Mary Kendrick Heard

Sis. Mary Magdalene Kendrick Heard was born January 4, 1916, to the late Benjamin and Nancy Kendrick. She was the 7th child born to this union. Upon the death of their mother, Nancy, her father met and married Angeline Blount and to this union two children were born, Henrietta and Sylvester.

She received her formal education from the Duval County School System where she graduated from the Old Stanton High School. She later attended Walker’s Business College, where she received a degree in Cosmetology and worked in Carter’s Beauty Shop next door to the church.

Sis. Heard was a faithful and dedicated member of the Second Missionary Baptist Church, where she joined in 1936. She served as President of Usher’s Ministry #1 for 50 years. She also was President of East Florida and Bethany Baptist District Association Ushers for 46 years, State President of the Progressive M&E Usher’s Ministry, 2nd Vice president of the National Ushers’ Auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc., and the General Secretary, and Financial Secretary of the Sr. Women’s District Association.  She was also a member of the Church School and Discipleship Training in her church.

Sis Mary Heard served as Past Worthy Matron Starlight Chapter #157 O.E.S for 31 years. She also served as Grand Secretary in The Royal Grand Chapter. She was elected to the office of Grand Worthy Matron of Royal Chapter Order of The Eastern Star. Sister Heard was a member of several other organizations, including Excelsior Court #19 of the Amaranth, Paul Lawrence Dunbar #175, Heroines of Jericho and Queen Esther #19 Heroines of Jericho. Sis. Heard was a “Woman of Faith and Perfection” and will be sorrowfully missed by the Sisters and Brothers of Prince Hall Grand Lodge A.F.& A.M. State of Florida.

Sis. Heard was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Deacon Alexander Heard. Her other siblings, Aaron Sr., Essie, Robert, Sr., Mildred, Benjamin, Jr.  Lauretta, Herbert, and Henrietta (Theodore, still living), all preceded her in death.  

She is survived by her brother, Sylvester Kendrick (Melanie) her 3 children, Rev. Bernard C. Wright ((Linda), Daphne Teel, and Rev. Laurent Heard (Carol) and 6 grandchildren.   There are fourteen (14) nieces, among them are, Mellanese Rhim ( Rev. Dr. Henry T.), Gwendolyn Bailey( Rev. James), Earlene Perry( Robert ) & Cynthia Kendrick Glenn. Many nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins and friends.

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