Mary A Boynton

Mary Alice Garrison Boynton, the daughter of the late Rev. Lorenzo and Mary Alice Garrison, born in Bayboro, North Carolina, May 2, 1930. She peacefully transitioned to her eternal rest April 28, 2023, at her home.

Mary was raised in the home of her parents in Bayboro, North Carolina along with twelve other siblings. Her parents were strong in their faith in the Lord and taught their children to walk the same path.

Mary attended and graduated from the local school system in Bayboro, North Carolina. After high school (Pimlico County High School), she enrolled in the Deshazor Beauty College in Durham, North Carolina. She graduated and soon began her career as a beautician. After following her dream as a beautician, she relocated to Red Bank, New Jersey in the early 1950’s. Mary soon joined the Pilgrim Baptist Church and served faithfully until her death. She dedicated her service to the G&M choir and the Morning Choir. She loved to sing.

Mary not only served her church, but the Red Bank community as well. She worked on the voting committee making sure that everyone was able to come out and vote in each election.

Mary was employed at the Dick’s Custard Stand on Shrewsbury Ave. and West Bergen Place. This is where the fun began. The kids would all gather there because “Miss Mary” as they all called her, would make sure they got the ice cream and the French fries. A lot of the times, “Miss Mary” would pay for them herself, “as grownups those same children stated, “they thought that the food was free”. She had such a love for children that none should be without.

After some time, Dick’s Custard Stand became Big Jim’s BBQ. Mary continued there until she was employed by AT&T as a security guard. When the position at Monmouth Daycare Center became available, she returned to her first Love, the children. Mary remained at the Daycare Center taking care of children until she retired in the year, 2014, after 30 years of service. At the Center she became the “LOVE” figure to the children, teachers, and parents. She taught by example that the Love of Christ is your Life.

At her retirement, Mary was honored by the Boro of Red Bank with a Resolution for her years of community service from Mayor Pasquale Menna, the Mayor of Red Bank. When Mary was asked, what’s the most important message she tried to impart to the children, her answer was, “You treat others as you want to be treated” and “Love each other as Jesus has Loved you.”

Her favorite hobbies were “READING” and “DANCING”. She could dance you out of your shoes anyday. She also LOVED spending time with her family and enjoyed attending the Garrison Family Reunions every year. 

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Rev Lorenzo and Alice Garrison, Sisters, Emma Moore, Neva Jackson, Dorothy Patrick, Willie Credle and Annie Bowden. Brothers, Herman Lee, Lorenzo Jr, and Walter Garrison. Son, Ernest Flax. Grand-son Karon Flax. Great-Granddaughters Kiara Mitter and Zante Beauford. Sisters-Law, Helen Garrison, Dolores Garrison, Brothers-law, Elder Alphonso Hamilton, Stephen Davis, Johnnie Moore Sr., Homer Credle Sr., William Patrick and Tim Jackson Sr.

Mary leaves to cherish and celebrate her memories: Children, daughter, Michele Boynton, sons, James “Jimmy” Vickers, Ronald “Ronnie” Vickers, and Edgar “ER” Boynton. Sisters, Katherine “Kitty” Hamilton, Eva Davis, Brothers, Charles Garrison, Jesse Garrison (Mattie), and Phillip Garrison. Fourteen Grandchildren, Rocky, Akeia, Keron, Dei Dei, Paris, Jared, Tariek, Shariff, Ronald, Keith, Renee, Ahmir, Ronjahnea, and Tanisha, 26 Great-Grandchildren, one Great Great Grandchild, one grand-dog, Benji James, two Daughters of the heart, Donna Mitter and Erica Baldwin, adopted MDCC children Henry Tindal and Peggy McCarthy Hughes and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Mary was LOVED and will be MISSED.  

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