Mary Elizabeth Picott Trower was born in Cheapside, Virginia to the late Ella Mae Picott Perry.  She received her education in the Northampton County Public School System. At a young age, Mary was eager to learn and prove herself a hard worker, helping her mother cook, clean, and raise her siblings. She was always independent, working nearly every cooking job from Cheapside to Temperanceville, Virginia. 

In the early 1990s, Mary decided to move to Philadelphia and returned to Virginia in early 2000, where she worked with the elderly and also continued cooking. She usually held two jobs, never taking any time off, no vacation, no holidays, or birthdays. If someone called out, she would call in. She spent all of her time working and taking care of her 
family and others; never to retire.

In September 2023, Mary’s health began to decline, causing her to step down from her job, but she was still determined to get at least two 
days per week. Mary was truly dedicated to everyone she knew and everything she loved. Mary gave her life to God and kept her faith wholeheartedly. She was known and loved by many people and touched many lives. She will greatly be missed. 

Mary is predeceased by her mother, Ella Mae Picott Perry, grandson, Lonnie Wydell Smith, Jr., brothers, Arthur Lee Perry Jr., and Robert Lee 
Perry.

Mary leaves to cherish her memories: her husband, James E. Trower; daughter, Angela Smith (Eric); granddaughter, Quintara Smith; two great-granddaughters, Trinity Mae Kellam and Journie Brielle Smith-Bunting; three sisters, Diane Picott Williams, Mary Lee Hines (Michael), Judy Dixon (Michael); brother, Henry Picott; brother-in-law, Kenneth Trower (Helen); aunt, Leonia Wynder, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.