“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”   1 Timothy 6:12

 

Mary Elizabeth Bounds was born November 20, 1966 to the late Mary and Eddie Lee Bounds Sr. in Laurel, MS. Mary was a life-long resident of Picayune, MS and affectionately known to many as “Buffie”.

 

At an early age, she confessed Christ as her personal Savior at East Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral ship of the late Reverend Alonzo Dees and the Reverend Brian K. Dees. She became an active part of the ministry as a choir member, secretary, treasurer, Sunday School and Worship Services. She later moved her membership to Rose of Sharon Church of God In Christ under the leadership of Elder David Simmons.

 

Mary graduated from Picayune Memorial High School, Class of 1984. She furthered her education by graduating from Pearl River Community College with an Associate in Arts. Later, Mary attended the University of Southern Mississippi aiming to finish with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.

 

Mary enjoyed the small things in life. She took pride and joy in being a loving and caring mother to her three boys. Her goals mostly focused on her boys, pushing them to finish their education, pursue a career, start a family, and have a relationship with God; this is where she thrived and grew strength. A few hobbies Mary also enjoyed were sitting by the water mediating, reading the word, gardening, manicuring yard, and creating arts and crafts. She overcame numerous of obstacles in life and remained a God- Fearing woman. Bounds had many friends and to know Mary was to love her “1Love”.

 

Bounds was dedicated and eagered to be the best employee in every occupation. She was employed with the Department of Navy, Human Resource Department and work for several agencies at the John C Stennis Space Center, Stennis Space Center, MS, and the Division of Medicaid as a Case Worker, Picayune, MS.

 

Mary transitioned to her heavenly home on Friday, January 28, 2022 in the presence of loved ones at Highland Hospital in Picayune, MS. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her oldest son, Kelvis Bowens, Jr, many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

 

She leaves to cherish her memory, two sons, Kerryonne Bowens and KreSean Bowens (Trinisha), both of Picayune, MS; two brothers, Chris Carter of Fort Polk Leesville, LA and Eddie (Grace) Bounds, Jr. of Picayune, MS; two sisters, Lisa (Gerard) Lymuel of Picayune, MS and Tracey (Earlie) Dixon of Longview, TX; three aunts, Hilda Bounds, Dorothy Foster and Christmas McCarty all of Laurel, MS; special cousin, Angelia Kelly of Laurel, MS; life-long friends, Clara Baptiste, Sylvia Parker-Wilson, Temecia “Missy” Elllis, Lois Patrick, god-daughter, Khalia Patrick and a host of relatives, friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Rose of Sharon Church of God in Christ, 500 North Beech Street, Picayune, MS 39466. Visitation: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Elder David Simmons, Officiating. Interment at the Picayune Cemetery, Picayune, MS.       All COVID-19 precautions will be followed during the services. Entrusted to Brown’s Funeral Home.