Mary Elizabeth Wesley

Mary Elizabeth (Jones) Wesley, affectionately called Lizzie or Mary Elizabeth, by those who knew her best, departed this world, on January 25, 2022, at the Northampton Convalescent Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. She was born on December 23, 1928, in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. She made a spiritual commitment to Christ at the age of twelve. She was preceded in death by her parents, Linwood G. Jones, and Laura (Taylor) Jones. She was their firstborn child. At the age of six, her brother, Linwood (Junie) succumbed to Leukemia, when he was only five years of age. She was a proud alum of Huntington High School. Her extracurricular activities included: singing in the choir, playing the clarinet, and tennis. She loved English and desired to become a teacher. That dream never materialized because she married George R. Wesley in April 15 and was married for 55 years until his passing in 2005. She devoted much of her time and energy to raising six children: Demetria Wesley, Deborah Alexander (Bill, deceased), George Wesley (Sue, deceased), Linwood Wesley (Jena), Darrell Wesley (Cathy), and Donald Wesley (Lishelle). She has eight grandchildren: Monica Sims, Jason Lowe, Brandon Wesley, Amber Darden, Patrice Matthews, Destarte Bonds, Laurie Underwood, David Slater (deceased), one surviving uncle, Robert Taylor, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mary lost her battle to a deadly virus; that seems so improbable and inconceivable because she was the one with all the might and strength. She demonstrated this by never giving up the fight. She was determined and strong-willed. Her resilience and perseverance were trademarks during her life and became even more evident as she fought Covid vigorously and bravely. Her ferocious joy for life and indomitable spirit kept the medical staff astonished and puzzled as she appeared to have defied the odds-on numerous occasions. The tenacity she exhibited was incredible.

She was an active member of the usher board at First Church of Newport News, following the legacy of her mother, who was a member of various auxiliaries at First Church, for over 25 years, prior to her passing in 1976. Early in life, Mary Wesley was taught to never attend an event late. This was a sign of disrespect and she role modeled this throughout her life. If she said she was picking someone to take them to an event, she expected them to honor her time and be ready to leave, because she was always on time.

We will miss her faithfulness and her dedication. On behalf of our family, we would like to extend gratitude to all the staff at the nursing home and the Hospice team for their attentiveness, loving care, and exceptional service to our mother.

 

When all my days are over,

and I am gone and out of sight.

Do not look down on my sorrow; Look to the sky above and remember the good times and the love.

Remember me with laughter and all the things you liked the best.

 My life is a quilted blanket; laced with wisdom, love, and patience.

Now my story is yours for the telling.

So, keep alive what you treasure the most

Tell all the history and even the hardships

Be grateful for the times we shared

And I will live forevermore