Mary Alexander

March 23, 1946 - January 16, 2019

Mary Adeline Henderson Alexander was born March 23, 1946, in Johnson City, TN to the late Mary Louise Jackson and Orville “Slim” Horton. Mary was preceded in death by her brother Edward Lewis Williams, Jr. and her sister Mable Inez Williams Glaspie. She leaves to mourn her death two sons: Alan Jerome Alexander and William Ernest Alexander, Jr., her brother James Nathan Henderson (Georgette), a step-daughter Connie Stephens, five grandchildren: Ebony Alexander, Alan B. Alexander (Leslie), Jordan Chillee Carson, Ayanna Alexander, Quinton Alexander, seven great-grandchildren, her beloved nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and special long-time friends Starlett Jean Rhea Benson Williams, Maxine Dabner Johnson and Angela Wood Fritz. Mary was a true “Renaissance Woman.” She was interested in and involved with the church and the community. She was a dedicated and active member of Bethel Christian Church (Jonesborough, TN), Friendship Baptist Church (Johnson City, TN) and a founding member of the New Jerusalem Baptist Church (Johnson City, TN). Known as the “Mother of The Church” at New Jerusalem, she loved her pastor and first lady Rev. /Mrs. Lester Lattany! Mary also loved the members as she lent her considerable talents as a Sunday school teacher, a choir member, and usher board member and as a dedicated student of the Word. Below are just a few of the many accomplishments earned by Mary Alexander. Education • She was educated in Johnson City’s segregated schools at Dunbar Elementary and graduated from her beloved Langston High School in 1963. • She received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree in History with an emphasis on African American Studies from East Tennessee State University. • Her dissertation was on “The Black Churches and Their Impact On The Black Community in the Segregated Johnson City of the 1950’s” Career • Johnson City Housing Authority for Many Years • Director of South Central In Kingsport • Taught at ETSU, North East State, and Subbed for JC Schools • Watauga Square Complex Community Activism • One of the founders of The Langston Heritage Group (formerly known as HAASP) • Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast • Several State Historical Markers • Dr. Hezekiah Hankal Building – JC/Washington County Health Dept. • ETSU Fountain – Honoring Integration • Restoration Fundraising Efforts for the West Lawn Cemetery Civic Involvement • Washington County Commission – 4th District • Johnson City Planning Commission • Washington County Board of Mayor and Alderman • Washington County Election Commission • Voters Registration • Washington County Historical Society • Board of Rocky Mount Historical Site Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5b For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Corinthians 5:1 She Shall Be Praised Proverbs 31:10, 25-28a Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed… Funeral Services will be held at 1:00pm Wednesday January 23, 2019 at Friendship Baptist Church in Johnson City, TN. The family will receive friends from 12:00pm until 1:00pm at the church prior to the service. Interment will follow at Washington County Memory Gardens in Johnson City. ***Donations in Ms. Alexander's honor can be made to the following Non Profit organizations: L.E.A.D.-Langston Education & Arts Development Corporation PO Box 111 Johnson City TN. 37605-0111 & Westlawn Cemetery 202 Hallbrook Drive Gray, TN 37615