Mary Jane (Rowe) Loyd

Mary Jane Loyd was born on Tuesday, June 10, 1924, in Halsell, Alabama to Norman Rowe and Sarah (McGee) Rowe. Early in life, Mary confessed her belief and gave her life to Christ. She received the teachings of the Bible and became a faithful member of John the Baptist Church in Lisman, Alabama. Mary was educated in the Choctaw County School System and earned her high school diploma from Choctaw County Training School.

In 1941, Mary Jane and Early James Loyd of Yantley, Alabama, united in holy matrimony. To this union, four children were born: James L. Loyd, Norman E. Loyd, Carolyn Loyd McKnight, and Barbara A. Loyd Gilmore.

Seeking prosperity, in 1953, the family moved to Chicago where they prospered and soon became homeowners.  While living in Chicago, Mary became a member of the Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. There, she served faithfully on the usher board and sang in the choir. Mary worked various jobs in Chicago before finding the job she loved most as a nurse’s assistant in the pediatric ward of Illinois Masonic Hospital. She found joy in working with children who were trying to overcome sickness and life-threatening illnesses. Upon retirement from hospital work, Mary sought a different path and returned to her childhood home in Alabama, where she enjoyed her return to John the Baptist Church–a church steeped in Rowe history, tradition, and culture.

Decorating her home gave Mary purpose, as did tending to her houseplants, gardening, and helping relatives and friends whenever the need arose. And yes, Mary Jane enjoyed the “occasional” trip to the local casino with fellow casino lovers. It was all a part of Mary’s fruitful, independent, varied life.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Sarah and Norman Rowe; stepmother, Pearl Rodgers Rowe; husband, Early J Loyd; and brothers, Eugene Rowe and Bryant (BC) Rowe.  Mary leaves a legacy of love, memories, and cherished family and friends. She leaves behind her four children: James (Darlene) of Park Forest, Illinois; Norman (Dorothy) of Berkeley, Illinois; Carolyn of Park Forest, Illinois; and Barbara of Lisman, Alabama; eight grandchildren: Michelle, Darrin, Bridgette, Angela, Norman, Jr., Anita, LaShawnda, and Tammy; her daughter-in-law, Minnie; granddaughter-in-love, Shakelia; and dearest cousins, Alice (Rowe) Spicer and Rose Evans. Mary’s legacy includes serving as a matriarch of six generations. Besides her children and grandchildren, she has 15 great-grandchildren, 15 great-great grandchildren, and 3 great-great-great grandchildren.

Mary cherished her long-term, faithful membership at John the Baptist Church, and her relationship with the Choctaw County Community. Not forgotten was Mary’s enduring love for cousins John Hayden and Billy Halsell; and devoted niece, Vera Clark.

Mary Jane Loyd transitioned on Thursday morning, February 29, 2024, at her childhood home in Lisman, Alabama. Mary was born in a Leap Year, 1924, and began her eternal life on Leap Day, (2/29/2024).  Even as her body weakened, and she forgot more than she remembered, Mary Jane remained a faithful child of God. Praying was second nature to her, and she seldom asked God for anything. Instead, she expressed her gratitude to Him for everything.