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Obituary For Apostle Mary Elizabeth Bagley
VIEWING: Friday, February 14, 2025/ Time: 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM
SINGING WAKE: Friday, February 14, 2025/ Time: 7:00 PM/ Greater New Life Apostolic Church of Jesus, 5740 Robinson Ferry Road, White Plains, VA 23893
SERVICE: Saturday, February 15, 2025/ Time: 12:00 PM/ The Colonial Center for the Performing Arts, 220 South Mecklenburg Avenue, South Hill, VA 23970/ Elder Roland James, Presiding/ Apostle Mildred Jenkins, Eulogist
INTERMENT: Oakwood Cemetery/ 3rd Street, South Hill, VA
APOSTLE MARY ELIZABETH HARPER BAGLEY, daughter of the late Samuel Henry and Betty Elizabeth Bishop Harper, was born January 29, 1939 in Lunenburg County, VA and graduated to glory on February 4, 2025. She was also preceded in death by her siblings- “Dem Harper Boys” -Lewis, Robert, Ernest, Samuel Henry II, Willie, Walter, Otis, Clyde, and Richard.
At an early age she was baptized and joined Cedar Creek Baptist Church, Kenbridge, VA. She attended the Lunenburg Public Schools.
She was married to the late Garland Theodore Bagley and to this union they were blessed with eight children.
Telling My Own Story...
Fifty-four years ago, I never imagined or even thought about preaching God’s word. I was a singer and a good one too! I was happy with just singing but little did I know, I was about to get a “Called by God” message. When I got the call, I didn’t readily receive it. Instead, I reneged and thought “Could this call have been for my brother?” I remember thinking - certainly not me. All I can tell you is when Jesus finished talking to me, I got in a hurry preaching his word and never looked back or even thought of going back.
I came into holiness under the leadership of the late Bishop Waverly G. Pitts in 1965 and worked faithfully as a missionary, a minister and then an Elder. Gaining knowledge and experience through working as an Elder, I would advance to Assistant Pastor of the Mt. Zion Apostolic Church of Jesus. After Bishop Pitts’ passing in 1976, I became the pastor of this great church.
As Pastor, my next level came under the leadership of the late Bishop Helen Lewis of Philadelphia, PA, Calvary Temple Apostolic Churches. I continued to grow and learn new things, explore different avenues and of course continued my work preaching and teaching the gospel. Under this leadership, I made history in the 1980s by being the first woman to perform an Archbishop wedding ceremony in Philadelphia, PA.
In 1987, I founded my own church, The Greater New Life Church of Jesus. I was ordained Bishop in 1995 by the late Apostle Richard Harper of the Upper Room Apostolic Church, Clover, VA. In 2000, I founded Greater New Life #2, Richmond VA and Greater New Life #3, Gasburg, VA, and in 2002, I founded Greater New Life Church in Ridgeway, VA. In 2005, I received my Bishop’s Investiture, by Bishop James Spence, pastor of Word Harvest International Ministries. In 2016, I was ordained Apostle by Apostle David E. Alston, Pastor of Progressive Harvest Fellowship Church, Henderson NC.
My extended ministry would take me to places I never dreamed of while doing my service for the Lord. He made all things possible and still does today. I’m truly thankful for all he’s done for me. I’m not boasting, but I do want to share with everybody that I was presented the Excellence in Community Service Award in 1995 by Mayor Earl Horne of South Hill, VA, received the local award for most Influential Woman in 2008 and 2016, and received the S&M Productions local Pastor of the Year Award. I am so grateful to God for these accomplishments. I’ve been blessed to preach in states as far south as Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, as far north as Maryland, District of Columbia, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and all over the state of Virginia. I am truly blessed.
For those of you who don’t know, I have nine (9) children: Theodore, Eunice (Calvin), Lorene, Marie (David), Calvin, Diane, Linda, Tony (Terry), and Brenda and a multitude of spiritual sons and daughters. It’s a full-time job watching over your children, but I loved them when they were up and when they were down. I kept them all before the Lord and lifted them up to Jesus. I also have 15 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. They are so dear to my heart, and I pray that Jesus will keep them covered under his blood and those who are not saved to get saved before it’s too late. I have one sister- Annie Esther Ruth; a sister-in-law, Nannie Smith, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
After dedicating my life to this ministry, my earthly story concluded on February 4, 2025, when my heavenly Father gently called me home. All glory and honor to my maker, my master, my keeper, my redeemer, Jesus. It’s been 54 incredible years in the gospel ministry spreading the good news of Jesus Christ and sharing His unchanging “Holy” word. Though it wasn’t smooth ground all the time, I thank God for every mountain I had to climb and every valley I tunneled through. The most important point is I got THROUGH! From Mt. Zion Apostolic to Calvary Temple Holiness to Greater New Life Apostolic…What a road traveled. Praise the Lord! I have graduated from labor to reward!
