Biography: Mary Spivey was born on May 6, 1943, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to the late Elizabeth and Jerome Taylor. She was the second oldest of four siblings, growing up alongside Dorothy Taylor, Sarah Jackson, and John Taylor. Mary was educated in Orangeburg and attended Wilkinson High School.
 
At the age of 17, Mary left her hometown of Orangeburg and relocated to New York in 1960, where she began working as a live-in domestic worker. New York would become her home and the place where she built a life filled with family, faith, service, and lasting relationships.
 
In September 1963, Mary married George Cleveland Spivey. Together, they shared many years of marriage until his passing on March 5, 1994.
 
Throughout her working years, Mary was employed by The Salvation Army before eventually retiring. Beyond her occupation, service was an important part of Mary’s life. A woman of faith, she was affiliated with Greater Refuge Temple, where she embraced the Apostolic faith. Her dedication to missionary work reflected her desire to serve others and her commitment to her spiritual beliefs.
 
Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Cleveland Spivey; her parents, Elizabeth and Jerome Taylor; her sister, Dorothy Taylor; and her brother, John Taylor.
 
She leaves to cherish her memory her sister and only surviving sibling, Sarah Jackson; her sisters-in-law, Doris Leary and Rosa Leary; her brothers-in-law, Robert (Leon) Spivey, Larry Spivey, Carl Spivey, and Elton Spivey; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and loved ones.
 
Mary’s life was one marked by faith, service, family, and perseverance. The memories she created and the lives she touched will remain with those who knew and loved her, and her legacy will continue to live on through the family and community she leaves behind.