FACE COVERINGS ARE STILL REQUIRED TO ENTER THE FUNERAL HOME!

Funeral service will be held 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at Crystal Springs Missionary Baptist Church, 4754 Blue Banks Loop Road NE, Leland, NC.  Burial will follow in the Crystal Springs Church Cemetery.  Visitation is from 5-7:00 P.M. on Monday at Crystal Springs Missionary Baptist Church.  Mary Magdalene Vernon Ratchford "Maggie" entered into her earthly home June 12, 1940, to her proud parents, the late Oscar J. Vernon and Naomi Bryant Vernon.  God called her to be with Him eternally on Monday, January 29, 2024, at Cypress Pointe Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington, NC.  As a child, Mary grew up in the Northwest Community, Leland, North Carolina, Brunswick County.  She attended the local schools and graduated from Lincoln High School, Leland, North Carolina in 1957 under the principalship of Mr. James Clemmons.  Following graduation she moved to Brooklyn, New York.  She was employed as a postal clerk with the city of Manhattan, NY for several years.  After many years in the North, she relocated to her hometown of Northwest, North Carolina.  The Federal Paper Company accepted her as one of the first females in its plant as an assembly line employee.  She remained with the Federal Paper Company for seventeen years.  As a very young youth, she joined Spring Green Missionary Baptist Church, located in the Acme Community.  Her Christian endeavors led her to join Crystal Spring Missionary Baptist Church, Northwest, NC.  Using her gifted talent of singing, she became known throughout the surrounding communities as the "Gospel Song Bird". Everyone enjoyed Mary's singing and looked forward to listening to her sing on various programs and occasions.  Due to her faith and belief in God, her Christian activities were beyond measure.  She sang on all the choirs in the church as one of the main leaders.  Mary's priorities were her church duties, such as Ushering, Chairperson of the Homecoming Committee, Finance Committee Auditor, Kitchen Chairperson, Sunday School Secretary, Secretary of the Missionary Ministry, Choir President, and member of the Pastor's Aide Committee.  Preparing delicious food was her delight, not only at church functions but she cooked and prepared food for the community households.  Mary's community activities included being a member of the Riegelwood Gospelaires, assistant secretary of the Passion Week Committee, volunteer at the Northwest Food Pantry, and volunteer on the City of Northwest Recreation Committee.  She served as Secretary of the Middle District Missionary Association, Missionary Auxiliary, Burgaw, NC for twelve years as Chairperson of the Night of Elegance Banquet.  On October 6, 2023, she was recognized with honors and presented with a plaque as a dedicated worker.  Mary was a member of Queen Drusilla Chapter # 660 Order of Eastern Stars, North Carolina Jurisdiction Prince Hall affiliation where she served as Worthy Matron, with the Grand Chapter she served as District Deputy Grand Matron and was given the honor of Honorary Past Grand Matron and District Deputy Grand Matron.  Upon her demise she was a member of Sisters of Gilben # 646, where she served as secretary.  She was preceded in death by her parents, all siblings, Della Andrews, Ernestine Vernon, Wilma Alston, Carlton Vernon, and Alexander "Jerome" Vernon.  With much love in remembrance is her daughter, Pastor Arlene Robinson (husband Apostle Reginald Robinson); granddaughter, LaToya Antoinette Lowery; grandson, Willie Clifton Lowery, Jr. (wife Courtney); stepdaughter, Robin Harrison; five great grandchildren; special friends, Gwen Spicer, Lonnie Adams, and Sheri Perkins; just like sons, Mychal Robinson, and LeRon Montgomery; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.