Remembering an Extraordinary 'Average' American

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My beautiful friend - you have been apart of my life since middle school - I will miss your smile, hugs and encouragement. Your legacy will live on. Thank you God for allowing her to be apart of my life!!

Tina Bassett of FL 11:06PM January 05, 2012

Peter, thank you for this lovely tribute to Mary. She was my friend. When we worked at the church at the same time, she opened her arms to me, the "new kid" and made me feel welcome. Once a week, the church gave the students at TC Williams High School free pizza and soda and a place that was safe and cool to hang out and hear that they are loved. She was instrumental in that ministry. Mary always had Christian music piping over the partition and her office was always welcoming, just like her personality. She was a beautiful lady, inside and out. The last time I saw her at church, she gave me a big hug and a smile, just like always. Mary, you are loved and missed.

Christine Lankford of VA 10:45PM January 05, 2012

Mr. Roff-
Us youth truly did love Mary, and you wrote it perfectly. Thanks for expressing our love for her.
I miss you, Mary. :(

Bonnie of VA 10:41PM January 05, 2012

That was beautiful...

Betsy Frazao of VA 9:43PM January 05, 2012

Beautifully written article. Did not know this woman but after reading this article, I felt as though I did.
Wouldn't it be nice if all of us could be remembered this way.

Robin of NY 9:37PM January 05, 2012

I did not know Mary personally, but I know her parents well. What a tribute to a wonderfu woman. This article should bring such comfort to her family!

Betty Guthrie of FL 9:35PM January 05, 2012

Thank you Peter, for this tribute to a remarkable woman. She was a great influence in the lives of all three of my children, and I was proud to count her as a friend. Her passing leaves a void which cannot be filled.

Janice Clark of VA 9:11PM January 05, 2012

Peter, thank you for honoring Mary with your words; it is fitting. Truly, she will always be, in our hearts, an extraordinary woman for she loved so greatly.

Cynthia Marr of VA 7:36PM January 05, 2012