My final thoughts are THANK YOU to each of you for your support. THANK YOU for believing in the true word of God he gave me. I only knew how to preach the true word of God and if you expect to meet Jesus, always remember “You Must Be Born Again.”
Resting in the Arms of Jesus,
Apostle Mary E. Bagley, Founder/Overseer
Greater New Life Apostolic Church of Jesus
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jeremiah DAVIS sent Sympathy Spray for Apostle Mary Elizabeth Bagley - February 13, 2025
Johnna Tyler Davis sent The Peace Lily for Apostle Mary Elizabeth Bagley - February 13, 2025
Teri Olds sent Blessings Bouquet for Apostle Mary Elizabeth Bagley - February 12, 2025
Roland A James sent Pink Tribute Spray for Apostle Mary Elizabeth Bagley - February 12, 2025
LASHAWNNA GRAHAM sent Compassionate Lily Bouquet for Apostle Mary Elizabeth Bagley - February 11, 2025
Every time I saw Apostle Bagley, whether it was in passing, her godly, loving and beautiful spirit never changed. I pray everyone who received her encouraging words remember the love and understanding she shared as well. She earned her crown so we must keep rejoicing and remember if we work for Christ for last. Until we meet in Heaven with the Most High, Apostle Bagley.
My condolences to the Bagley family.Mary will be missed but never forgotten.May God cont to comfort each of you.Your cousin Emily and family.
To The Bagley Family and her Church Family, May God continue to bless and keep you all during this difficult time. I remember when we were children and they would come to our church what a holy good time we would have. Family just remember to carry on like she would want you to.
Love, Barbara Ann
God showed you favor when he took you from labor to reward and out of you suffering. You have been a part of our family for many years. May you rest in peace. Much Love Lucy Talley Williams, Durham NC
Was sadden to hear of your love one passing. God is an awesome God and he don't make mistakes. Look up to Heaven because there is no more pain &suffering. Reva Helms &Family
Our deepest sympathy. Praying for you in your loss.. Cousins Herbert & Wallacia Malone
Apostle Mary Elizabeth Bagley left an indelible mark on my life. I will always remember the wisdom she shared with me during her pastoral anniversary—encouraging me to stay humble and serve with a pure heart. Her prayers, love, and dedication to the ministry will never be forgotten. To the family, I pray for your strength and peace during this time. Continue to walk in faith and uphold the values she so beautifully lived. May God bless and comfort you.
Praise the Lord Bagley Family. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Amen! I was lost for words when I heard the news. I came to know this great Women of God when I taught her granddaughter Debra at Park View Middle School and met her daughter "Birdy". Mother took me right on in as one of her own. I was even given an invitation to come preach at her church a few years ago, and didn't we have a time. I am going to miss Mom Bagley as I always called her. To the family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Just keep looking to Jesus because he is the one that will heal your hearts. I love each of you; those that I know and don't know.
Prayerfully,
Dr. John Green
My Dear Friend, My Dear Woman of God, My heart was saddened when I learned of your passing. Thank you for all that you did for me and my family. I will always remember the Eulogy that you did for my daughter, the late Elder Traci Johnson. I can image the praise that is going on in Heaven when your soul and Traci met. I will truly miss you, but I know that God takes only the best. He prepared you to teach and preach His word for 54 years. You had finished what He had ordained for you to do; this completing this early journey. As He said well-done thy good and faithful servant-come on home and receive your crown. Thank you for your friendship for your spiritual guidance. Thank you for loving me, my daughter, Traci, and her daughters, Melanie, Natalie and Sydney Thompson and my son, Ryan. To God be the Glory for knowing you. Love, Your spiritual daughter in Jesus Christ Carralton.
