Mary R. Talley

Mary Randall Talley gracefully journeyed to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 24, 2025, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Mary was born August 11, 1922, to the late Deacon James and Deaconess Malinda Randall, in New Kent-County Virginia. She was the oldest daughter of 11 siblings. James, Viola, Clarence, Elnora, Robert, Beulah, Ralph, Lewis and Zebbie preceded her in death. Mary was raised and educated in the New Kent County School System. She was baptized at an early age at Angel View Baptist Church. She was blessed with two daughters from her brief marriage to the late Curtis Bassett of Barhamsville, Virgina. Upon moving to Baltimore, Maryland she joined Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church and was united in matrimony to the late Richard L. Talley, by the founding Pastor Hiram E. Smith. She continued to serve faithfully as a Missionary and member of the Hospitality and Virginia State ministries under the Pastorates of Olin P. Moyd and Franklin Lance until her health prevented her continuance. She also enjoyed many years serving as secretary to the Order of the Eastern Star. In her early years she graduated from cosmetology school and operated a hair salon with her Godmother, Clara Maxsom. She was later employed as a dietician at the Mt. Wilson State Hospital until its closure and subsequently retired from Spring Grove State Hospital. She enjoyed her retirement for 48 years, During her tenure with the State, Mary served as treasurer to the AFSCME. She was the Matriarch of the Randall-Washington clan and affectionately known as "Ma", "Big Ma", "Aunt Mary", "Cousin Mary" "Miss Mary" and "Sis." She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother to her natural family but adopted as Mom by some who were even her age. She even called herself the "Mother of Baltimore!" She was known by many for her stoic presence and elegant attire. Although she had a quiet demeanor, she was often sought after for a word of advice and to serve as a confidant. She always had a bite to eat, a birthday gift, a Christmas gift, or coconut or sweet potato pie just for the asking. Until a couple of months ago when you asked her for a phone number, she would reply, "Let me consult my computer;" and then rub her head or dial an imaginary phone and give you the number off the top of her head. She had room in her heart for her children, the Randall clan, her church family, her neighbors and whoever else needed a bit of motherly love. Even when she would run a Boston on you in a game of spades you just had to love her. Everyone who was graced in her presence fell in love with her and claimed her as their mom. Mary Randall Talley looked forward to reuniting with her parents, siblings and loved ones. She loved the Lord and the 23rd Psalm. She was led by the still waters and was lain in the green pastures. We thank God for leading her for 11 weeks shy of 103 years old but glorify Him most for leading her home. She leaves to cherish her legacy- daughters: Augustine Brown and Shirley Briscoe of Baltimore, Maryland; a sister: Alease Bowles of Port St, Lucie Florida; two grands: Toi and Chandra Brown; three great grands: Tiyese Pope, Sr. (Brandy), Hadji McDowell and Hadija Mullen (Dwayne); eight great-great grandchildren: Jessica Pope, Nassir McDowell (Naval deployed in Spain), Sydney and Symone Pope, Samaya Tweedy, Tiyese "TJ" Pope, Jr., Jayla McDowell and Angelo Mullen; a Godson: Nimrod Wescott (Cassandra), a Goddaughter: Shannon Bowell; a Sister-in-Law: Ann Randall - all of Baltimore, Maryland. The family remembers her special friend William Chestnut who proceeded her in death She will also be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends across the nation and around the world.

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Mary R. Talley

August 11, 1922 - May 24, 2025