Mary Marie Legette

Mary was called by God to her sleep of eternal peace on Thursday, May 25, 2023 from an extended illness.

Mary’s life included a career as a chef, mother, military wife in service to our Lord.

She was born on November 5, 1944, the eight child of Jasper and Martha Townsend of Marion City, South Carolina. Mary was the last surviving of fifteen children. After graduating from Palmetto High School in 1964, she travelled and worked in New York and Connecticut. Mary married Freeman LeGette, a US Navy sailor.

As a Navy Wife, she lived in Naples, Italy; San Diego, Chicago and finally Virginia Beach, VA, where her husband retired after 23 years of service as GM, CPO.

While in Virginia Beach, Mary had a 28-year career as Chef at the five-star Wyndham Resort, retiring in 2007. After retirement, she stayed in service to our Lord, visiting and working with the sick and shut ins. Mary only stopped this work in the last year when her own health worsened.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Freeman LeGette, who passed away in 1993;  first daughter, Angelia Harrell (Vandarrow);  and all of her brothers and sisters.

Mary leaves to cherish her fond memories, her companion, John Pipik; daughters, Sherrie LeGette Knighton (Gregory), Helena LeGette McFadden (Timothy); uncle, LaVar Townsend of Orem, NC; aunts, Ernestine Townsend of Virginia Beach, VA, Purnell Ford of Mullins, SC; great-aunt, Genora Richardson of Hackensack, NJ; six grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and grandchildren.