Mary Elizabeth Hawkins Stanley, born May 19, 1933, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017, at age 84.

Mary will be remembered foremost as a spectacular mother of 10 children. She also enjoyed 16 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by her daughter, Marilyn Stanley Benson, and her former husband Jim Stanley Jr. Mary is survived by her daughters, Shirley Stanley Bonner (Albert), Janice Mitchell and Julie Kargbo (Abdul), all of Saint Paul, Minn.. Mary is survived by her sons James Stanley III, Alvin Stanley, Dennis Stanley, David Stanley (Stacie) and Marshall Stanley, all of Saint Paul, Minn., and son Jerry Stanley of Michigan City, Ind. Mary is also survived by three remaining out of eight sisters, Corene Crenshaw, Mary Louise Hunter and Dorothy Martin, and out of four brothers, one Lee Roy Hawkins (Roberta), all of Saint Paul, Minn., and a host of other beloved relatives and friends.

Mary put God first in all that she did, and she faithfully and unceasingly witnessed for Jesus Christ all the days of her life. Mary was a true “prayer warrior” who loved to praise the Lord. A powerful matriarch, she actively provided unconditional love and total devotion to her children, her entire greater family, and her many friends.

During her working years, in addition to being a homemaker, Mary held various jobs, including cook/restaurant worker, domestic worker, home nursing positions, and factory worker.

Mary was a strong, beautiful, super confident, and very wise woman who embodied an awe-inspiring spirit. Mary was a very special being and she truly will be missed in this world.

Funeral service at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior (10-11 a.m.), on Friday, Aug. 25 at Mount Olivet Baptist Church. Interment Elmhurst Cemetery.