Mary Kathleen Grier

Mary Kathleen Grier, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on October 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 8, 1954, in McAlester, Oklahoma, Mary was the cherished daughter of Troy Carter Sr. and Helen Carter Valdez. She is predeceased by her parents and her brother, Troy Carter Jr., and leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will continue to inspire those who knew her. Mary's life was a testament to the power of love and dedication. She married the love of her life, James Grier Sr., on December 2, 1972, in Florida. Together, they shared an extraordinary 58 years, of which 53 were spent in the bliss of marriage. Their union was blessed with two sons, James Grier Jr. (April) and Christopher Grier (Amber), and a daughter-in-law, Jeannie, who brought immense joy to her life. Mary was the proud grandmother of six grandchildren—Dalton (Jill), Elizabeth (Timmy), Riley (Jaimee), Kegan (Lani), Nevaeh, and Leland—and three great-grandchildren, Nova, Raelynn, and Calista. She leaves behind one brother, Troy Carter II (Shery), and a sister, Gloria (Randy), 5 nieces, and 3 nephews, along with great-nieces and nephews, and friends she considered family. Mary's home was a place of warmth and welcome, reflecting her nurturing spirit and generous heart. Known for her quick wit and the humor she inherited from her father, Mary had an extraordinary ability to make everyone around her feel cherished and at ease. Her home was always open, and she never let a guest leave without offering a meal and a kind word. Her Sunday tradition of sending messages filled with love and blessings to her contacts was a testament to her caring nature. An ardent supporter of her grandchildren, Mary was a familiar face at their sports games, cheering enthusiastically from the sidelines. Her love for the outdoors, particularly the mountains, was only rivaled by her passion for reading the Bible and discussing her faith. Mary was also an avid puzzler, enjoying the challenge of both jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and she treasured moments spent playing games with her family. Her talent for capturing precious family moments in photographs ensured that those memories would be cherished for generations. Mary's life was a beacon of love, faith, and joy. Her outgoing personality and empathetic nature made her a confidante to many, and her absence will be deeply felt. Yet, her legacy will continue, carried on by her devoted husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as the many friends she considered family. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you send that Sunday message she will no longer be able to send herself, honoring Mary's generous spirit and her lifelong commitment to lifting others up. Her light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.