Mary Leon Lunsford was born on her family's farm home outside Minden, LA. She was the ninth child of eight girls and two boys born to Lula Mae Moreland Lunsford and Douglas Durwood Lunsford.

Mary graduated from Minden High School and attended business college in Shreveport, LA. While there, she met Carl Shrader, a young airman stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base.

In April 1951, Mary and Carl eloped and were married in Texarkana, AR. The couple settled in suburban Washington, DC, where their two boys were born.

As a stay-at-home mom throughout her boys' formative years, she provided the family with a foundation that included active membership in the church, a healthy respect for teachers and education, and an appreciation for the opportunities offered by living near our nation's capital.

Once her sons had grown and left home to pursue their adult lives, Mary and Carl moved to Severna Park, MD. Mary became an avid golfer and bird watcher, while continuing to embrace her life as wife, mother, and grandmother.

In their later years, Mary and Carl moved to Charlotte, NC to be near their grandchildren. Carl passed away in 2009, but Mary continued in her role as matriarch.

Mary is survived by her two sons and their wives, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Mary and Carl loved their family, they loved their Lord, and they loved to dance. So, they are now both with the Lord Jesus Christ, where they no doubt are dancing together again: "Dance, then, wherever you may be, for I am the Lord of the Dance, you see; and I lead you all, wherever you may be, and I lead you all in the dance,' said He."

Mary was a devoted member of Weddington United Methodist Church, where a celebration service will be held Thursday, June 25 at 4:00pm. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Published in The Charlotte Observer, Charlotte, NC, June 24, 2105.