Mary Dolive's Obituary
Services for Mary Virginia Dolive will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, June 6th at First Christian Church, Longview.
Mary Virginia Bays Dolive was born to Joel Hugh and Verna Beatrice Buckner Bays on December 18, 1925 in Marshall, Texas. She grew up in Marshall, graduated from Marshall High School, then St. Mary's Business College. She joined the Christian Church at the age of 12.
In 1946 she married Billy Joe Baird in Marshall. Billy Joe passed away in 1970. She is survived by their son Billy Baird Jr. and his wife Kas from Scottsdale, Arizona, and daughter Barbara Baird of Longview.
Mary had the unique ability to mould one family from two. When she married Wayne Bruce Dolive in 1977 she did just that. They had 35 wonderful years together. She is further survived by her step-children, David Dolive and wife Melanie, Brian Dolive and wife Peggy, sister-in-laws Glenda Bays of Longview, Dorothy Bays, and Sandra Bays, as well as brother-in-laws J.M. Dolive, Don Dolive and wife Ladye Jane, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, including nephew Brad Bays and wife Stacy of Tyler and niece Jennifer Ulrich and husband Seth of Cypress, Texas.
Mary was Grandmother to seven lucky grandchildren: Elizabeth Baird, Drew Baird of Taylor, South Carolina, Evan Dolive and wife Miranda of Orange, Texas, Caitlin Dolive, Emily Dolive, Haley Dolive and Daniel Dolive, all of Longview. Plus, two great-grandchildren, Violet Dolive and Reid Dolive.
Mary was a skilled seamstress, making her own clothes equal to those purchased at Neiman Marcus, doll clothes, and projects for her church, First Christian Church of Longview. Her involvement in the church was extensive and she was once President of the Christian Women's Fellowship. She also developed a passion for genealogy and family history, often making trips to continue her research.
Mary had a most gracious, loving spirit and unassuming personality. She went to be with her Lord on the morning of June 2, 2012. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings Joe Bays, Roy Bays, Edward Bays and sister Lenora Bays.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund, or any charity of your choice.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?