I met Mary Lee a little more than four years ago. Gemma Torres, a mutual friend, told me about Mary and her unique ministry to one of the most vulnerable segments of society — mentally and physically challenged homeless adults. My interest was immediately piqued. I had to meet this woman who had seen and responded to the needs of hurting people who live in the blurry world of our peripheral vision — the people most of us never notice. So, I called and spoke with Mary and set an appointment to visit her at Something Blessed Board and Care — the place she set up to care for the most vulnerable among the least of these. Located south of the city, the forty-minute drive to Something Blessed took me from Katy’s crape-myrtle lined boulevards to the narrow and culvert-flanked street leading to Mary’s front gate.
Meeting Mary face to face was indeed something blessed for me. As I listened to her speak, it was apparent that her words were in perfect sync with the rhythm of God’s heart for the least of these. As I watched her interact with those under her care, it was obvious that her hands were the hands of Jesus. I wondered how anyone could have so much patience to deal with the daily and often messy challenges of caring for such needy human beings. And yet, Mary was in her element with her little flock at Something Blessed. She was like a Mother Teresa serving the least fortunate in her own little Kolkata. She was not content to walk past or to ignore those in need. She could not sleep knowing that others had no place to sleep. So, she reordered her life to do something to help. She made a commitment to meet a need — a decision that altered the rest of her life.
I introduced my Mom and Dad to Mary Lee a couple of years ago. Mom and Mary became instant friends. Last year, Mary was diagnosed with cancer. A few weeks later my Mom was also diagnosed with cancer. My Mom passed away last May, only one month after her diagnosis. Mary was an encourager to me as I grieved the loss of my beautiful Mom. Over the past several months Mary fought a courageous battle against her cancer. I visited with her before I left for Germany three weeks ago. She was already under hospice care — not at her home, but at Something Blessed. She wanted to die among those she gave her life to help. I wept as I sat at Mary’s bedside, knowing that this would probably be our final conversation. And, it was. Mary passed away a few days ago. I will attend her funeral this week.
I will miss my good friend Mary Lee. I will miss our conversations and our times of praying together. I am grateful for what she taught me about loving God and loving people over the past few years. Mary indeed loved and trusted in God. I never once heard her utter a single word of complaint about her cancer and how it was progressively destroying her body. Mary wanted to live so that she could continue serving people in need, yet she was willing to accept whatever God had for her. Like Job, she did not blame God (Job. 1:22). Her attitude about her suffering mirrored Job’s, “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him” (Job. 13:15). Mary Lee was a champion to those in need. And she was a champion in my eyes. I was saddened by the news of Mary Lee’s death. But I am comforted by the purpose of her life — a life given to the service of others and a life that reflected the beauty of God’s love.
Go Beyond 
Beautiful words for a beautiful person.
By: Amy Granger on May 18, 2010
at 1:26 PM
Mary Lee stored up for herself treasures in heaven and not on this earth as she prayerfully trusted the LORD for all of her needs.
She had the sweetest, kindest spirit that drew others to her instantly and was truly a living testimony to her Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. If I know Mary, her last prayers were for the needs of those at Something Blessed. Thank you Omar for remembering this precious saint.
By: Connie Sloan on May 18, 2010
at 4:27 PM
Omar – I am grieved to learn of the passing of Ms. Mary. I never had the honor to meet her in person. I only spoke with her once over the phone when you requested I interview her for the Go Beyond newsletter. However, I can say with all honesty I was blown away by Ms. Mary. She truly had the heart and mind of a servant. And, I am quite sure Ms. Mary has heard the words “well done my good and faithful servant” upon approachng the throne of her King, Christ Jesus.
By: Kingsland Justice on May 18, 2010
at 8:53 PM
Omar,
It’s so hard to say good-bye to my friend Mary Lee. I loved her. I’ve learned so much from her. She was my mentor and my sister in Christ. We have know each other for over sixteen years. We have laughed, cried, and prayed together. I was blessed to have know her. I will miss her.
I remember the day I met her, God spoke to me and asked me to go over and give her a hug. I had never met her before but I did it. We were put in each others lives for a reason.
I was blessed to have her as my friend. When John and I served in missions at First Baptist for Beth Moore’s class, I invited Mary to come and speak to the class. I will never forget Beth getting down on her knees and just telling Mary she was blessed to have met her.
She and others who have met Mary have seen the Holy Spirit in her. I think the name of the shelter says it all, “Something Blessed.” That was Mary Lee. Good bye, my good friend.
By: Gemma Torres on May 18, 2010
at 9:20 PM
Thanks for the memories. I always enjoyed going to visit Something Blessed with you. Mary Lee was a true blessing!!!
By: Herschel on May 19, 2010
at 4:20 AM
I love how Mary has left a lasting imprint of Christ even in her passing. This is a beautiful testimony of our eternal God and how he provides for all of his children. Mary is a wonderful reflection of God’s love and of the life of a dedicated servant. I pray her legacy will continue.
By: Mary Quin on May 19, 2010
at 10:17 AM
Thank you for sharing this, Omar. Now I cannot help but wonder – what will happen to Something Blessed? Is there someone in place to continue the ministry? Has God raised up a successor? Mary Lee will be a tough act to follow!
By: Lanni on May 19, 2010
at 10:59 AM
Omar-
Mary Lee passed away! At the same time she leave some assignments for the people those we are still living in the world. She showed the people of the world, how to having actions of Christian faith! If I have faith- I’ll have love. If I have love- I‘ll have action, if I have actions- it’ll demonstrate before the people, and world will see this!
Thanks God, for her great activates and taught us.
I understand through your article, Mary Lee was able to show the world that, how to cares others! Thanks for sharing such a story of Mary Lee.
Mortuza Biswas
Bangladesh
By: Mortuza Biswas on May 19, 2010
at 11:34 AM
Omar,
What a fitting tribute to a truly beautiful spirit filled woman! I will never forget Mary Lee’s sweet smile and words of encouragement to the people she so lovingly served. God’s fingerprints were on everyone she touched! Thank you Omar for making the connection for us all to be blessed by Mary Lee!
In Him,
Eva Haier
By: Eva Haier on May 19, 2010
at 11:07 PM
Omar,
I am sorry for the loss of your friend.
Tammy
By: tammy swofford on May 20, 2010
at 7:43 PM