August 23, 2024, 83, Goldsboro —
Mary Lee Dortch, third of five children, born to Lee and Mary Lena Best entered the world on March 20, 1941, in Goldsboro, NC, and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and a pillar of her community.
After completing her early education, she relocated to New York at the age of 19. Mary held various jobs while living in New York, but she enjoyed working with children the most. She was employed with the New York City Public School System for 14 years serving as a School Crossing Guard for P.S.5. She later worked as a bus matron for 15 additional years after she returned to Goldsboro, NC in 2005.
A strong believer in God, she was a devoted member of South Bushwick Reformed Church in Brooklyn. NY. Returning back to Goldsboro, Mary attended her childhood church, Darden Chapel OFWB Church. Mary’s faith was the cornerstone of her life.
Mary had a deep affection for her favorite TV shows, including *The Andy Griffith Show*, M*A*S*H*, *Matlock*, and *Leave It to Beaver*. She also had a simple pleasure in enjoying a variety of snacks, one of which was cold watermelon and drinking ice-cold Pepsi, along with her favorite fish, porgies, a combination that brought her great joy.
On Friday, August, Mary Lee was called home. She enjoyed her life to the fullest. She leaves to celebrate her life and is survived by her husband of 46 years, Maurice Dortch. She leaves behind three children: sons, Michael Leslie of Fayetteville, NC, and Howard Best of Maricopa, AZ, and daughter, Doreen Bradley of Surprise, AZ; son-in-law, Donald Cody and daughters-in-law, Janice Leslie and Jazmen Best. Mary was the cherished grandmother to ten grandchildren: CJ, Noelle, Dominique, Kyle (Kyla), Matthew, Christina (Jared), Kalen, Daisha, Brandon and Dakota. Mary also had seven great-grandchildren: Za’Niyah, Auden, Maxx, Nehemiah, River, and Judah.
Mary’s vibrant spirit, unwavering faith, and love for her family and community will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.
She is predeceased by her sisters Nina Pinder, Lucille Joyner, Ernestine Cunningham, and Betty Brown.
She leaves behind to cherish her life her nieces Esther. Linda, Joy, Sandra, and Chantel; nephews Lonnie and John, Jr. and a host of great nieces, great nephews, family, and friends.
As one journey ends another begins. Yours was a life well spent and we left grateful for the roles you played in each of ours: wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, confidant, mentor, and friend.
