Mary A. McBride, 98, Rock Island, IL departed life on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at St. Anthony's Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Rock Island. There will be a visitation from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM with a funeral service following at 12:00 PM on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Third Missionary Baptist Church in Davenport. Burial at Chippiannock Cemetery, Rock Island. Memorials may be made to the family.

Mary was born on June 2, 1925 in Belden, MS to the late Wiley and Ophelia Lockridge McBride. She was the eighth of nine children. Mary received her education in Mississippi and St. Louis, MO. Mary professed her love in Christ in August of 1936 under the leadership of Reverend Lee Baskin at Mud Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Saltillo, MS. She moved from Mississippi to Missouri in 1942. Mary united with St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church in Cooter, MO. She moved to St. Louis in 1952. Mary moved to Rock Island in 1971 and united with Third Missionary Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and served on the deaconess board. Then she united with Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Mary was president of their pastor aid club for one year as well as former member of the senior choir. She ended her ministry at Grace City Church under the leadership of Pastor Ford.

Her hobbies were taking care of children, listening to gospel music, watching the judge shows on TV, going to the casino and CB radio where she was known as "Lady Love Lace" and being around family. She received an appreciation certificate from Illinois Department and Family Children Services on May 26, 1994 for her service and commitment to the children and families of Illinois. Mary was a foster mother who cared for about 40 foster children. She also cared for the elderly until her health failed her.

Mary leaves to cherish four foster daughters she raised on her own, Aronna Armstrong, Stephanie Stevens, Carmelita Stevens, Karla McGee and a foster grandson, Anthony Armstrong who was raised by her as a son. A host of nieces and nephews she loved as her own; 12 great-grandchildren, and a host of great-great-grandchildren. Special friends, Charlotte Nettles, Ina Phelan, Jerldine Thomas, Mammie Suber and Ms. Houston. Special caregiver for over ten years, Gayl Harrison.

Mary was well known for making a fashion statement. She would light up a room anytime she walked in. Matching from hats to suits, to purses and shoes. Her favorite song was "Because He Lives."

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; foster grandson, Mendoor Smith; great-granddaughter, Ka'Mellia AKA Kammi Williams; sisters, Ruby Mitchell and Effie Sargent; and brothers, Richard, Aaron, Flay, Clarence, Hollis, and Quitman McBride.