Mary Virginia Gresham

October 2, 1939 - January 13, 2015

Mary Virginia Gresham of Byars, Oklahoma was born to George W. and Emma (Bromell) Windley, Sr. on October 2, 1939 in Burgess, South Carolina. She was raised by Julia B. Days in Plantersville, South Carolina. Mary passed from this life on January 13, 2015 in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma at the age of 75 years. Mary grew up and attended school in Georgetown, South Carolina. She graduated from Howard High School in 1958 and served as the assistant secretary of her class. She received Christ as her savior at a young age and became a member of St. Paul AME in Plantersville, South Carolina. Mary moved to Pauls Valley, Oklahoma in 1963 and became a member of Flipper Chapel AME. On September 20, 1964 in Pauls Valley, Mary and James Ralph were united in marriage by Rev. C. E. Smith and made their home in Byars, Oklahoma (Blue Branch Community). Mary then became a member of Red Rock Baptist Church. She served as Sunday school teacher, secretary and treasurer for many years. In 1972, after her children reached school age, Mary went to work for Kellwood in Pauls Valley as a sewing supervisor for almost 20 years until its closing. Mary also worked for Cover Craft in Pauls Valley and instructed training classes for the company at Mid America Vo-Tech. She later worked for Century Martial Arts in Oklahoma City as a supervisor. She began work at the Byars Community Center in April 2011 and worked until she became ill in July 2014. Mary was a member of Eastern Star Faith Chapter #55, a member of the Purcell Chapter NAACP and a TARC volunteer, acting as guardian and advocate for two special young ladies. In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, decorating her home, arts and crafts and cooking. The highlight of her life was the time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. Mary never met a stranger and always wore a smile. Mrs. Gresham is survived by: 2 sons: Anthony Gresham and wife Melanie of Ardmore, Oklahoma Byron Gresham and wife Beverly of Augusta, Georgia 1 daughter: Andrea Gresham and fiancée Glenn Ford of the home in Byars. 1 God daughter: Sheila Grier of Charleston, South Carolina 2 brothers: George P. Windley, Sr. and wife Linda of Manning, South Carolina Otis E. Windley of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 5 sisters: Ida Green of Louisville, Kentucky Emma Jackson of Louisville, Kentucky Rev. Carolyn Braxton of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Emma Session of Columbus, Ohio Rosa Jackson of Yonkers, New York 11 grandchildren: Christian, Ashley, Ashley Nicole, Eboni, Andrea, Jullian, Amber, Payton, Gabby, Mya, and Antionette 1 great-grandchild: Carter 2 very special sister-in-laws: Dimple M. Dillard and Anita E. Gresham Many loving nieces and nephews and a host of dear family and friends Mrs. Gresham was preceded in death by: Her husband: James Ralph Gresham on June 7, 1997 Parents: George and Emma Windley, Sr. and Julia B. Days 3 brothers: Chappell Windley, George Windley, Jr. and James C. Windley 6 sisters: Dorothy W. Porter, Margaret W. Green, Annie Bell Windley Days, Juanita Windley, Gladys Windley and Justine Windley Father-in-law and Mother-in-law: Johnnie & Myrtle Gresham Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the Wooster Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. George P. Windley, Sr. officiating. Interment will be in the Red Rock Cemetery at Byars, Oklahoma under the direction of Wooster Funeral Home. You may send a condolence to the family at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com.