Mary Charles Burris Watts-Williams, fondly known as "MaMary" was summoned by Heavenly Angels on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at 9:56 p.m. She happily joined the Angels as her loving family surrounded her singing "I Come to the Garden Alone". MaMary was born on July 20, 1928, to Ed Brown and Oveter Mashaw Burris in York, SC. She was also preceded in death by one son, Wilford Watts; six brothers, Nathaniel Burris, Haskell Burris, James Glenn Crosby, John Brown, Walter Brown, and Bob Brown; four sisters, Inez Greene, Martha Perkins, Zelda Love and Mary Louise Moore; and one great granddaughter, Charlise Tatham.

Being raised by a God-fearing mother, Oveter M. Burris, Mary learned at an early age to care for and nurture her six younger siblings. She was a virtuous woman who not only had outer beauty but inner beauty as well. Mary knew the importance of a relationship with God, and encouraged her children, family, and friends to seek a life grounded in Christ Jesus. For the past 50 years she has been known as the Matriarch of the Burris Family. She was educated in the High Point City Schools, where she excelled in her academics. Mary was a dedicated employee for many years at Heritage Furniture of High Point and retired from the Garment District in New York City.

She married her first love William “Willie” Watts and from this union were three children, Brenda, Wilford, and Gilda. Her second marriage was to Walter Bell Williams.

Her love for sewing became apparent at an early age. Her creative ability led her to become a seamstress by trade and she nourished that God given talent by designing and making very stylish clothes to fit her tall and lean stature, clothes for all occasions for her children, band uniforms, wedding and evening gowns for family and friends, beautiful draperies, bedspreads, and altar apparel for church communion just to name a few. Also because of her talent as a beautician, she was given the opportunity to meet and style the hair of the famous jazz singer, Nancy Wilson.

As a faithful member of the Memorial United Methodist Church, Mary served as a Communion Steward, member of the United Methodist Women and Silver and Gold Ministries. In younger years, she served on the Usher Board and as church announcer. She also served as the advisor for the Inspirational Choir, accompanying them on many singing engagements.

Mary, leaves behind to treasure her precious memories, two daughters: Brenda W. Wright Sayres (John) of Liberty, NC, and Gilda Watts (Roy Mark/Friend) of Greensboro, NC; one sister, Bertha McLendon of Greensboro, NC; two granddaughters: Wytina Tatham (Charles) of Union, NJ and Valerie W. Bradley (Norris) of Meridianville, AL; two great-grandsons: Christian and Cole Tatham, of Union, NJ; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, caring neighbors and friends.

Funeral service will be held Friday, September 30, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. Interment will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 11:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.