Mary Jane Coe Alexander daughter of the late Baldie Coe and Janie Ham Coe was born on July 16, 1929 in Darlington County, South Carolina. On Tuesday, August 9, 2022, she gained her wings and transitioned into the sweet tender embrace of God Almighty.

She was educated in the public schools of Darlington County.

At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and became a member of Lawson Grove Baptist Church, Darlington, SC. On January 11, 1947, she was united in holy matrimony to Pete Alexander and to this union four children were born; Felix, Janie, Carolyn and Sherry. They also reared her niece, Alberta "Rea" McIver as their own from infancy.

After relocating to Florence, she united with New Ebenezer Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member for over 80 years.  She faithfully served in many capacities, to include the Missionary Ministry and Under-Shepherd Support Ministry, but was most passionate about serving with the Ushers' Ministry, training both youth and adults.

Mary was employed with the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs until she retired. She, along with her sisters founded the Sisterhood Boarding House, which served as a Residential Care facility for the elderly and others in need of a place to live. Because of her warm heart and love for people and her community, she also opened her home to those in need. Mary was a dedicated supporter for the family, church, and community. She often assisted the local agencies with children of all ages, race and creed. As a care taker, she helped to raise and care for over 150 children in her home. She welcomed them into her home, her heart and her family. You could come from near and far and always be welcomed at her table and made to feel like you were one of hers from birth.

"Grandma/Auntie Mary" as she was affectionately called often by her grandchildren, nieces, their friends and the community was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, foster parent, a mentor, confidant, prayer warrior, church member and friend.

Mary loved to cook, and we all loved to eat. You could always find food on the table every day of the week, and especially on Sunday after church. During the week you could find her in the garden gathering vegetables or out fishing. God blessed her with the gift to feed thousands and she took that to heart.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents Janie and Baldie Coe; her husband Pete Alexander; brother, Cleveland Coe; her sisters, Laura Mae Coe McIver, Gladys Coe Law, Edith Coe Faison, Hattie Coe Williamson, and Mary McKay; one daughter, Alberta "Ree" McIver; niece reared as her own, Dorothy Charles and son-in-law, James Mitchell.

Those left to cherish and reflect upon her wonderful memories are one son; Felix (Violet)  Alexander of Fayetteville, NC; three daughters, Janie Davis, Carolyn Mitchell, and Sherry(Quentin) Williams; niece raised as her own, Mary McIver; special niece/surrogate daughter, Annie Garrett; nephew raised as her own, Johnny Coe; grandnieces whom she reared, Datonya Charles McDowell and LaKisha (Calvin) Miller; adopted daughter, Katie Ingram;  surrogate sister, Margie Pipkins; surrogate daughters and son, Vera White, Joy (Kenneth) Barnes and Partee Bell; grandchildren, Renee (Leroy) Muldrow of Charleston, SC, Betty (Glen) Moses, Sammie (Brenda) Davis of Florence, SC, Maoula (Sherman) Barno of Powder Springs, GA, LaKeisha (Calvin) Miller of Florence, SC, Datonya Charles McDowell of Columbia, SC, Latavia Alexander of Largo, Maryland; Jasmine (David) Howard of  Charlotte, NC, Alexandra Black of Charleston, SC, Raymond (Kimberly) Mitchell of Florence, SC, Corey (Shayna) Mitchell of Columbia, SC, Tonora (Herbert) McIver-Blanks of Florence, SC, Denise Sullen of Virginia Beach, VA, Laura McIver and Toria McIver of Florence, SC; thirty great grandchildren; twenty great-great grandchildren; twelve adopted grandchildren; and a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives, church family, friends and the West Florence community.

Mary was a precious gem far more valuable than rubies. Those that knew her, loved her. She treated everyone the same. Regardless of the situation or circumstance she always gave the greatest gift she had to those she encountered, her love: a love that surpassed all understanding because it was a gift from God himself. Mary exemplified the attributes of Proverbs 31.  She lived with the purpose of serving God, diligently working with her hands to better the lives of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and everyone that she could help in any way she could. She was a woman of valor, strong character and considerable grace.