MARY DUFF
January 15, 1924 was a wonderful day in the life of Walter and Blanch Shrieves. They were blessed with the birth of a daughter whom they named Mary Virginia. Mary spent her early childhood in Virginia surrounded with love from her parents, her paternal/maternal grandparents and by many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. The family moved to Orange, New Jersey where Mary grew up and spend her late teens and early adulthood.
Despite having moved from Virginia, family and friends there closely monitored Mary's development. They showed pride in all her achievements. Mary was blessed with a wonderful combination of beauty and brains, and she, humble and unassuming, showed little sign of being negatively affected by these assets. A decisive person, Mary chose to use her gifts to pursue that which she loved...And Mary loved the piano! She took piano lesson for many years, becoming an accomplished pianist while still relatively young. Her mother kept concert bulletins from Mary's recitals and with even the slightest prodding would whip them out to share.
Mary was a prolific writer as well as a lover of nature. She found contentment walking through parks, gardens, and nature trails. She loved beaches and could enjoy just sitting and watching waves caress the shore. A trained photographer, Mary captured and often painted breathtaking pictures of trees, of landscapes and even of family.
As a young adult, Mary found another source of joy when she met and, subsequently, marred, Lawrence Booker. To this union were born three sons: Jerry, Donald and William and a daughter, Renee Fern. It was in her role as "Mother" that we saw Mary's strength, wisdom, and determination. Raising four children was a challenge she often faced alone. Yet, she stayed the course. Her faith in God and her reliance upon Him enabled her to persevere in the face of hardships. She saw and loved seeing her children (and grandchildren) as grown, successful, productive people, who willingly and ably serve other through their chosen work in the ministry, medicine, education, etc.
Predeceased by a sister, Arinthia Jean, her husband Chestlow Duff and a son, Paul, Mary has left to cherish her memory and to celebrate her legacy: her children, Elder Jerry Booker/Tammy, Piscataway, N.J., Donald Booker, Dr. William Booker/JoAnne, Marietta, Ga., Gern Booker, Hagerstown, Maryland; sisters, Barbara Cloyd, Parksley, Va., Loretta Marshall/Ty, Freeport, N.Y. and Carolyn White, Parksley, VA.; grandchildren, Jelzonia Artese Booker, Bensalem, Pa., Tanya Moore/Pastor Kenyatta Moore, Phila, Pa., Sanya Edwards, Cheltenham, Pa., Startese Sims/Stevie Sims, Avon, Ma., Jerry Booker Jr. (dec.), Kris Booker , Canton, Ma., Doni Booker, Marietta, Ga., Hakeem Booker, Marietta, Ga., Crystal, Tiffany and Nathaniel Booker Hagerstown, Maryland, and Rod Shrieves, Phila, Pa., and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
