NORFOLK – Mary Rose Foxworth Becker, 70, died peacefully on the morning of Saturday, October 28.
She was born to the late Rosetta Foxworth and William Johnson, Jr. on May 9, 1953, in Norfolk, Virginia. She was predeceased by her husband, Bryan Rall Becker. Mary graduated from Granby High School and received a B.A. in foreign language, minoring in education, from Norfolk State University. She was also a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
Mary was a natural musician, dedicating her gift as a pianist and organist to the African Methodist Episcopal Church, specifically New Mount Zion AME Church of Norfolk, Virginia; St. John AME Church of Norfolk, Virginia; and Macedonia AME Church of Suffolk, Virginia. Mary dedicated 17 years as the Virginia Conference Branch YPD Director.
In addition to her love of God and fellowship, she was an avid educator with a passion for learning and reading. Mary was employed by Norfolk Public Schools for more than 35 years where she mentored hundreds, if not thousands, of elementary school students.
To cherish her memory, Mary leaves her devoted children, Kristin Marie Clay of Chesterfield, Va., Jonathan Becker of Virginia Beach, Va., one sister, Rev. Vergie McCall of Virginia Beach, Va., two brothers, Douglas Sykes (Helena) of Norfolk, Va. and John Foxworth (Ada) of Norfolk, Va., two devoted grand dogs, Rocco of Chesterfield, Va., Benji of Virginia Beach, Va.; and a host of cousins, aunts, nephews, nieces, extended family, and friends.
A wake was held at Beach Funeral Home. The service was held at Enoch Baptist Church.