Stone Bros. Funeral Home and Chapel | FL

Obituary For Pastor Mary Ann Carroll

Mary Ann Carroll daughter of the late Lenora "Coot" Jones Pullen and B.W. Snead was born November 30, 1940 in Sandersville, GA.

Pastor Mary Ann Carroll moved to Fort Pierce, Florida from Wrightsville, GA in the late 40s. She later met and married James Brady Carroll. Together they physically built and established Piney Grove Primitive Baptist church and later joined the congregational government by joining the Primitive Baptist Association of Florida. They traveled the south spreading the word of Jesus in song through their gospel groups and ministry. Pastor Carroll closed her musical career with The Wings of Faith performing their last gospel performance in Stuart, Florida in 2002.

Mary Ann Carroll ran the church as secretary, choir director, usher board director, and diligently operated the business of church until leaving to establish a mission to help the down-trodden and lost. She founded and oversaw the Foundation Revival Center Church of Redemption Inc on December 15, 1998 until her demise. The church was a place where all God's children could come for prayer, worship, food (church pantry), clothes, books, computer lessons, and community service.

Mary Ann Carroll is known for the movement of African-American artists that had to sell their paintings from their cars during the 1950s. The paintings were considered insignificant to the buyers, but a source of income for the young black artists. Around 1994, through the help of Gary Monroe’s curiosity and ultimately his book, he and Jim Finch created a historical movement and awareness of the self-taught artists that impacted the world. Today, the paintings are worth thousands. Her work is in several museums, four continents and the Smithsonian.

Carroll will be remembered for her unselfish commitment to Christ and her mission to help others, anointed singing voice and her brilliant oil colors. Bravo cameraman captured the artist in her own documentary titled “Poinciana Sunrise (2009).”

She was a life-long member of the Effie Holloway Order of Eastern Stars in Fort Pierce, Florida. She was the first woman of the Fort Pierce CB (citizens band radio) Chapter, and held the handle of "Lady Heartbreaker #101." In her continued effort of raising her children, her home-based CB station was a way to communicate to her children at home, in which she affectionately named them "Baby Heartbreakers."

In the year 2019, she temporarily moved to Stone Mountain, Georgia with her youngest daughter Tarsha Carroll.

She was preceded in death by her parents and oldest daughter, Louise Snead. Left to cherish her memories are: 2 sons, Ira Jay Sneed (Elizabeth Ann) of Covington, GA; and Marcus Carroll of Lakeland, FL. 4 daughters: Kandie Carroll Ingram (Kenny) of Kissimmee, FL; Rosa Johnson (Michael) of Riverdale, GA; Wanda Renee Mills (Kelvin) of Sanford, FL; and Tarsha Carroll of Stone Mountain, GA; three brothers: McArthur Pullen of Fort Pierce, FL; Terry Pullen of Fort Piece, FL; and Charles Pullen of Fort Pierce, FL; one sister, Chrissandra Walker of Fort Pierce, FL; twenty-one grandchildren, twenty-seven great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Public visitation for "Florida Highwaymen" Pastor Mary Ann Carroll will take place on Friday, December 13, 2019 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, FL. Funeral services will convene on Saturday, December 14, 2019 also at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church beginning at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Fort Pierce, FL.

Guest Book

I am just learning of the death of Mrs. Carroll. I am so sadden to learn of her transition from time to eternity. I met her through my father who owned one of her painting. I was fortunate enough to have developed a wonderful relationship with her. We would talk on occasion and I was able to visit her in Fort Pierce and purchase two of her painting. She loved the Lord and showed the love of God in every way possible. No matter when we spoke she always give me a mini sermon and encouraging word. I offer my sincerest condolences to her family - thank you for sharing her with us. May God Bless each of you. Kha Demise White Miramar, FL

- na

We miss you so much..u were an inspiration to us all and you were always there for my mother doris may u both rih.we love and miss you so much..

- na

A thought of comfort and condolences to the grieving family."At this difficult time in your life, we pray that God will grant you the peace that you need to get through this. Sincere condolences!" "Condolences to the bereaved family. My tears are flowing for a friend, a great talented woman. God rest her soul in peace!" You will be missed dearly. Love always and forever, Boo Boo and family

- na

I first met Mary Ann through my father who owned Buddy's Auto Sales in Ft.Pierce. A number of the Highwaymen artist were his customer's. My father had great admiration and respect for Mary Ann as she was a very hard working mother raising seven children. My father bought many of Mary Ann's paintings for gifts. During a particularly difficult time when Mary Ann was struggling to make ends meet with a very ILL daughter my father commissioned Mary Ann to paint murals on two of the walls at the Driftwood Motel which we owned along Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach. It's been wonderful over the years sharing her art and the history of the Highwaymen artist with our customers and the community. In 2008 I invited Mary Ann to the Driftwood 50th Anniversary which she accepted and brought some of her art work to display. Jimmy (local musician} played the steel drums and and and at some point Mary Ann asked to borrow the mic and sang a song to my family she titled "Old Friends" that brought tears. I called on Mary Ann twice to perform a memorial service once for a friend and then my Uncle at the Driftwood under the banyan tree which seemed so fitting since Mary Ann was such a big part of our family history there. Her beautiful daughter Renee accompanied her and after the service we had lunch and talked about old times. I also remember how proud I felt when our First Lady Michelle Obama invited Mary Ann to be the guest of honor in June of 2011 at the annual First Lady's Luncheon in DC. Mary Ann presented Michelle Obama with one of her paintings at that event. Mary Ann will always be remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother, friend, minister and as the only female hall of fame highwaymen artist. I'm so grateful our paths crossed in life. RIP

- na

Mary Ann was indeed a pillar of the community. She was loved by all that knew her. Growing up as a kid in Ft. Pierce, I’m glad I had the pleasure of knowing her. It was nothing for her to pull up at my grandparents’ house to talk about a whole bunch of nothing or just a lot of something. Going to my granddaddy Otis gospel group, The Voices of the South Anniversary singings, she will be at them all. And always on the program. Mary Ann and the Wings of Faith was indeed one of the favorites. I’m sure you are doing what you always sung about, Walk around Heaven”. Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.’ Valesia Tweety Snead Jacksonville, Fl

- na

I had the good fortune finally to meet Mary Ann Carroll last year and buy two of her paintings. She was so sweet to invite me, a stranger, to stop by and visit anytime. I will truly miss this great lady and exceptional artist.

- na

TO OUR FAMILY, SO SORRY FOR THE LOST OF MOTHER CARROLL.A WELL SPOKEN WOMAN THAT I HAD A CHANCE TO KNOW AND MEET. I'VE LEARN A LOT FROM MOTHER [C]… SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISS IN OUR LIVES.OUR PRAYER'S ARE WITH THE FAMILY... HE SHALL COVER THEE WITH HIS FEATHERS, AND UNDER HIS WINGS SHALL THOU TRUST:HIS TRUTH SHALL BE THY SHIELD AND BUCKLER. PS.91:4 ISAAC/SHERIEL ANCRUM

- na

Ms Carroll has been a friend of our family for many years. Always pleasant, friendly and didn't mind pulling up if she saw me somewhere I should not be; never afraid to speak her truths. She wore many hats in the community and was respected by all. My condolences to the family and those who are heartbroken with her passing. She will be greatly missed by many. ~Quentin Patrick @ Washington DC

- na

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Stone Bros. Funeral Home and Chapel