Mary Lena Terry-Saddon, the beloved oldest child of the late Albert and Lucinda Davis Terry, was born on September 10, 1949, in Warrenton, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Michael Saddon; daughter, Linda Seward-Blash; sisters, Annie Terry Crudup, Laverne Terry, and Cindy Terry Spell; and brother, James Albert Terry.

Mary began her education in Warrenton, North Carolina, and continued her schooling at the former Henderson Institute High School in Henderson, North Carolina, after her family relocated to Vance County.

At an early age, Mary made Richmond, Virginia her home. She dedicated more than 30 years of faithful service to Richmond Public Schools, where she worked diligently until her retirement. Richmond remained her home for over 50 years. In her later years, as her health declined, she resided at Autumn Care Nursing Home in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Even there, her joyful spirit and wonderful sense of humor kept the staff smiling and laughing.

Mary truly loved life and lived it to the fullest. She cherished spending time with her family and friends, shopping, fishing, and traveling. She was especially known for preparing and serving her famous seafood salad, a dish that brought joy to many. Mary also took great pride in her appearance—no one could wear a wig with more style and confidence than she could.

Mary's warmth, laughter, strength, and love touched countless lives. She will be deeply and sincerely missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Mary leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving son, Rondell Bolden of Richmond, Virginia; two grandsons, Donte Blash (Moesha) and Sylvester Seward of Rockville, Maryland; and one granddaughter, Limeisha Blash of Richmond, Virginia. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Dudley Blash of Raleigh, North Carolina; three sisters, Georgia Winnegan, Shirley Richardson (Harold), and Swanetta Moore, all of Henderson, North Carolina; and one brother, Anderson Terry of Cincinnati, Ohio. She also leaves behind two maternal aunts, Cassie Harris of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Mamie Phillip of Manhattan, New York, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. Among those friends were three especially devoted companions: Angela Chandler, Antoinette D. Smith, and Dr. Natasha A. M. Smith.