Chief Mother Mary Alice Wesley

With profound sorrow yet heartfelt gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Chief Mother Mary Alice Wesley, who transitioned peacefully from labor to reward on May 18, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on December 29, 1931, in McDavid, Florida, to the late Annie Spillers and Benjamin Tolbert, Mary Alice was a beacon of faith, wisdom, and love, whose life was a testament to her unwavering devotion to God and her family. Mary Alice's journey was marked by perseverance and an insatiable quest for knowledge. After beginning her education at Richardson High School in Lake City, she earned her high school equivalency certificate in 1975, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to personal growth. She furthered her education at Knight’s Beauty College, graduating in 1976 as a Cosmetology Instructor, and later achieved her dream of obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Christian Education from Apex School of Theology in Durham, NC. In 2013, she proudly earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theology, an accomplishment that underscored her lifelong dedication to learning and spiritual leadership. Mary Alice married the late Bishop John D. Wesley in Daytona Beach, FL, and together they raised a devoted family, blessed with four daughters and two sons. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering faith were constants in the lives of her children: Elder Carolyn Wesley, Apostle Deborah Brown, Deacon John Wesley (Eleanor), Apostle Dr. Titus Wesley (Benita), Peggy Dorsey (Andrew), and Deaconess LaVondra McCloud (Calvin). Her legacy continues through her 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, who carry forward her values and teachings. A revered evangelist and pastor, Mother Wesley dedicated over 60 years to ministering both domestically and internationally. Her powerful sermons and revivals touched lives across the United States, from Florida to Virginia, and even reached as far as Germany, where she and Sergeant Wesley received a Chaplains Appreciation Certificate in 1971 for their efforts in quelling racial unrest. Mary Alice's compassion extended beyond the pulpit; her voluntary work earned her the Volunteer of the Year Award from McCain Correctional Hospital in 1998. As the First Lady of Bible Center One Accord Holiness Church, she was frequently honored for her teaching ability, outstanding commitment, and dedication to her community. Predeceased by her parents, one daughter, four brothers, one sister, her beloved husband Bishop John D. Wesley, one grandson, and two great-grandsons, Mother Wesley leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loving relatives, friends, and countless Spiritual Sons and Daughters whose lives she enriched with her guidance and love. A service celebrating the extraordinary life of Chief Mother Mary Alice Wesley will be held on May 27, 2026, at 12:00 PM at the Bible Center One Accord Worldwide Church, located at 2330 Murchison Road, Fayetteville, NC. Family, friends, and all those touched by her kindness and steadfast faith are invited to come together in remembrance and gratitude for the indelible mark she left on this world. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pilgrim Grove One Accord Worldwide Church of God Incorporated, ensuring that Mary Alice's commitment to faith and community continues to inspire and uplift future generations. As we bid farewell to a remarkable woman, we find comfort in knowing that Chief Mother Mary Alice Wesley's spirit remains with us, her legacy of love, faith, and wisdom enduring in our hearts forever.