Mary J. Bunch Racine – Mary J. Bunch, 71, passed away unexpectedly at All Saints Hospital on Sunday, May 4, 2012. She was born on June 21, 1940 in Enterprise, Mississippi, daughter of the late Elmer and Roberta (nee: Buckley) Washington Mary was a giving woman with a heart of gold, and an amazing ability to make everyone around her feel loved and appreciated. She was hard working and enjoyed her job as the head cook at K.C.’s Fine Restaurant in Laurel, Mississippi for over 20 years in addition to working as a housekeeper. Mary enjoyed growing flowers in her garden, cooking, shopping in thrift shops, and starting her day with a cup of coffee and a Pepsi, but most of all lived to be surrounded by her family. Mary is survived by her children, Mary (Clinton) Bryant, Alma Bunch, Rosetta Bunch, Alberta Gryer, and Jeffrey Bunch; her sister Kizzie Lee (Henry) Bester all of Racine; 21 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, especially Marilyn Higgenbottom, Lula Coleman, Susie Wiggins and Dee Anderson all of Racine. She was also preceded in death by parents, Elmer and Roberta Washington; her son, Robert Paige; her husband, Ollie Bunch; special friend and companion, Roger Anderson; and siblings, George, Richard, Robert, David, John, Sherman, and Ruth Mae. Homegoing services will be held at New Omega Missionary Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 14, 2012 with Pastor Willie Scott officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. All are invited to visit with her family from 9:30a.m. -11:00 a.m at the church. The Struggle is Over There are so many words to describe this charismatic woman. She was: generous, humble, forgiving, nurturing, and faithful to name a few. Her heart spoke volumes. We feel so blessed to have been in your presence for as long as we were. She was adored by many near and far, never met a stranger, and accepted everyone. A natural at mothering…there’s no wonder so many including non-family members, felt compelled to seek advice from her. She was a way maker with impeccable improvisational skills; feeding many on a shoe-string budget was a talent. The bottom line is you lived your life in a way that said “There’s something greater coming when I leave this life.” We say “Thank you for all you’ve done and making each of us feel special on some level.” While your departure from us took us by surprise…with heavy hearts we congratulate you on taking your final curtsy and going home. The struggle is over for you. Love you always… ~Shalia Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home 4600 COUNTY LINE RD 262-552-9000 www.draeger-lagendorf.com