Mary Ann Spencer

Mary Ann Cosby-Spencer, or affectionately called “Maraschino Mama”.  Marys nickname was obvious to those of us privilege of knowing her.  Extremely sweet with a spice for life for healing people around her with a ferocity and passion that was contagious to all.
Mary from the age of 5 till her passing was a Nurturer of people, from strangers to her brothers, cousins, and beautiful daughter Lillian Luisa Pitts.  A compassionate, vivacious, and regal lady that had the infinite capacity of forgiveness and at times an unapologetically honest vulnerability that left others drawn to her genuine character.  Mary wasn’t just a woman that could light up a room with her spirit but render you stunned to either join in on her child like sudden burst of energy or just remain frozen in enjoyment, making you appreciate the world as she saw it.  Mary carried her beautiful spirit through 9 countries intriguing and shocking people with hugs, kisses, and a brutal sincerity of truth with her personality that was insatiably attractive to everyone.
Mary was a creator and artist from a Viola playing member of an orchestra, culinary explorer, hair braiding and wig creator, ballet and freestyle dancer, and seamstress creating Hip-Hop clothing designs for self and others.   
Robert met Mary at Spirit of Peace Church September 1985 in Chicago Illinois at age 19.  Robert couldn’t articulate the feeling at first meeting but years later understood there was an angel trapped in her 5’4” frame.  Mary’s infinite capacity to forgive those people that caused unbelievable pain to her in life, were consistently forgiven whether family or stranger. 
While serving as a Military spouse for 22 years. Mary touched not only service members of all branches of service but their families as well.  Mary selflessly and courageously supported soldiers’ families during deployments and continued supporting Military families through Family Readiness Groups once they returned from deployments.  On the occasion that a service member gave the ultimate sacrifice on deployment.  Mary would give clothing and at times the furniture from her home to help those families in crises.  Cooking for 30 to 40 soldiers at her home during the holidays to ensure there was joy and happiness.  Mary was awarded 3 Military Spouse Appreciation Certificates from 3 different command teams and the respect of senior Military leaders across 2 continents.
Mary was a daughter, mother, spouse, sister, and most importantly a Nurturer of her fellow human beings.  Mary was truly a virtuous woman for her price was far above rubies.