Mary Beverly Leigh Blalock, of Birmingham, Alabama, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 26, 2012. She was surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born on August 12, 1951 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and she grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. She was a graduate of Northside High School and Randolph-Macon Woman’s College. She also completed studies in Fine and Decorative Arts at New York University. While in college, she met the love of her life, John Butler Blalock, Jr. They married on August 2, 1974 and lived in Birmingham where he attended medical school. Mary taught elementary school during this time, but soon retired to devote herself entirely to her family, friends and faith. Mary was an active member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. She especially enjoyed teaching after-school Bible clubs and hosting events for missionary wives. Her talents and creativity were evident in many areas of her life. When her children were young, she enjoyed hand sewing beautiful clothing for them. Later, her interests included interior design and flower arranging. She was always eager to help others with her tasteful design advice or a beautiful flower arrangement. Her many friends will remember Mary’s positive attitude, gentle manner and gracious, giving heart. But most of all they will remember her joyful devotion to her husband, her children, her sisters, and her parents – and all that interested them. Her friend and minister for many years, Bill Hay said, “Mary knew how to live each day with grace and joy. Even in the difficult times of her illness, this was true. Her strength came from her priorities, and they were constant: her love for the Lord, her family and her friends.” Mary was preceded in death by her sister, Martha Polk Leigh. She is survived by her husband, Dr. John Butler Blalock, Jr., her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Melancthon Leigh (Martha) of Columbus, Mississippi, her children, Beverly Blalock McCloskey (Jim), John Butler Blalock IV (Ellen), and Frank Melancthon Leigh Blalock. She is also survived by her sisters, Frances Leigh McCarty (Rucker) and Beverly Leigh Truslow (Don), her grandchildren, Anna Grace McCloskey, Mary Beverly McCloskey and Vivian Ashe Blalock, and her sister-in-law, Ann Blalock Lee (Parks). A graveside service will be held in Marion, Alabama, on Tuesday, May 29 at 2:00 p.m. at the Marion Cemetery. The family will receive friends afterward in the St. Wilfrid’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall. A memorial service will be held in Birmingham on Wednesday, May 30 at 2:00 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends at the church at 1:30 and after the service at home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to House of Hope for Women, St. Vincent’s Foundation or St. Wilfrid’s Episcopal Church. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11