Mary Lee Foy, a devoted woman of faith, family matriarch, and accomplished professional, was born on August 10, 1948, in Hardaway (Macon County), Alabama, to Naomi Foy and George Foy Jr. At the age of eight, Mary and her family relocated to East Orange, New Jersey, where she would grow up and later graduate from East Orange High School in 1967.

Mary had two children, Robert and Tita (Tia), whom she loved fiercely and supported wholeheartedly. Mary was a proud and devoted grandmother to Chynah Jeter, Ava Simmons, Savon, Lamarr, Jadia and Isaiah Jeter, LaQuan (Soeurette) and Daniel Lawrence; a loving great-grandmother to Gabrielle Scearce, Jah’el, Robert, Nova, and Logan Jeter, Liam and Skyy Lawrence.

Mary continued her education later in life, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Kean University in 1995, a testament to her lifelong commitment to growth, learning, and excellence. She was a certified Clinical Data Manager by the Society of Clinical Data Management and the who's who of clinical data. Mary dedicated over 30 years of her professional life to the pharmaceutical and clinical data management field, where she built a respected career marked by diligence and leadership. She worked for prominent organizations, including Schering-Plough (Merck), Parexel, Pfizer, Forest Pharmaceuticals, and Duke, rising through the ranks to serve in executive and global data analyst roles. Her work ethic, intelligence, and attention to detail left a lasting impression on colleagues across the industry.

In her later years, Mary poured her wisdom and experience into the family’s STEM and STEAM-based businesses, Chicly Devine and Team Genius Squad, where she proudly served as Senior Advisor. In this role, she helped guide the vision, structure, and was the heart of the organization in the local community, continuing her legacy of mentorship, service, and excellence while impacting future generations. Mary was also a PBS partner and member of the Rootle NC Roadster Tour, where she traveled with the tour, sharing the love and fascination of STEM and STEAM with early learners.

Mary’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was baptized at an early age at Lively Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Hardaway, Alabama, under the pastorate of Reverend Rasberry Johnson. She was a member of Zion Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, under the pastorate of Reverend Frank Taylor. In 1984, she joined Trinity Baptist Church in Newark, NJ, under the leadership of Reverend Jonah Nixon, where she remained a faithful member until relocating to North Carolina. She became a member of Praise Temple Apostolic Faith Church under the Pastoral administration of Bishop Vernon Spinks and First Lady Phillystine Spinks.

During her time at Trinity Baptist Church, Mary served in numerous capacities. She was a member of the Celestial Choir since 1986, served as Treasurer and Acting Secretary, a Trustee, Treasurer of the Women’s Day Committee, and a member of the JN Voices Choir. She also organized the Web Wise Job Search Ministry, helping others gain access to employment resources. Additionally, Mary was a devoted member of the Usher Board since 1986 and served as its Recording Secretary for over 15 years. During her time at Praise Temple Apostolic Church, she was a faithful member and part of the women's ministry. Her service was tireless, humble, and deeply impactful.

She was a proud and devoted member of the Chozen Few Women’s Group for more than fifty years. Through that sisterhood, she built a lifetime of friendship, laughter, and support. She leaves behind her cherished sisters: Tonda Lee, Rochelle Caraway, Sheila Smith, Mami Alston, Pam Hopson, Nelly Reid and Patrice Johnson‑Alonzo, as well as the memories of those who have gone before her—Connie White and Rita Owens.

Mary’s love for her family and friends was unwavering. For 30 years, she stepped in with compassion and strength, filling the void left in her nieces’ and nephews’ lives after the loss of her brother (‘96) and sister (‘04). She loved traveling and photography. Her favorite color was any shade of green. She loved plants and had an avid green thumb. She cherished her fish and animals, especially her dog, Precious. She also loved to work out and all things tech. She loved Hallmark movies. Her mastery of deviled eggs and baked beans is unmatched. Her fabulous fashion sense made her the “Chic-Gma”!

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved son, Robert E. Jeter Jr; parents, Naomi Foy and George Foy Jr.; brother, Thomas Lee Foy; sisters, Georgia Lee Foy Holmes and Deberal “Debbie” Foy; great-nephew, Anthony D. Holmes; and longtime mentor, Tuskegee Airman, Master Sergeant Shade Lee.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Tita (Tia) Simmons (Terrence), daughter-in-law Angelique Lawrence; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her loving friend and companion, Antonio “Bishop” Bess. She is also survived by sisters, Lillie B. Foy, Mary Anna Crawley (Robert), Jeanette Ralph (Thomas), Shelia Foy and Valerie Foy; brothers, George “Buddy” Foy III, Zachary Foy (Adriana) and Andrew Foy; bonus-children (nieces and nephews) Aisha Foy Loveless (Latif), Gavon Foy, Yevette, Terence (Omar) and LaKecia Holmes and Wanda M. Foy Wiggins (Aubrey). Along with a host of nieces and nephews, extended family, her church family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by her grace, wisdom, and love.

Mary Lee Foy will be remembered as a woman of unwavering faith, quiet strength, sharp intellect, and boundless love. Her legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured, the business and family she built, the lives she faithfully served, and the grace-filled faith she so beautifully embodied.

Lovingly Submitted,

The Family