Obituary of Mary C. Carey

Mary Curtis Carey May 16, 1934 - September 4, 2012 Mary Curtis Carey passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by loved ones. Mary Ellen Smith was born in Coushatta, LA, Mary was preceded in death by her father Roy Eugene Smith Sr. and her mother Jessye Thomas Smith of Stockton, CA, her husband of 29 years Charles Melvin Curtis of Danville, CA and her husband of 5 years Billy Ray Carey of Stockton, CA. She was preceded in death by her brother Roy Eugene Smith Jr. "Joe" of Reno, NV and is survived by her sister Tomylu Smith of Miami, FL. Mary was the most beloved mother of her daughter Kevi Sue Grier and her husband Charles Piers Grier of Hayward, CA and her daughter Kerry Lynn McNichols and her husband Randall Gary McNichols of Springfield MO. She was the cherished grandmother of Mollie Juliette Verstl of Stockton, CA and Adam Jeffrey Braswell of Hayward, CA and Kourtney Lynne McNichols and Natalie Anne McNichols of Springfield, MO. Mary was the loving great-grandmother "GG" of Amber Juliette Verstl and Thomas Jeffrey Verstl "TJ" of Stockton, CA. She was the much-loved Aunt Mary to many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mary was a very proud yet gentle soul who gave hope when there was none and offered help whenever needed. She was the best of friends to so many wonderful people. Mary always gave; never expecting anything in return. And her family meant the world to her. Mary earned her degree in nursing at the College of the Pacific in Stockton. She led a busy, productive life raising her two daughters while diligently working as a Psychiatric Technician for both Agnew State Hospital in San Jose and Stockton State Hospital. Later, she changed careers and quickly rose to a very successful management position in banking. Mary was a longtime member of the Women of the Moose #488 in Lodi. She happily volunteered her time and efforts to the organization and made many dear friends. A graveside service at Lodi Memorial Cemetery, located at 5750 E. Pine St., Lodi, CA will be held on Friday, September 14, 2012 at 1:00 pm. Family and friends are most welcome to attend. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held afterward. Flowers are appreciated as well as donations to Hospice of San Joaquin.