Racine – Mary J. Bunch, 71, passed away unexpectedly at All Saints Hospital on Sunday, May 4, 2012. She was born on June 21, 1940 in Enterprise, Mississippi, daughter of the late Elmer and Roberta (nee: Buckley) Washington.
Mary was a giving woman with a heart of gold, and an amazing ability to make everyone around her feel loved and appreciated. She was hard working and enjoyed her job as the head cook at K.C.’s Fine Restaurant in Laurel, Mississippi for over 20 years in addition to working as a housekeeper. Mary enjoyed growing flowers in her garden, cooking, shopping in thrift shops, and starting her day with a cup of coffee and a Pepsi, but most of all lived to be surrounded by her family.
Mary is survived by her children, Mary (Clinton) Bryant, Alma Bunch, Rosetta Bunch, Alberta Gryer, and Jeffrey Bunch; her sister Kizzie Lee (Henry) Bester all of Racine; 21 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, especially Marilyn Higgenbottom, Lula Coleman, Susie Wiggins and Dee Anderson all of Racine. She was also preceded in death by parents, Elmer and Roberta Washington; her son, Robert Paige; her husband, Ollie Bunch; special friend and companion, Roger Anderson; and siblings, George, Richard, Robert, David, John, Sherman, and Ruth Mae.
Homegoing services will be held at New Omega Missionary Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 14, 2012 with Pastor Willie Scott officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. All are invited to visit with her family from 9:30a.m. -11:00 a.m at the church.
The Struggle is Over
There are so many words to describe this charismatic woman. She was: generous, humble, forgiving, nurturing, and faithful to name a few. Her heart spoke volumes. We feel so blessed to have been in your presence for as long as we were. She was adored by many near and far, never met a stranger, and accepted everyone. A natural at mothering…there’s no wonder so many including non-family members, felt compelled to seek advice from her. She was a way maker with impeccable improvisational skills; feeding many on a shoe-string budget was a talent.
The bottom line is you lived your life in a way that said “There’s something greater coming when I leave this life.” We say “Thank you for all you’ve done and making each of us feel special on some level.” While your departure from us took us by surprise…with heavy hearts we congratulate you on taking your final curtsy and going home. The struggle is over for you. Love you always…
~Shalia
Debra Toeppe-Shovers says
Mary Bunch is and was the finest, most loving, loyal, hard working woman I will ever know. At a time when my family’s life was disrupted and stressful she brought peace, calm and endless amounts of love and support to each of us. She gave of herself without expectations of anything in return. She gave freely of herself to my children, Michael and Megan, always. I knew she could always be counted on to be there and provide the love and hugs we all needed, each and every time we needed it. She gave her all to those of us who were blessed enough to have her in our lives. Our thoughts and prayers go put to all who were blessed to call her Mother, Grandma, Auntie and most of all…Friend. She was and is the best. Always and forever, love and gratefullness, the Toeppe-Shovers family.Michael, Megan ,Debra and Robert
Cheryl Hayek says
Rosetta,
I love you, and am lifting up you and your family in prayer daily.Your mom has run a good race, planted many, many seeds, and has now recieved her prize! Love in Christ Jesus.
Jennifer Barrios says
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Just know that she will always be in your heart, and with you in everything you do.