Mary Louise Harvey

Edwards Small Mortuary announces with our deepest condolences the passing of  Mary  Louise  Harvey. Ms. Harvey was born October 6, 1937 and entered into eternal rest on January 5, 2023. She will be missed by family and friends.

Ms. Mary, as she was affectionately called, was born to the parentage of the late Ezekiel Harvey, Sr. and Lula Smith -Harvey. She was born on October 6, 1934 in Macon County, GA. In her early years, her family moved to Peach County, GA. She was the fourth of ten children. Five of her siblings preceded her in death (Lewis Harvey, Willie Lou Williams, Cora Harvey, and Willie James Harvey, and Ernest Harvey). She is survived by Cleo Carter (Columbus, GA), Willie Frank and Ezekiel (Angela) Harvey (Fort Valley, GA), and Joseph (Shirley) Harvey (Warner Robins, GA) .

 Mary received her education in the Macon County and Peach County Schools. Early in her life, she became a part of the work force. No matter where she was employed, it was sure that commitment, dedication, and longevity would follow her to the place of employment. She was employed at the Fort Valley State College’s (now University) Laundry and Building and Grounds. While maintaining a full -time position at the local college, she also became a full -time employee at the iconic Shrimp Boat on Carver Drive in Fort Valley, GA. How one maintains two full time jobs, yet still be there for her children is still unfathomable. That would have to be a “But God” response.

After the closing of the Shrimp Boat, she was highly sought by the owner of a new restaurant that opened at the old Kell Building in Fort Valley. In honor of her legacy at the Shrimp Boat, the owner of the restaurant, named it Mary’s Eatery.

Whether it was in the dorms at The Fort Valley State College (now University), the Shrimp Boat, or Mary’s Eatery, her quiet and soft -spoken demeanor impacted many lives in the Fort Valley and surrounding areas. She was a friend to many throughout this community. Her places of employment truly served as a platform of ministry as she gave ear to her customers as well as shared her life lessons and wisdom. It was commonplace during Fort Valley State’s Homecoming celebrations that many former students had on their itinerary to stop by the Shrimp Boat to see Ms. Mary and make their purchase from the menu that never changed.

 Mary retired from Fort Valley State in 2002 after 33 years of faithful service. With the passing of the owners of the Shrimp Boat, by default, she had no other choice but to leave that business after 30 plus years of dedicated service. With the closing of Mary’s Eatery, she left cooking for the general public but never left cooking for and hosting her family.

For Mary, it was Faith, Family, Food, and Flowers. In her early years, she was a member of Zion Grove of Montezuma. After moving to Fort Valley, she became an active member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist of Fort Valley under the leadership of the recently retired Pastor Morris Hillsman. There she enjoyed attending Sunday Morning Worship, Bible Study and Mid -Week Worship. After retirement, she enjoyed shopping, traveling with her family, and attending sporting events including Peach County Trojan Football games, the annual Fountain City Classic in Columbus, GA, and even Atlanta Falcon’s Football games. Her house could easily be identified in her neighborhood, because she would have beautiful flowers adorning her porch and yard. Most of which she would plant herself.

 Her legacy will continue in her six children, Ricky (Sandra), Ronald, Denise (Greg), Kenneth (Paula), Michael, and Kelvin. Mary was blessed with 8 grandchildren: Tremell (Shameka), Vermecia, Nicole (Chris), Renae, Naia, Khadir, Jahquez, and Khaleed; as well as loving Great -Grandchildren: Ethan, London, Kennedi, and Laila. Mary cherished all of her relationships, including with her very devoted Aunt Louise Lee of Montezuma, GA; more of a sister than sister -in -law : Angela ; devoted sister -in - law: Shirley; devoted nieces and nephews: Renita Bular, Longino and Alex Harvey; devoted daughter -in -laws: Sandra and Paula; devoted son -in -law : Greg, devoted friend: Mrs. Betty Lowe ; adopted daughter, Kim Ryan along with a host of other relatives and sorrowing friends