Mary Clark Lovick

Mary Clark Lovick, 83, was born in Sumter on April 26,1933 as the only child of the late Jake and Venus Dicks Clark. Mary fondly gave credit to her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Phobe Swinton Dicks for raising her and instilling Christian values in her life. She joined Emmanuel United Methodist Church in her youth and faithfully attended as a teenager. After completion of her public school education in Sumter, Mary relocated to Brooklyn and resided with her maternal aunt, Mrs. Nellie Dicks Gether. Mary was married to Bruce Lovick for over twenty years, and from this union two sons were born, Eugene and Archie. She frequently talked fondly about life as a wife and mother as she enjoyed cooking and decorating their home. For many years, Mary was an active member of St. Mary's Disciple Church (The City of Hope Greater St. Mary Church) serving on various committees. Current members and the Pastor have found memories of her involvement and contributions. She began a 27 year career in retail at the prestigious Abraham &Strauss (A&S) Department Store which complicated her passion for fashion and home decor. Mary was described by friends and neighbors as a sweet loving lady, always beautifully dressed and immaculate with her makeup. She was an upbeat friendly person who enjoyed socializing and interacting with people. Mary was an active participant in the Myrtle Avenue Housing Tenant Association. Following her retirement, she became an active member of her neighborhood senior center participating in numerous activities and trips and was saddened by its closure. As a person who loved to share and help women, Mary frequently prepared clothing ensembles to distribute to others. Whenever she visited someone she came bearing gifts. Mary was proceeded in death by her husband Bruce and sons, Eugene and Archie. She is survived by: eight cousins: Lillie Mae Lane, Sumter, Ernest H. Dicks, Harrington, NY, Catherine Smith, Rockville, Md., Dr. Barbara A. Dicks, New Britain, CT, Rev. Willie F. (Kechia) Dicks, Sumter, Rev. John (Beverly) Dicks, Columbia, SC, and Deborah Dicks Maxwell, Wilmington, NC; a loving aunt Adelle Dicks, Columbia, SC. Heartfelt recognition is rendered to her cousin Rev. J.C. (Shirley) Lane, Sumter, for his outpouring of Christian hospitality. Mary also leaves to cherish precious memories, her "best friend and longtime buddy and cousin-in-law, Mrs. Virginia "Ginny" Warren, Brooklyn, NY. She was well liked by neighbors and remembered fondly by young people from her previous Myrtle Ave. neighborhood including the Jackson family, especially Mark, Kim Ritter and family. Mary's life will be cherished by a host of extended cousins, friends, and neighbors.

Mary Clark Lovick

April 26, 1933 - January 23, 2017