Ms. Mary Lee Felder
Passed 01/12/2023
The Introduction On July 25, 1921, God blessed the late Elliott Mallard and the late Rena Grayton Mallard with the birth of Mary Lee Mallard Felder and entrusted them to nurture and train His vessel into a God fearing woman for the world to behold.
The Heart of the Story Mary, affectionately known as "Nute" was educated in the public schools of Parler, South Carolina. She accepted the call of Jesus and became a member of Chapel Hill Baptist Church at an early age. She served as Treasurer of the Christian Aide Society, a member of the Senior Choir, as a Teaching Mother to younger women and a faithful Sunday School student. She was one of three members who purchased the original pulpit desk and was shepherded by seven of the Chapel's ten pastors. During the church's 134th anniversary on September 22, 2013, she was officially named Mother of the Church.
In 1942, Mary was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Willie James Felder, Sr. Their union was blessed with four children.
She was employed at a local restaurant until she and others made their mark in history by signing a petition for equal rights and joined the NAACP. She was a long-time caregiver for her late mother and lived for over 90 years on the farmland formerly used as the primary source of produce and livestock that will be in the family for generations to come.
Mary faithfully read the bible every morning. She also enjoyed, gardening, and walking in her neighborhood. She often reminded her family that walking was their primary mode of transportation, hence there really wasn’t a need for her to get a driver’s license. Further, walking was not only good exercise, but it also allowed her time to take in the beauty of the land God blessed her family to possess. She had an affinity for fashion and took pride in wearing a suit with matching shoes, hat, and purse. It meant a lot to her to give God her best, in appearance, deed and word. She was full of jokes and words of wisdom spoken with a voice of reason.
The Final Chapter Mary answered the final call from Jesus and peacefully entered eternal rest on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the residence of her daughter in Lithonia, Georgia.
She was preceded in death by her aforementioned parents: Elliott Mallard and Rena Grayton Mallard; husband: Willie James Felder, Sr.; siblings: Ernest Mallard, Willie Mallard, Rosa Adgerson, Johnny Mallard, Sr., and Eugene Mallard and daughter-in-law: Sallie Felder.
Mary leaves precious memories to be cherished by four children: Thomas Felder of Mt. Vernon, New York; Evearn (Johnny) Fuller of Lithonia, Georgia; Hilda (Nathaniel) Taylor of Richmond, Virginia and Willie (Georgia) Felder, Jr. of Santee, South Carolina. Eleven grandchildren: David (Lois) Fuller, Pamela Felder, Sherronda (Duane) McClary, Andreia (Warrell) Spence, Lakeisha (Amon) Mitchell, Steven Taylor, Sherri (Keith) Jackson, Caretta Felder, Thomesana Felder, DeCharles (Toccara) Shivers and Tomeka Felder; 14 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; two very special cousins: Lillie Mae Sumpter and Kathryn Phillips and three treasured friends: Rhudine Sellers, Vivian Felder and Cynthia Funderburg.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 20, 2023, from 1:00pm – 6:00pm.
There will be no public viewing at the church service.
Family and friends may call Simmons Funeral Home of Santee.
Please adhere to all COVID-19 precautions and masks are required during visitation and funeral services.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.simmonsfuneralhome.com