Mary Magdalene Hutchins

Mary Magdalene Hutchins, of Clever, MO, loving wife, mother and grandmother, went to be with our Lord, on Thursday, May 18, 2023, peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones. Mary was 85 years old. She was born on August 28, 1937, in Inez, KY, to Amon Elmer and Anna Lee (Justice) James. After high school, Mary moved to Sandusky, OH where she met the love of her life, Leroy Hutchins. For 52 years, they built a wonderful life together. They moved to Phenix City, AL built a home where Mary worked for the Piggly Wiggly Grocery Company and W. T. Grants. From there they moved to Third Lake, IL where Mary spent several years working for Anchor Hocking Corporation. Mary and Leroy moved to Davenport, IA, where Mary became a machinist for Caterpillar Tractor Company. She loved her job with Caterpillar, but circumstances took Mary and Leroy to Lexington, NC where Mary built a lifelong business and career in retail. Mary set herself up in the Flea Market business and she spent the next 35 years selling, buying and trading beautiful antique glass, women’s clothing, and accessories. She loved her Flea Market, known in the area as Mary’s Collectibles. Mary traveled North and South Carolina and West Virginia, making a successful business for herself and Leroy who joined her and supported her after his retirement. Mary loved to be in her market, and only retired in 2016, to move closer to her only daughter in Clever, MO. In Clever, Mary’s lifelong love of God and Church, found her another family at Clever Assembly of God Church. Mary was a devoted member of her Church, helping to organize and work in the kitchen, serving Sunday and Wednesday meals, sometimes advising the Pastor (from the congregation) on how to “tell it Pastor”, always joining in the singing and praise for her Lord. Mary was a bright and shining beacon in her Church and known to all as Ms. Sunshine. During the past year, Mary moved to Cedarhurst Senior Living of Springfield. There, Mary was a joy to all who knew her. Her sense of humor was seen and loved by all. Ask on any given day how she was doing, and she always replied, “finer than frog hair!” Mary was lovingly referred to at Cedarhurst as Ms. Kentucky. Everyone knew and loved her.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Leroy, stepdaughter Reba Hutchins, brothers Jack James, Jimmie James, and Danny Jo James, sisters Joshepine Missler, Elizabeth Irene James, Judy Ann Masica, and stepmother Edna (Johnson) James. She is survived by her only child, Teresa (Kevin) Clark, loving grandchildren Amber Clark; Koren Clark-Wilson; Aaron Clark; Ben Hutchins and her great grandchildren, Hayleigh Clark, Hannah Clark, Kaiya Wilson, Libby Clark, Tucker Wilson, Kamron Clark and many nieces, nephews and countless friends, who loved her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are preferred and may be made to Clever First Assembly of God Church’s Sunshine fund in Mary’s honor.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, May 23, 2023, from 11-12 a.m. with service to follow immediately, at Clever First Assembly of God Church, (111 N. Public Ave., Clever).

A second visitation in Mary’s honor will be held Saturday, May 27th, 2023, from 11a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with service to follow immediately, at Zion United Baptist Church, 2026 Rock House Rd., Tomahawk, KY 41262.

Mary’s final resting place will be at Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC, with her beloved Leroy. A date for the service and internment will follow.

A special thank you to the devoted staff at Cedarhurst Senior Living of Springfield, special thank you to Michele Tyson, NP, the wonderful staff of Seasons Hospice of Springfield and Mary’s loving and supportive Clever First Assembly of God Church family, especially Pastor Bruce and Mrs. Baker, special friends Donna Guggisburg and Deanna Hargrave and Mary’s wonderful friend Ms. Pam Robbins of Lexington, NC. Our family is forever grateful for your devoted love, compassion and care of our Ms. Sunshine.

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