Mary Elizabeth Parish McCoy

Mary Elizabeth Binion was born on October 15, 1939 to the late Jessie Robert Binion Sr. and Lillie Mae Smith. 

At eight months old, her grandmother, Mary Pearson took Mary from her mother and gave her to Jessie Robert and Kittie Moore. They were sharecroppers and lived on twenty acres of farmland. 

At the age of twelve, Mary moved to Cleveland, Ohio to live with Uncle James and his wife Aunt Melissa for the prospect of a better life. Mary went on to graduate high school and also earned an Associate Degree as a social worker in 1976. 

Mary met and married James Wilcox Sr.; to this union two children were born: James Jeffrey Wilcox and Rosalie Wilcox. Later, she married Macy Parish and to this union one child was born, Yvette Parish. Mary went on to work for Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Service for many years. Later, she worked for the City of Cleveland Department of Aging where she retired in 2007. 

Mary was a member of Greater New Canaan Baptist Church for many years. She was also the member of the Dynamic Promotions, Inc. which her title was Recording and Financial Secretary. Mary developed a longtime friendship with Delores Vaden sixty-two years ago and up until her death they were still best friends. 

In 1988, she was appointed to the Board of Habitat for Humanity and in 1991 she was appointed President of the Board. Mary loved her blues music especially BB King and Bobby Blue Bland. Her favorite blues song was "The Thrill Is Gone". Mary had a passion for helping others, especially senior citizens. She opened up her home to anyone in need. There was a lot of love and laughter in the home. 

Mary enjoyed going to bingo, playing cards, playing pokeno and listening to her blues with her Chivas Regal drink. She loved to cook and bake; especially her sweet potato pies and peach cobbler. One thing Mary did was leave her mark on all of us. She was a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother. a teacher, a listener and an advisor. She will truly be missed. 

Mary departed this life on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the age of eighty-four. 

Mary leaves to cherish her memories three children: James Jeffrey Wilcox (Thea), Rosa Meyer (Tom) and Yvette Parish; two siblings: Carol (Darreyl) and Theresa (Earl); four grandchildren: Kitty (Will), Devontay, Elizabeth Ann and Brandon. She was preceded in death by her parents: Lillie Mae Smith and Jessie Robert; siblings: Lovett Powell and Brother, L. C.  

We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on Mary's Tribute Wall.