Mary Jane Howard, 87, of Orlando, transitioned into eternal rest on June 5, 2023. Mary was born on April 29,1936 to the late Willie Bell Paul and the late Will Howard in Cordele, Georgia. Mary relocated to Orlando, Florida as a teen and gained her general education from Jones High School. Being brought up in an environment of service and hospitality, Mary journeyed on to work for The Garthwaite family of Winter Park, Florida as a housekeeper and nanny for over 20 years. She then went on to serve as a housekeeper for Walt Disney World for 19 years and completed her formal working career at Comfort Inn and Suites in 1999.
Mary not only served others for a living, but she also served her church, Mount Olive A.M.E Church, for over 50 years working in the areas of the choir and April birthday Club, of which she loved and raved about. Mary was devoted to God and to prayer and was very active in her ministry’s 5am prayer calls daily through most of her time at Mt. Olive.
She loved thrifting, reading and watching the news, cooking, and hosting her family for every holiday. She was well known in her community of ” New Malibu” where she made countless friends and gained endless “bonus children”. To know Mary was to love her. She could make you laugh on your lowest day.
Mary is survived by her children: Carolyn Macon (Barry), Melvin Paul, Jacquelyn Paul, Terri Turner, Mary Marlene Paul, and Marilyn Paul-Wright all of Orlando, Florida. She’s also survived by her Goddaughter, Annie Tyler of South Carolina, 12 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren who all experienced her love deeply and uniquely.