Ms. Mary Lillian Young, 85 of Charlotte, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2019 at Royal Park Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.   Mary was the only child of John Wesley Blackmon and Martha Phillips born on July 11, 1934 in Charlotte, NC.  She grew up in Charlotte and "Stump town" neighborhood in Matthews, NC and attended grade school in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School system.  Mary began working at a young age and held several jobs in housekeeping at various businesses in the Charlotte Area, including Carolinas Medical Center where she ultimately retired after many years of service.

Mary confessed Christ at an early age and attended several churches in Charlotte including Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Pineville, NC prior to joining Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in May 2009 where she was a member of Missionary Group #3 and Seniors on the Move Ministry.  She often spoke of her love for her pastor Rev. Donnie Garris and wife Regina as well as her Antioch Church family whom she said always embraced her so warmly.  She looked forward to participating in church activities and particularly worship service to hear Pastor Garris' sermons as often as possible, until her health declined.  She often commented after each service that "that man can sho' nuff preach about anything!"

Although Mary never had any biological children; she was a mother figure to many of all ages who affectionately referred to her as "Mom", "Ms. Young", "Ms. Mary" or "Little Mama."   Mary was always concerned about keeping a neat appearance in her home, as well as, her own self.  She made a point to get dressed, put on eyeliner, lipstick, and jewelry first thing EVERY day, and slept in her wig as not to get caught off guard!  She was an excellent homemaker and loved cooking and baking for her loved ones and friends when she resided at Pinecrest Manor in the Grier Heights Community.  It was at Pinecrest Manor where she met her beloved James, whom she affectionately referred to as "My Baby."  They started out as good friends and neighbors living across the hall from each other; friendship that blossomed into an affectionate and caring companionship relationship lasting over twelve years prior until his death in 2017.  Mary lovingly referred to James' children and grandchildren as her adopted family and she spent countless Sundays after church helping him prepare dinner for them.

For the past 2 1/2 years, Mary spent her time enjoying life, making new friends, coloring in her adult coloring books, putting puzzles, attending worship services, playing bingo, getting manicures and participating in other group activities provided at Royal Park of Matthews Nursing Facility.  She often "hung out" with a group of ladies ("Lil Mary", Vanessa, and Ms. Alexander) that the staff affectionately named "The Golden Girls" and often referred to Mary as "Mustang Sally" or "Roadrunner" because of her frequent visits and interactions with the residents and staff all over the facility in her wheelchair.

Mary preceded in death by husband William M. Young; cousin, Mary Berry; and Love of Her Life James H. Robinson.  Left to cherish wonderful memories are devoted friends and caretakers; "God-daughter" Anita and husband, John Grier; stepchildren, Ernest Nick (Ann), Elloree Jeeter (Marvin), Alice Hamilton Bishop (Jerry), Barbara Young and Laketia Smith; seven stepgrandchildren; sisters-in-law, Joanne Young and Margaret Young; children and family of James H. Robinson; special cousin Mary "Lil Mary" Martino; roommate, Linda Strain; residents and staff at Royal Park Nursing Home; and a host of other precious friends and church family members.