Mary Joyce Foley

Mary Joyce was born the youngest of four children on September 1, 1935, to Harold and Alveretta McNeil of Houston, TX.

Mary graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School in 1953 and Franklin Beauty School in 1957. She kept her cosmetology license current to ensure she always had a viable career. Mary was hard working and generous, but it was her love for taking care of others that led her to desire a career in nursing. Mary attended Prairie View A&M University, Alvin Junior College and lastly, UT Galveston to pursue her degree in Nursing. She was determined to succeed despite life’s hurdles.

Mary met the love of her life, Alvin E. Foley, in 1961 and they were married on June 15, 1964.

Loving and serving God was the only option for Mary. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and faithfully served in numerous capacities at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church for many years until her health declined.

Mary accomplished many milestones in her life. She worked at M.D. Anderson Hospital for 30 years from February 17, 1964, until her retirement on January 31, 1995. Her retirement came after working a total of 40 years in the healthcare industry. She served as the Worthy Matron of Queen Marie of Eastern Star, Chapter 164 for many years. She originally joined Eastern Star in April 1964 and remained active until 2002. Mary was blessed to attend her 50th High School Class Reunion in 2003. She then celebrated 40 years of marriage in June 2004, right before her husband’s passing.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; three siblings: Ruth Carter, Harold McNeil, Jr. and Jack McNeil; her loving and devoted husband of 40 years, Alvin E. Foley, Sr. and one stepson, Alvin “Edgar” Foley, Jr.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory three children: Cassandra Revels, Joseph Milton Foley (Ursula) and Barbette Andrus (Rodney); one stepson who she raised as her own, Bernard Foley (Lisa); five grandchildren: Joshua Foley, Bernard Foley II, Jordan Foley, London Andrus and Aspen Andrus; one step-grandson, Joseph McKelvey; four brothers-in-law: John, Harold (Deborah), Daniel and Jerome Taylor; her beloved nieces and nephews and a multitude of other family members and close friends.