Our sincere condolences are extended to all of the family members of Sister Bagley. We enjoyed the marvelous voice of Sis. Bagley for may years both through her singing and preaching the words of God. She is now gone to get her reward for all of her sharing. We will miss her but know that she is rejoicing as she rejoins the other Kings of Harmony!
Be blessed and at peace, The Family of George and Elnora Womack
I have known elder Bagley for 38 years- she always welcomed me into her church or home. She was a wise woman who gave godly counsel without judgement
I must say that I was at a total loss when I heard that Mother Bagley had gone on to be with the Lord. There was never ever a time that I saw her that she would give me encouraging words. She would take my hand and rub it and look at me and there were times she would just say, "Don't fret or worry my daughter, it is done. What you have been praying for it is coming to you, you just have to be patient." God worked through Mother Bagley and she followed His commands. Lord knows I am going to miss this beautiful, spirit filled Woman of God. You will be truly missed but trust me when I say, that I still continue to feel your spirit with me and for that I am grateful. I am thankful to God that even though we didn't talk all of the time, only when I had visited your church and when we saw each other out in public, you left an impression on me and in me that will stay with me until the Lord calls me home. Family, thank you for sharing your Mother with all of us. I know that at times, it might not have been easy to do but you did, for that I am grateful. May God continue to give you all the strength to carry you through this time and to carry you through the days to come. Mother Bagley, you may be gone physcially but you are NEVER forgotten. Love you and miss you. Ramona Moseley-Richardson I picked the purple candle because that represents royality.
Betty I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear Mother. I only met her once but I remember the lasting impression she had on me. There was no shadow of a doubt in my mind that she walked with the Lord. I pray that he sends comfort to you and your family during this difficult time. Please know that your ALPOM family is holding you up and praying your strength to get through the next few days, weeks, and months.
I was Saddened to hear of the Passing of Apostle Mary Elizabeth Bagley. Sending my Condolences to the Bagley Family, Friends and to the Greater New Life Apostolic Church Of Jesus. May God continue to Wrap his Loving Arms around each of you and Give you the Strength you will need to carry you through.
She was such a a lovely person I enjoyed talking to her wherever I saw her. Always encouraging words with a smile always. I will not forget the welcome I received when I attended her church. Even though I got lost, but was able to still find her Church. Condolences to the family. Praying for the family. Rest in peace. You will be missed God grant you comfort during this difficult time.
My condolences to the family
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. She was a truly radiant and special lady who inspired all of us. My prayers are with you all.
Sending prayers to the family I will miss her terribly. I loved her so much and will miss her rest in peace love
My Condolences to Family and Chruch Family New life May God give you all the strength you need to endure. 🙏 ❤️
Psalm34:1 "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Apostle Mary Elizabeth Bagley a true woman of God's spiritual word. Many years we have sung in her churches, "Variety Gospel Chorus" may she rest in sweet peace in the loving arms of God. Family we are praying for you.
To the family , a great beacon light has passed on and I know she is still singing and shouting and giving GOD the praises. As I affectionately called her Mother Bagley. Thank you for the love and affection
Arlton and I would like to send our deepest condolences. We will miss Apostle Bagley, but her memories are forever in our hearts. Job well done Apostle, we love you.
There are lots of memories of Apostle Bagley. Thanks for sharing your life with our families. May those that grew under your leadership today know that others are thinking of them and peace and love to all. You prayed with your warriors and we received the blessings..R I H
Our deepest condolences. Praying for peace and comfort as her love and legacy live on in our hearts.
Our sincere condolences to the Family Sing on and Preach. Will truly be missed.
My condolences to the family she will be truly miss praying 🙏🏿 for you all
When sorrows come, God's promises are shining rays of hope that break through cloudy skies brings us warmth and helps us cope. He promises to love us and to hear our every prayer. He promises to comfort and guide us and to always just be there. He also promises to give us strength to weather any storm and to be someone we can lean on who will keep us safe. God will never leave us alone when skies are gray. As long as we believe and trust, his love will light our way(Hebrews 13:5). Take all the time you need to grieve. It's ok to cry and mourn, never let anyone tell you any different. Remember, even Jesus wept when he found out that Lazarus died(John 11:33-35). Apostle Bagley was loved by many but loved by God best.
The Lord hath given and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord. My spiritual mother, my mentor, who poured into me through the scriptures how to live a life in Jesus, she was a great example of how to live Holy and will be missed greatly. Thank you lord for this awesome woman of God.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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