Mary Ann Friday: A Life Lived with Strength and Devotion

Mary Ann Friday, a woman of extraordinary resilience and boundless love, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3rd, in Long Branch, at the age of 86.

Born and raised in Gastonia, North Carolina, to Mildred McCrary and Leroy Durham, Mary Ann’s roots in the South shaped her strong character and unwavering spirit. In 1962, she embarked on a new chapter, relocating to New Jersey where she would build a life filled with purpose and dedication.

To call Mary Ann strong would be an understatement. She was the bedrock of the Friday family, a matriarch whose guidance and support shaped generations. Driven by a fierce determination to provide for her children, Mary Ann attended Secretary School and tirelessly worked two jobs. For over 25 years, she dedicated herself to the City of Long Branch as a paraprofessional, touching countless lives through her commitment to education. Evenings were spent contributing to the war effort at Fort Monmouth Army Base.

Beyond her work ethic, Mary Ann possessed a zest for life. She cherished her travels, exploring the landscapes and cultures of Europe, but her greatest joy came from the simple act of spending time with her family.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Henry Friday, and her seven siblings: Ruth, James, Elizabeth, Helen, Doretha, Dorothy Faye, and Jean.

Her legacy of love and strength lives on through her sister, Patricia, of North Carolina, and her five children: Larry Sr. and his wife Charletta, Telia and her husband Larry Burks, William Anthony and his wife Sharonda, Jeffier, and Miranda and her partner Sheldon Reynolds. She leaves behind a vibrant tapestry of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, along with a multitude of cherished nieces and nephews.

Mary Ann was more than just a mother; she was a mentor, a confidante, and a source of unwavering support to many in the Long Branch community. Her generous spirit extended beyond her own family, encompassing her children’s friends, who often found a welcoming home and a warm meal under her roof. The void left by her absence will be profound, a testament to the immense impact she had on the lives of those around her. Mary Ann Friday’s legacy of love, strength, and unwavering devotion will forever be cherished and remembered.