Mrs. Mary Etta Garey Grantham, the daughter of the late Annie King Garey and Dave Garey, was born on September 16, 1916. She departed this life on Thursday, April 30, 2020, at her home in Moncks Corner, South Carolina.

Mary was educated in the Williamsburg County School System. She was a domestic worker who took pride in what she did, both on the job and in her home.

Mary was a member of Irving Chapel A.M.E. Church in Cordesville, South Carolina. She was a Christian woman who loved the Lord. Psalm 23 was her favorite scripture. Her favorite songs were "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me" and "How I Got Over". Mary was the Mother of the church and was a member of the Stewardess Board. She served faithfully until her health began to fail.

Mary was married to Henry B. Grantham and to this union six children were born. She loved her family.

Mary loved to cook and work in her flower garden. Her beautiful yard was admired by many and was featured in the Berkeley Independent, Moncks Corner's community newspaper. The kitchen in the Community's Hope Impact Center in Moncks Corner, SC, was named in her honor. She was also an avid Atlanta Braves fan.

Mary had a warm and loving spirit. She had an infectious smile and laughter. Known for her fiery nature, she said what she meant and meant what she said. She did not mix her words.

During her life, Mary was showered with numerous awards and honors. Berkeley County Council declared September 16, 2016 as "Mary Garey Grantham Day" in honor of her 100th Birthday.

She leaves to cherish her memories: three daughters, Beverly (Sidney) Reid, Rosetta (Fred) Gore both of Columbia, SC and Barbara Grantham of Shirley, MA; three sons, Henry Grantham Jr., Robert Grantham (Delores) and Riley Grantham all of Moncks Corner, SC; an adopted son, Willie "Teddy" Chisholm, Sr. of Moncks Corner, SC. She also reared two of her grandchildren as her own: Rose Lampkin of Goose Creek, SC and Darren (Kim) Grantham of Columbia, SC. She had sixteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mary's Favorite Phrases:

With regards to her feelings: "Ya'll don't know my feelings"

With regards to wisdom: "The Lord knows"

With regards to love: "I love everybody"

With regards to food: "I want more in my mouth than just tongue"

With regards to patience: "You got to wait on the Lord"

The Journey Home

As I traveled along the way

Met an Angel who began to say

Take my hand and follow me

Where I go you shall be free.

I went and left it all behind

Saying goodbye to all mankind

Heaven's my home is where I'll be

A beautiful place it is to see.

No more pain and no more sorrow

Never a worry about tomorrow

Be happy always and rejoice with me

I've gone to live with Him eternally.

~ Patricia Grantham