On the morning of Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, Mary transitioned home at 9:03am; the same numbers as the street address of the family home her father built.

Mary Marsh Blackstone was born Mary Magdeline Thorpe on December 3, 1943, to the late Chester Field Thorpe and Maggie Beasley in Walltown, Durham, NC. She had 3 older brothers: Arthur (Pete), Arviet William, and Norman and a younger sister Harriett. Mary was raised in a southern, family-oriented, Christian home. She was an active member of Saint John's Baptist Church, the church her father helped construct down the street and served on the Deacon board. She helped her mother raise her younger nephews and occasionally picked tobacco on her father's small tobacco farm. Her mother, who was unable to finish school instilled the value of education in all her children. When Mary graduated from Hillside High School in 1961, her mother was instrumental in the decision for Mary to attend Winston-Salem Teachers College (now Winton-Salem State University). There she made many friends, pledged Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated, and graduated in 1965 with a degree in Education. She would later receive her Master's degree in early childhood education from Trinity College in Washington, DC.

Mary began her teaching career at WB. Wicker school in Sanford, NC where she met Lacey Speight, also from Durham. In 1966 the two traveled to Connecticut for work and on the way back to NC they picked up one of Lacey's childhood friends, Frederick. Frederick found "something uniquely special" about her, was "determined to find out what it was", and in 1967 they were married in Harlem, NY The couple eventually moved to Washington, DC to be closer to family. Frederick started his career at Howard University while Mary started hers teaching Kindergarten at Harriet Tubman Elementary. They soon welcomed two children- Frederick Marsh, Jr. (Chip) and Kristal and the family settled in Silver Spring, MD on Malibu drive. Their home became the family hub with many cookouts, birthday parties, and visits over the years.

Mary loved many things including sewing, baking, and spending time with family, but she very much loved teaching children. She was a very dedicated and creative educator often using different props and artwork to connect with kids. She would often have Chip redraw characters from the Sunday comics to add to her classroom bulletin boards. She loved having fun with her class, but was an advocate of discipline to help develop her kids to their fullest potential. In addition to teaching Kindergarten, Mary was very active with Tubman's Student Government, providing leadership and council to older students- some being her former students. After over 30 years of changing lives and making friends at Tubman, Mary retired from the DC public school system. Hearing about her retirement, a longtime friend and fellow teacher informed her of an opportunity to teach kindergarten at John Bayne Elementary m Walker Mill, MD. Mary taught for an additional 2 years before FULLY retiring from teaching.

Never straying far from her roots, Mary was very active in her spiritual life as well. In 1983 the family joined Parker Memorial Baptist Church in Takoma Park. She became a member on the library committee, and helped raise money for college with the scholarship committee. The family grew in faith and participated in many church events and activities. Eventually, Mary and Frederick separated and after some time she met Eugene Blackstone through her cousin Dorothy. They married in January 2002 and Mary moved to Elkridge, MD. She joined Elkridge Christian Community Center, where she continued her calling to teach in their Faith Bible Institute (FBI). Now retired, Mary was committed to remaining active. She enjoyed daily walks with her friend Mary, and volunteering for Meals on Wheels delivering meals to those in need. She also helped care for her grandchildren and her sister Harriett when she became ill.

Mary was the family matriarch. She spent her life as a servant, companion, friend, and counselor. She will always be remembered as a loving woman with an open heart and hand, willing to serve and assist others with kindness, pleasant attitude and a smile. She loved her children and her students. She was the best mother, aunt, godmother, grandmother, and teacher anyone could ask for. Mary is survived by her two children, Frederick Marsh Jr. (Victoria) and Kristal Charles (Andrew), six grandchildren, Jasmyn, Corinn, Simone, Frederick Ajani, Dominic and Zuri as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, cousins and friends. She is predeceased in death by ' husbands Frederick Marsh, Eugene Blackstone, brothers Arthur N., A. William, and Norman T. Thorpe, and sister Harriett H. Washington.

In lieu of flowers, consider an online donation to Winston-Salem State University in Mary's honor using this link. Choose Department of Education (under CAMPUS PROGRAMS)

Tribute Gift Type: In Memory Of Honoree Title: Mrs.

Honoree Name: Mary Thorpe Marsh Blackstone

Or make checks payable to: WSSU Foundation, Inc. and in the memo section, write the same information above.

Mail to the following address:

Winston Salem State University

601 S MLK Jr. Dr.

311 Blair Hall

Winston-Salem, NC 27110