Mary E. Rayford was born November 1, 1924, in Turrell, Arkansas to the union of Aaron and Leanner Rosebud.  He parents, four brothers, Frank Earl, Aaron Rosebud, Jr., Selester Rosebud and L. V. Rosebud, Sr., her husband, Willie Rayford; a daughter, Velma Beverly Stewart and a son, Calvin Rayford all preceded her in death.

As a child she accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ as her Savior.  She was educated in Arkansas in different areas as her parents moved for better opportunities.  Mary was united in marriage to Will Rayford December 25, 1941.  Of that union they had five children and raised six, one being a godchild.  She was very dedicated to the Lord, to the family and friends.  She and her husband relocated to Kansas City in 1942, for better job opportunities and better educational opportunities for the family.

Will and Mary Rayford joined Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in the late 1940's. She always stressed to her children how important it was to know and serve the Lord.  Mother Rayford was an active member of the Hannah Missionary Circle and she served on the Ushers' Ministry until her health would no longer allow.

Mary never wanted babysitters for her children and for that reason she always worked nights while her husband worked days.  She would often say, "it's important that me or your daddy are around if you children need something."  She was always available to her family in every way.  She loved to cook; you could say it was her hobby and her life's work.  She was the first black female employee at Sidney's Restaurant.  She retired from Sidney's after 27 years.  She later began working at Baptist Medical Center as a cook and retired in 1989.  She loved to cook for the church on any occasion and often did so for fellowships and fundraisers.

Mary Rayford was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and a real friend to all that knew her.  Her physical presence with us will be greatly missed.

We thank the Lord for allowing her to be a part of our lives.  There is so much comfort in knowing that our loving God knows best.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her only sister, Rosalee Patterson (Cecil) of Bronson, FL; sister-in-law, Mary Rosebud of KCMO; daughters, Daisey Taylor (Jesse) and Delores King (Chris); her son, Rev. William Rayford (Emma) all of KCMO; goddaughter, Ethalia Jones, of Dallas, TX; twelve grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; thirteen great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and church family.

Services for Mrs. Rayford will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 18, 2020, at Progressive Baptist Church.    Burial Forest Hill Cemetery.  Friends may call from 9:00 A.M. until service time Saturday at the church.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc .