Mary L. Heard

Mary Lean (nee Walsh) Heard was born on March 7, 1935, to Virge and Carrie Walsh in Durant, Mississippi. With her family at her bedside, she entered her eternal rest on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 in Joliet, Illinois at Prime Healthcare St. Joseph Joliet.

Mary confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Mississippi. After moving to Joliet, she joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend J.W. Hill. Mary loved God and served in various ministries such as the Mission Ministry, Sunday School, the Choir, the Deaconess Ministry, Ambassador Ministry, and Lebanon District Woman’s Auxiliary. She was also a Sunday School teacher

On January 21, 1955, Mary and R. C. Heard united in Holy Matrimony, and to this union three children were born. Mary worked many years of employment that allowed her to serve as a Machine Operator and later as a Seamstress. She enjoyed cooking, bowling, going on cruises and spending time with family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virge and Carrie Walsh; two brothers, James Walsh and Lee Otha Walsh; five sisters, Elizabeth Waddell, Rosa Hunt, Lee Catherine Streator and Lorine Clayton.

Mary leaves in the care of God: her three children, Larry (Rayzelle) Heard, Beverly (Patrick) Winfrey and Jacqueline Houston; her faith and kindness continue to live on in the hearts of her precious grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Virginia (Elijah) Pointer of Fayetteville, North Carolina and Pauline Kimble; three godchildren, Kenny Banks, LaTonya (Marcus) Mars and Patrick Kimble; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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