Mary Haywood

Mary Lee Haywood was born Mary Lee Williams to Charlie Willams and Ilester Williams on September 2,1940 in Bastrop, Texas. Friends and family often called her “Red” due to her bright complexion. Mary came from a huge family. She often liked to farm and garden. Mary attended Emile High School. After her studies Mary began working as a CNA in Elgin, Texas. Shortly after, Red married her best friend Willie Haywood Sr. She had 5 children, Willie Haywood II, Joann Haywood, Deborah Haywood, Otha Haywood Sr, Derick Haywood. and raised her grandson, Eric (Paco) Haywood.

Mary gave her life to Christ at an early age. She was baptized at Mt Moriah Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor L.R. White. Later in life Mary moved her membership to Mt. Pleasant Baptist church under the leadership of Pastor B.K. Smith. Mary served as a missionary and made sure she served the lord even in sickness. She cleaned the church every Saturday for Sunday morning service. Mary continued to serve in the house of the lord until her health began to decline.

Mary had a heart for the elderly and often picked up shifts at the nursing home until she was not able to work any longer. She enjoyed the outdoor breeze and sitting on the porch watching the animals. Mary loved pigs, goats, sheep and even had her son (Otha Sr.) make her a garden.

Mary had a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she loved and cherished dearly. She would do anything for them. She loved to send her grandkids to run errands. She either needed you to go to Walmart, Heb or the corner store. They couldn’t say no. Red was feisty. What she said she meant and loved you in the midst. Mary was very vibrant. Whomever she encountered would always leave with smiles. However, she could help, she would. Mary spent her last few years looking after her great-grandchildren. Granny would always have popsicles or candy for them when they came. She would sit and look out the window waiting for her grandbabies to show up.

Mary, an angel of God is preceded in death by her parents, Charlie Williams, and Ilester Williams, her daughter Joann Haywood, her brothers, CW Williams, Jessie Williams, Earnest Williams, Clearnce Williams, Willie Williams, Tommy Williams and her sister, Mattie Connon.

Mary is leaving to mourn her legacy, her children, Willie Haywood II (Barbara), Otha Haywood Sr (Lori), Deborah Haywood, Derrick Haywood. Her siblings Joyce Williams, Eddie Williams, ILeste Williams and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews..

Mary Haywood, 82, of Elgin, passed away Thursday evening, May 11, 2023. Family and friends will gather for a Visitation at Elgin Funeral Home on Friday, May 19th from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  A Home Going Celebration will be held at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, May 20th at 3:00 PM with Reverend B.K. Smith presiding.  Interment will follow at Sayers Cemetery.  .