In Loving Memory of Mary Lee Joseph January 22, 1938 – February 7, 2026

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, Mary Lee Joseph transitioned peacefully to eternal rest with her son, Bernard, by her side. She was 88 years old.

Early Life: Mary was born on January 22, 1938, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to the late Leroy Taylor and Bessie Mae Leary. She received her education in the Mecklenburg County Public School system. During her early years, she married the late Louico Vanlandingham, and they had five children: Gloria Jean, Barbara, Louico, Perry and Curtis. She later united with the late Leroy Joseph, and they had one child, Bernard.

A Life of Service: In the early 1960s, Mary relocated to the Washington, DC area, where she built a life defined by hard work and compassion. She thrived in several occupations, most notably as a pharmacist’s technician at Drug Mart (later People’s Drug Store, now known as CVS) on Iverson Street in Hillcrest Heights, Maryland. She was known as a constant friendly face, always willing to go above and beyond to support co-workers and help customers, familiar and unfamiliar.

Mary later joined the Prince George’s County School system at John Bayne Elementary School, where she served as a school nurse and Director of Summer Programs. She later moved to her beloved Thomas Claggett Elementary School, where her nurturing spirit truly had a positive impact on the community! Mary treated the students as if they were her own children—feeding them in the morning, offering motherly hugs at the end of the day, and constantly pouring wisdom into their lives. She eventually retired from Thomas Claggett, having made many lifelong friends.

Faith and Fellowship: Mary accepted Christ and was a faithful member of Shaw United Methodist Church in Southeast Washington, DC, where she served as an usher for several years. She loved the Lord and wasn’t afraid to share her faith and testimonies.

During her later years, she became a cherished member of the Refreshing Springs Church of God in Christ, located in Riverdale, MD. She regularly attended services at the church satellite location in Clinton, Maryland, at the Branchwood Towers senior building where she resided. Under the leadership of Pastor Robert Valentine and First Lady Teresa Valentine, she proudly served as Church Mother. She eventually moved her membership to where she referred to as the "Big Church" in Riverdale. Once illness prevented her from attending physically, she remained dedicated, and tuned in faithfully to watch Pastor Jordan every Sunday.

Joy, Wisdom, and Legacy: Despite experiencing numerous challenges throughout her life, Mary displayed grace, love, kindness, courage, and a strong will like no other! Mary’s life was marked by joy and a generous spirit. She loved to cook, and spent hours preparing holiday feasts for family and friends. A favorite family memory was when Mary cooked a huge holiday meal, took her customary nap, and woke up to find that Bernard and his friends had enjoyed her food so much that there was none left!

Although Mary never had a driver’s license, her independence was never hindered! She went everywhere she wanted, when she wanted! She loved people, and shared her motherly wisdom with everyone she met. Mary also mentored PhDs, pastors, and leaders who sought her input and considered her a “safe space” where they could confide and receive advice in (sometimes tough) love.

Family: Mary leaves to cherish her memory four children: Barbara McCullough of Atlanta, GA; Louico Vanlandingham of Knoxville, TN; Perry Gaines of Charlotte, NC; Bernard (Rhonda) Joseph of Cheltenham, MD, and her bonus daughter Lorraine Joseph of Haywood, CA; her beloved grandchildren: Amir McCullough, Nikelah Gaines, Kaamilya McCullough, Curtis Vanlandingham II, Leah Joseph, Bernard (Terence) Joseph, II, Dominic Shaw, and Aya Vanlandingham; and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to her family, Mary deeply cherished her bond with Reverend Robert and Teresa Valentine, whose love, faith and support sustained her and her family through many of life’s greatest challenges.

She was preceded in death by two children, Gloria Jean Vanlandingham and Curtis Vanlandingham; and her beloved grandson, Lamont Gaines.

In accordance with Mary’s wishes, no traditional homegoing service was held. Her immediate family honored her loving memory in a private gathering.

Thank You: The family is exceedingly grateful and deeply appreciative of the outpouring of prayers, heartfelt love and support they received during this most difficult time.