Mary E. Harmon

Mary Elizabeth Harmon (was born on April 5, 1939, to the late George and Nannie Claybrooks. She was one of six children and was preceded in death by her husband, Ray E. Harmon, and her siblings George W. Claybrooks, James R. Claybrooks, Geneva Ford, and Charles Claybrooks.

Mary was raised in Spencer, Virginia, where she accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Mayo Missionary Baptist Church in Ridgeway, Virginia. She attended George Washington Carver High School in Fieldale, Virginia, where she played guard on the basketball team. After graduating at the age of 18, Mary packed her bags and boarded a bus to the Bronx, New York, beginning a journey defined by courage, independence, and determination.

While living in New York, Mary worked various jobs before establishing her career as a Nurse's Aide. In 1963, she married Arthur Lee Dandridge. From this union, three sons were born: Anthony, Alvin, and Bernard. The marriage later ended in divorce in 1974, after which Mary and her sons relocated to New Rochelle, New York.

In 1978, Mary and her three sons moved to Pennsauken, New Jersey. After settling in South Jersey, she continued her career as a Nurse's Aide at Lakeland Psychiatric Hospital, working the graveyard shift. She also worked as a seamstress at David Stevens Textiles. Mary faithfully worked both jobs for more than 25 years until her retirement.

In 1980, Mary met Ray Harmon. After several years of courtship, the two were married and later made their home in Lawnside, New Jersey. During this time, Mary became a devoted member of Grace Temple Baptist Church, where she remained faithful until her transition from this world.

Mary had a passion for cooking, gardening, traveling, dancing, and crocheting blankets. Her cooking was beloved by all, and she was frequently complimented on her impeccable sense of style and the elegance with which she carried herself.

Above all else, Mary cherished her family and upheld strong family values. She never missed a Thanksgiving dinner or family reunion. If there was a family gathering and she was physically able to attend - she was there.

Mary is lovingly survived by her three sons, Anthony Dandridge (Edelyn), Alvin Dandridge (late wife Leyanne), and Bernard Dandridge; her grandchildren Anthony Dandridge (Zainette) , Christian Dandridge (Markita), Tyree Dandridge, Erica Dandridge (Nicholas).

Candice Dandridge, Casey Dandridge, and Cameron Dandridge; 10 great-grandchildren; her brother Frank Claybrooks (Patricia); and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation on Saturday, January 24th from 9:00 am- 9:45 AM at Grace Temple Baptist Church, 15 E. Charleston Avenue, Lawnside, NJ where her Celebration of Life Service will be celebrated beginning at 10:00 AM. Entombment following her services at Lakeview Memorial Park, 1300 Route 130 North, Cinnaminson, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to either the American Diabetes Association (https://diabetes.org/) or the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org)