Mary Lee English

Evangelist Mary Lee English was born on January 4, 1945, in Boykin, South Carolina, to the late Hamp and Josephine Johnson. Sharing a birthday with her father brought her great joy. She was the fourth of twelve children. She was preceded in death by her siblings Ella, Henry, Truman, Arthur, and twin siblings who passed shortly after birth. She leaves to cherish her memory her siblings Florence, Nancy, Lila, Sammie, and Deloris. She received her early education at St. Matthew's School in Boykin, South Carolina.
Evangelist Mary Lee English was a devoted mother, faithful servant of God, and uncompromising woman of faith whose life was fully surrendered to the will and work of Jesus Christ. She entered eternal rest having completed her earthly assignment, surrounded by the promises of the Lord she faithfully served.
Evangelist Mary Lee English was united in marriage to Haskin K. English on December 12, 1964. Affectionately known as Mother English and "Momma," she was the proud and loving mother of Haskin Calvin English, Sandra Michele English (who preceded her in death), and Mary Elizabeth English. She was also a stepmother to Rosa English. Motherhood was one of her sacred callings, and she nurtured her children through prayer, discipline, sacrifice, and unwavering faith-instilling values rooted in holiness, perseverance, and love for God.
At the age of 12, Evangelist Mary made a bold and lifelong decision to accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. When given the choice by her parents to decide whom she would serve, she chose Christ-and never turned back. A devout Pentecostal believer, she lived as a true soldier in the Army of the Lord.
Born with a heart condition, she experienced divine healing as a young adult, as God strengthened her heart to endure and complete the work He had ordained for her life. Her life stood as a living testimony of God's healing power, sustaining grace, and divine purpose.
Though her formal education was limited, Evangelist Mary was deeply committed to biblical study and ministry training. She faithfully completed her studies and graduated from Tabernacle of Prayer for All People Bible School, equipping herself for the work of ministry and the spreading of the Gospel.
She was truly a Prayer Warrior, Soul Winner for Christ, Minister of the Gospel, Street Evangelist, Devotional Leader, Singer, and Organizer of Prayer and Shut-In Services. Known throughout the Newark community, she ministered tirelessly in bus terminals, train stations, Penn Station, hospitals, and on city streets-often carrying gospel tracts and a bullhorn, boldly proclaiming the truth of salvation and the urgency of repentance. Even during hospital stays, she never ceased witnessing, praying, and warning souls of eternal consequences while pointing them to Jesus Christ.
Evangelist Mary also served in pastoral ministry at University Hospital, bringing prayer, encouragement, and hope to the sick and afflicted. She was a devoted member of Tabernacle of Prayer for All People, where she organized prayer chains and led devotional services. Her anointed singing ushered many into the presence of God. She later continued her ministry at Citadel of Hope Mission, remaining faithful wherever God planted her.
She organized shut-in prayer gatherings, calling believers together to intercede for the world, the Church, and the deliverance of lost souls. Truly, so much more could be said, for her life was poured out daily as an offering unto God.
Those who knew her will remember her as a woman of holy conviction, resilience, spiritual authority, and uncompromising faith. Her encouragement was sincere, her prayers were fervent, and her walk with God was evident. She lived what she preached.
Evangelist Mary Lee English leaves a powerful legacy of faith and obedience to God. She is survived by her husband, Haskin K. English; her children Calvin & Tamara English, daughter-in-love & Mary Elizabeth & Andre' McCrimmon son-in love; seven grandchildren-Elijah, Camille, Dante, Tiarra, Tia, Jace, and Noa; great-grandchildren- Nova and Zuri English; her surviving siblings; extended family; and a vast spiritual family whose lives were forever changed through her ministry.
Though she has transitioned from labor to reward, her prayers continue to speak, her teachings endure, and her influence remains alive in the hearts of those she loved and led to Christ. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).