Mary Virginia Rountree, 83, of New Haven, Connecticut, transitioned peacefully on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. She was born on March 1, 1941, in Gates County, North Carolina to the late John Henry Riddick and Maggie Beatrice Sawyer. She graduated from Central High School in Gates County, North Carolina in 1959. She moved to Connecticut in 1967 and reunited with Johnnie Rountree, the love of her life.
Mary first met Johnnie Lee Rountree in 1966, at a dance where they lived in North Carolina. They soon fell in love but were separated when Johnnie moved to New Haven for better job opportunities. They kept their love alive through letters and sharing their hopes and dreams to be reunited when Mary moved to New Haven, where they were married. Mary was known to be a compassionate and hard worker. She retired from the Town of North Haven Community Services Day Care after 28 years, doing what she loved — working with children.
Mary enjoyed spending time with her children David, Reginald, Valerie, and Christopher. Mary loved Christmas and the holidays. She also enjoyed sewing, shopping, dancing and socializing with friends. She would spend many hours sewing different garments, reading books, playing cards, and going to the casino with Johnnie and friends. She was a great party planner, hosting many wonderful events for family and friends.
Mary was a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Hamden for many years. Mary also attended Mount Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in New Haven. She was a member of the choir and, as a great seamstress, was honored to make gowns for her church family.
Mary leaves to cherish her memory, husband of 41 years, Johnnie Lee Rountree; her sons David (Brenda) Sutton, Reggie (Michelle) Sutton, and Christopher (Robin Manginelli) Sutton; special sisters-in-law Ida Mae Rountree and Catherine Rountree; special sister, Sandra Watts; seven sisters; grandchildren Tiffany, Charis, Whittney, Duncan (Reggie, Jr.), Maurice, Joanna, Shonta, Janae, Terrell, Shayna, Christopher, and Ava; 13 great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her daughter, Valerie Watts.
Mary was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
A celebration of her life will take place Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 26 Edwards St, Hamden, CT 06517. Friends may call Thursday at the church from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery, New Haven. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the Rountree family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com