Ms. Mary Dalton passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026. 

Funeral service will be held Thursday, July 02, 2026, 11:30 a. m. Cassie Coote Brown Memorial Chapel at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home 909 East Market Street Greensboro, North Carolina. Visitation 11:00 a. m. 

Burial will be held at Lakeview Memorial Park, 3600 N O.Henry Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27405.

Mary Elizabeth Dalton was born on February 27, 1943, in Greensboro, North Carolina. On June 21, 2026, at 1:50 a.m., she went home to be with the Lord.

Mary left North Carolina and moved to Albany, New York, with her two young daughters. The years that followed required great perseverance and resilience, qualities she demonstrated throughout her life. Even into her senior years, Mary was never a pushover. She remained strong, determined, and devoted to raising her children.

Mary enjoyed cooking, playing cards, listening to music, and spending time with those she loved. She especially treasured her friendship with Ernest Henry, which lasted for more than fifty years. Although she experienced many trials and tribulations, they never caused her to waver. Her life was full and rewarding, and as she transitioned, she appeared to be at peace, with a job well done.

During the final season of her life, Mary was cared for in the loving home of her daughter, Shonda, and was surrounded by her granddaughters Charish and Iyaniah and her grandson Tahrule.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, the Rev. Nick Dalton and Emma Dalton, as well as her two sisters, Sally Thomas and Rachel Mitzelle, and her brother, Archie Dalton.

Mary leaves a beautiful legacy through her six children: Deborah Donnell (Vernon), Cynthia Dalton, Thomas Sturdivant, James Gibson, Marvin Walker, and Shonda Leigh; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces; and many others who affectionately called her "Mom."

With Mary's passing, our family marks the end of an era, as she was the last surviving member of her generation. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, strength, and triumph that will be carried forward for generations to come.