Mary Emma McLeod, 80, a resident of Glenwood, Alabama, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family and friends. Funeral services for Mary will be held at 3 PM on Sunday, August 30th, from the Chapel of Turners Funeral Home with Rev. Greg Sanders and Rev. Ken Chancellor officiating. Interment will follow in Spears Cemetery with Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday for one hour prior to the service.

Mary grew up as an only child and often lovingly talked about how spoiled she was by her "Big Daddy." While she never had siblings or children of her own, Mary was blessed with precious friends that were no doubt "her family." She had a lifelong best friend, Faye, who became much more than a friend-she became the sister Mary never had. When Faye married Ted Sanders, Mary became an automatic part of their family. And when Ted and Faye welcomed their two children, Greg and Angie, Mary quickly claimed them as her own. She never wanted them to call her anything other than Mary, but to Greg and Angie, she was so much more. They lovingly called her "Mama #2."

When Angie married Chris and began a family of her own, Mary's role in their lives only grew more special. She was given the precious name "MeMe" to Trent and Anna Grace, and she embraced every moment of being a grandmother and, later, a great-grandmother to Angie's six grandchildren. Mary treasured her "grandchildren" and "great-grandchildren" as if they were her very own. She never missed any kind of celebration, milestone, or special occasion. If one of her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren was involved, Mary was there.

Mary also shared a very special friendship with Dexter Williamson, who was like a brother to her. Their bond was built on a lifetime of love, laughter, loyalty, and genuine friendship. Dexter and Mary shared countless wonderful memories, especially through vacations and holidays spent with Ted, Faye, and their family. In fact, Greg and Angie cannot remember a time in their lives that did not include both Mary and Dexter. They were simply part of the family and part of their

story. She also loved doting on her beloved canine companion, Emmie, and feline, Matilda. They light up her world and, in return, they were certainly the most spoiled animals on earth.

As Mary's health began to decline, Dexter's love and devotion to her became even more evident. He faithfully stopped by to check on her every day and quietly took care of the many little things that needed to be done -not because he had to be, but because he loved her. His faithful care was one of the greatest gifts he could have given his dear friend and "sister." Mary's love extended far beyond her immediate family. Her faith in the Lord was at the very center of her life, and she was a devoted and faithful member of Fleetwood Baptist Church. The people of Fleetwood were not simply her church family-they truly were her family. She loved them deeply, and they loved her just as dearly. Throughout the years, Mary devoted countless hours to serving her church. She gave her time, her talents, and her heart to the church she loved.

Mary loved the Lord and her church family with all of her heart. Her faith was not simply something she talked about-it was something she lived. Through her years of service, kindness, and love, she left an example of what it means to faithfully serve God and love others. Mary also devoted an extraordinary part of her life to caring for others through her career in nursing. She worked as a nurse at Crenshaw Community Hospital for an incredible 59 years. During those many years, she served in many positions throughout the hospital. After 59 years of

dedicated service, Mary planned to retire in July 2025. In true Mary fashion, she intended to work right up until the very end. Sadly, she suffered a stroke a few days before her final day of work and never got the opportunity to complete those last days. But even in her absence, the love and respect her coworkers had for her was unmistakable. The many calls, visits, prayers, and expressions of concern from the hospital staff were a beautiful testament to just how deeply

Mary was loved. She had spent nearly six decades caring for them and their patients, and they cared for her just as fiercely in return. Though she is deeply missed, those who loved Mary can find comfort in knowing that she is now in heaven and is completely healed and in the arms of Jesus.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Walter McLeod and Ruth R. McLeod, lifelong friend, Faye Rhodes Sanders. She is survived by her godchildren, Greg Sanders and Angie (Chris) Thomas; god-grandchildren,

Trent (Charitee) Thomas and Anna Grace (Justin) Hall; god-great-grandchildren, Paislee & Luke Thomas, Lyla Faye, Maddie, Marli, & Lennon Hall; lifelong friend, Dexter Williamson; Faye's husband, Ted Sanders; her cousin Todd (Clayton) Draper and his children Kellen & Clayton Draper; cousin, Benny (Anne); and, numerous loved ones and friends.