Mary Lee (Kelly) Chalmers

Life & Legacy of 

Mary Lee Kelly Chalmers

Mrs. Mary Lee Kelly Chalmers was born November 18, 1935, in Moore County, North Carolina to the late Celia Ann Kelly Dowdy.  She was a faithful and devout Christian, a loving wife, a protective and unconditionally loving and caring mother. She never failed to help anyone in need; she was the kindest woman that you ever met, and was the bedrock of her family. 

Mary Chalmers attended Pickney High School where she was a majorette and basketball player.  She received her High School GED from Central Carolina Technical Institute in August of 1980; alongside her husband.  Mary retired from Eaton Corporation in Sanford.  She volunteered as the front-desk greeter at Lee County Enrichment Center, she thoroughly enjoyed helping others. She was CNA certified.  She was a member of The Red Hat Society of Sanford, NC. She served in several capacities within the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, including; Deaconess, Missionary, Stewardess Board, Choir Director, and Youth Director.  She also served as the Brookhaven Neighborhood National Night Out Coordinator.  With great respect and honor, she served for many decades as the First Lady in numerous districts of the Central North Carolina Conference.  She was a faithful member of Love Grove AME Zion Church, under the Pastoral leadership of Rev. Leo McKoy. 

Mary Chalmers was preceded in death by her mother, Celia A. Dowdy, and only brother, Marvin L. Kelly, Sr, retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. 

She was a devoted and faithful wife to her husband of 68-years, Rev. Charles J. Chalmers, Sr.  Lindy, as she was affectionately called, was his “shining star” and to their union was born eight children; Cecelia Chalmers of Sanford, NC, Charles J. Chalmers, Jr. (Joyce) of Sanford, NC, Debra Ross (Keno) of Charlotte, NC, Sabrina Baldwin (Ricky) of Sanford, NC, Cathy Mason (Joseph) of Houston, TX, Von Chalmers of Sanford, NC, Cynthia Carmichael of Atlanta, GA and Janet Chalmers of Houston, TX.  There are 20 grandchildren, 30 great children and two great-great-grandchildren; has one sister, Priscilla Strong of Canton, OH; sisters-in-law, Minister Anna McSwain and Isabel Quick, two nephews and four nieces, and a host of other relatives and friends.  Special friends; Dorothy (Dot) Monroe since the 3rd grade, and 52-Year Neighbor/Friend, Sarah & James Jefferson. 

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