Mary Catherine (Reese) Buford, 80 of Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Profile of Life

Mary Catherine Buford (Reese) , 80 of Upper Marlboro, MD, peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on Monday, May 4, 2020.  She was born on April 13, 1940 to the late Mildred Reese and was raised lovely by her late grandparents, Roger & Elsie Reese as a native of Maxton, North Carolina.

Mary was permitted to spend time playing with friends, riding her bicycle, and helping her grandmother with house chores. However, one chore she would try to "skip" was canning the many jars of her grandmother's vegetation.  The reward of her labor would be enjoyed by her grandmother's baked goods and appetizing meals.

Mary's primary and secondary education was at R. B. Dean Elementary School, Maxton, NC (formerly named Robeson County Training School).  After high school, her family paved the way for her to attend Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC (formerly named Winston-Salem Teachers College). She enjoyed singing in the choir and especially looked forward to accompanying the choir on concert tours.   She graduated on May 23, 1961 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She was an extremely proud and a devoted "Ram" of Winston-Salem State University. She formed and maintained many friendships.

Mary began her walk of Christian faith at the Saint George United Methodist Church in Maxton, NC (formerly Saint George Methodist Church) where she sang in the youth choir.  While at WSSU, she attended St. Paul United Methodist Church, Winston-Salem, NC (formerly St. Paul Methodist Church) and served in the Music Department. Her faith was a constant sustainer.  Through life's challenges and joys, she never wavered knowing the Lord would make a way.  She prayed daily, read her spiritual books, inspirational messages and listened to gospel music, but her favorite was playing a CD from the WSSU Choir and Ensemble.

Mary's first teaching assignment was in Newport News, Virginia. While living in Newport News, she developed friendships with colleagues, and they enjoyed shopping.  She later married the late Bennie Buford and from that union, they were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Yvette, and Karyn.

Mary relocated to Washington, DC and taught for 28 years as an elementary and secondary teacher in the District of Columbia Public Schools.  She was a committed and dedicated educator and loved the former students recognizing her during many outings. After retiring from the District of Columbia Public Schools in June 1996, she continued to stay connected to education as a substitute teacher in the Prince George's County Public Schools.

Mary's desire to stay connected to her Christian faith lead her to visit several churches in the DC Metropolitan area.  She eventually joined Gethsemane United Methodist Church, Capitol Heights, MD where she was a member of the Chancel Choir and the United Methodist Women Ministry.  Later she made Westphalia United Methodist Church her home singing in the Sanctuary Choir and joined the Westphalia United Methodist Women Ministry.  She served whenever and wherever needed from ministry events to becoming a summer camp teacher.

Mary's favorite hobbies were sewing, bowling, listening to music, reading, crossword puzzles, and spending time with family and friends.  She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed collecting recipes and replicating many of her new finds.  Whenever possible she loved to travel "by any means necessary - if it was moving, Mary was going."   Her love, gifts and talents extended through her work ethic and entrepreneurial ventures.  She also served as a Realtor for many years and during that course of time, she had an opportunity to meet numerous friends.

Mary's memories will continue to be cherish by two daughters, Yvette Parker, and Karyn Buford.  She will also be celebrated by three grandsons, Devin and Cameron Parker and Maurice Thompson Jr.; the joys of her life, four great-grandchildren, Mekhi, Cali, Kylee Parker and Karson Thompson.  She will be sorely missed by other family members, a host of friends, and the WSSU "Rams" Community.

Visitation, Monday, May 18, 2020, 10:00 am to 12 pm in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640. Private Service, 12:00 pm. Interment, Heritage Memorial Cemetery, Waldorf, Maryland 20601

On Monday, May 18, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. please click on the link below to view the service live-stream.

Once on the Live Stream Page go to the bottom right side of the screen to click on the audio.

Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream