Mary Julia Nelson Mazyck was born on May 29, 1937 to the late Lee and Florence Stretch Nelson in Cross, South Carolina. She departed her earthly life and gained her heavenly wings on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at Trident Medical Center surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Mary and her family relocated to Bonneau, SC in 1941. She was educated in the Berkeley County School System.
Mary gave her life to Christ at an early age and joined Bethel United Methodist Church. On January 31, 1958, she was united in holy matrimony to Joseph Mazyck. They celebrated 61 years of marriage this year. She was employed at Bonner Elementary School as a Cafeteria Operator for 10 years.

Mary joined Jehovah Baptist Church where she diligently served in many capacities. She was a dedicated and faithful Church Secretary for over 25 years, a Deaconess, member of the Women's Auxiliary, Pulpit Aide, Choir Member, President of the Usher Board, Hospitality and later served as Mother of the Church and active member of the Antioch Baptist Association until her health began to fail.

Mary was affectionately known as "Mamie" or "Mom Mazyck". Mary loved the Lord and always looked her best when she stepped into His house. She loved her hats and her suits, everything was always coordinated to perfection. That was her standard not only for herself, but for her children.

Mary was a missionary in her own right. She loved to sing and cook. She was a soloist and ministered to others in songs and she would prepare and deliver meals to those who were sick and shut in.

When Mary was not in church, she enjoyed taking care of others. She loved to feed family, friends and loved ones. Mary would bless others with either her infectious smile, a kind word of encouragement, a piece of mint candy or spearmint gum from her purse. We all loved her homemade biscuits and her fried okra with white rice and slab bacon at the family cookouts. We all will miss her stewed chicken, macaroni and cheese and potato salad just to name a few. But let's not forget about the sweet potato and coconut pies, pound and sheet cakes and the bread pudding. Her other favorite pastimes were quilting, shopping, especially catalogs and thrifting. She had a beautiful smile, no one was a stranger to her.

Mary was preceded in death by her two sons, Joseph Jr. and Travis Mazyck; four brothers, Henry James Nelson, Benn Nelson, Joseph Nelson and Allen Stretch; and two sisters, Sarah Thompson and Rosa Owens.

Mary leaves to cherish her memories: her loving husband, Joseph; her children, Rev. Florence (Arthur) Butler, Leola Jenkins, Bobby (Barbara) Ravenell, Shirley (Larry) Bryant, Joanne (Min. Brant) Nichols, Elder Herman Eli (Min. Stephanie) Mazyck, Patricia (Wendell) Grant, Juanita Pennye Mazyck and Lynette (Lamar) Alston; daughter-in-law, Lisa (Julius) Freeman; siblings, Min. Louis (Min. Virginia) Nelson, Rev. Samuel (Gaynell)Nelson and Leroy (Nancy) Nelson; sisters-in-law, Mary Nelson, Florence Brewton, Addie Mazyck, Rebecca Ravenell, Julie (Samuel) Boyd, Myrtle (William) Nelson and Vida Joy Mazyck; twenty-one grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; three godchildren, Windie Cameron, Jalen and Salena Milford; a host of nieces, nephews and adopted daughters and sons.

Mary will surely be missed by all who loved and knew her.