Yea, though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff

they comfort me.

~Psalm 23:4

Mother Mary Leslie Williams Beauford, daughter of the late Rosa and Joe Williams, was born on July 12, 1918 in Dorchester County, South Carolina.

Mary attended the public schools of Berkeley County, SC.

She joined Emmanuel Reformed Episcopal Church at a very early age. Later, she relocated to Charleston, SC and joined Bethel Reformed Episcopal Church where she served faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher and a member of the Junior Choir.

In 1946, she returned to Alvin, SC, and was united in Holy Matrimony to Napolean Beauford. This union was blessed with one son, Calvin. Her husband preceded her in death on September 20, 1972.

Mary renewed her membership with Emmanuel Reformed Episcopal Church in 1946. She served in the following capacities: Sunday School Superintendent, President of the Usher Board, Church Secretary, Chairperson of the Missionary Board, and member of the Senior Choir. She organized the women of the church and served as Chairperson. Mary walked by faith and was dedicated to her various positions in the church until her health declined. She will truly be missed.

She leaves many to cherish her memories: her loving son, Calvin Beauford; three grandchildren, Carron Beauford, Scott (Rochelle) Beauford and Sabrina Wright; granddaughter-in-law, Vivian Beauford; six step-grandchildren: John (Dollie) Wheeler, Johnnie Mae Wheeler, Levi Wheeler, Randolph Wheeler, Jennifer Wheeler and Wilma Jean (Shawn) Adams; one sister, Lillie Ruth Grice; one brother, Arthur (Dorthreen) Williams; 15 great-grandchildren, 20 great, great-grandchildren, 11 step great-grandchildren and 6 step great-great-grandchildren; one adopted daughter, Annie Ruth (Fort) Taylor; two special nephews, Rev. Earl Beauford and Ernest Brown; two special great-granddaughters. Shaylin and Kaylin Adams; adopted daughter-in-law, Odessa Brown; special friend, Shirley Washington; caregivers, Ethel Goodman and Sheraldine Fullmore; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.