Mary S. Curry

Born on July 27, 1939 in Columbia, South Carolina, Mary Elizabeth Simuel Curry was the precious daughter of loving parents, the late Heyward Simuel and the late Lillian Waiters Simuel. Mary, a 22-year resident of Westampton, New Jersey, was known as a woman of great integrity, strong faith, and beautiful humor. She gave herself to the Lord at a very tender age at her family church, Bethlehem Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina. She lived and loved life to the fullest. Growing up as the second eldest girl of 10 children, Mary dreamed of becoming a nurse. Her calm demeanor and dedication led her to graduate from Columbia School of Nursing and to receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of South Carolina. During nursing school, she went on a blind date with a man who would become her soul mate and future husband. While realizing her occupational dream in a nursing career that spanned more than 40 years, Mary married the late Lt. Col (retired) James T. (Pete) Curry. Together, they raised four children. As a result of her loving husband’s military service, Mary compassionately treated patients at hospitals in New Jersey, South Carolina, and New York. Notably, she was Director of Nursing at 130th Station Hospital in Heidelberg Germany and Morris Village Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. She contributed her expertise to various departments including: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Operating Room, Medical-Surgical, and Emergency Room. Prior to retirement in 1999, she worked in Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse units where she offered loving care to her patients and sound advice to her colleagues. This warm-hearted woman helped improve her community as an active member of: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; Columbia School of Nursing Alumni Association; University of South Carolina Alumni Association; Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.; and the Nurses Unit of Tabernacle Baptist Church. She enjoyed her church, traveling, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and dining at various restaurants with her daughters. Some of her favorite things were playing bridge, helping those in need, gospel music, and contemporary jazz. She especially loved Sade and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. She also enjoyed stand-up comedy. One of her favorites was Comedian D.L. Hughley. During her time in Germany, she enjoyed traveling with a special fondness for Paris and Italy. Her gentle maternal nature allowed her to live by example and share encouraging messages like, “A negative thought is a down payment on an obligation to fail.” If she ever gave you one of her classic hugs, you could feel her love, and you would know it was sincere. Mary was surrounded by her beloved family at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland on February 7, 2015 when she departed in glory. Preceding her in death is her loving husband Pete Curry; her father, Heyward Simuel; her mother, Lillian Waiters Simuel; a sister, Edna Simuel Boulware; a brother, Alvester (Buster) Simuel; father-in-law, Alton Glover; mother-in-law, Lillie Belle Jordan Glover; and sister-in-law, Adrenée Glover Freeman, Esq. Special memories will be cherished by her family and friends, including: her children, Shawn D. Curry (Yvonne), DeNita L. Curry, Carleton M. Curry (Cheryl), and Kimberley M. Curry-Chandler (Frank); stepson, Cmdr. (Ret) James T. Curry Jr. (Dean); brothers, Heyward (Armenthia), Tyrone (Mary-Alice), Tony (Sheila), and Alvin; sisters, Helen, Jettiva (Billy), and Yvonne; grandchildren, Kyle, Sydney, Nia, Caleb, Cjeylon, Kiera Cai, Jamiera, Ctarik, Malcolm, Khaleed, Jamie, Shahanna, Ibn, James III, and Alia; two special brothers-in-law, Billy and Dr. Gregory J. Glover, Esq.; a special aunt, Christine Glover Gilliard; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sorority sisters, and friends.

Mary S. Curry

July 27, 1939 - February 7, 2015