.; a daughter, Irene Clark; and four sons, Odie III (Elizabeth), Karlton, Errol (Kewanee) and Brehon (Crystal); two siblings, Delena (Clarence) Turner and Vernon (Margaret) Brehon; a host of grand-, great-grandchildren and other relatives; four adopted daughters, Alice Haynes, Bernice Plumber, Carolyn Jackson and Carolyn Bethea, also called her Mom. She was an honor graduate of Booker T. Washington High School and attended Norfolk State University. She worked as a secretary at various businesses until her retirement as secretary at Rosemount Middle School in Norfolk. "Mary B." was a member of First Baptist Church, Bute Street. She served on the Missionary Board and as den mother for the Cub Scouts. She taught Sunday and Bible schools. Until her illness, Mary spent her time visiting family and friends and caring for family members. She will always be remembered for her kindness to others, her attention to details and her warm and loving disposition. Viewing will be held at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake, from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday. The funeral will be held at First Baptist Church, Bute Street, at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Interment will follow in Roosevelt Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made to Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters. We invite you to send a condolence in the family's guestbook at www.pretlowandsons.com.