Mary Francis Chambliss (Newby), of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on February 24 after a battle with her health and heart. Her heart was so big, loving, brave, courageous, and full. She was surrounded by her loved ones at the time she passed. She was able to pass on knowing that she would be cared for and we would be alright as she went to reconnect with dad again. Mary (Mae) F. Chambliss was born to the late Meartie B. Newby on April 17, 1946, in Helena, Alabama (Jacksonville County). Meartie B and family relocated to Grand Rapids, MI in the early 1950's. This is where she grew up with her family, made life-long friendships, graduated from H.S, went to Davenport college, fell in love in the 1960's and met the love of her life, Edward Gerald Chambliss, and they wed and started on her next journey from Newby to being Mrs. Chambliss (Mama Chambliss). She was the mother of four daughters, Valerie, Cassandra (Gail), Lynda, and April. Our lovely mom was God fearing and a devoted Baptist. As a lady of grace and in His favor, she made sure that God was at the center of all of her decisions and in the way she raised and reared us. We grew up in the church and choir, and our mom was the church secretary at New St. Mark's Baptist Missionary Church during that time. She also made sure that we knew our dad's side of the family. Reverend Mr. and Mrs. Wright was a part of our lives growing up as Godparents (Second Baptist in Kalamazoo, MI.) When Mom had her first child, she decided to dedicate her life to being a loving wife, devoted mother, and raising a wonderful family. Mom excelled at motherhood and was the foundation of our family, through and through. After the passing of her husband at the age 36, she put her girls first and their successes and happiness. She was an excellent provider and carer of others, especially sacrificing and committing her life to the love, care, and welfare of her family. She dedicated her life to her family, her work, and in the service of others. Mom has always been there, willing to be the monarch of our family. The love that we as children have for our mom is expressed in many, many ways---in actions and in words. Mom was appreciated, admired, and full of unspoken gratitude that is in every child's heart. We love you and will miss your warmth, kindness, radiant smile, laughter, quick wit, classic beauty, and limitless grace. God called home His child and heaven got another angel. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Gerald Chambliss, her mother Meartie B Newby, Junior (Jr.) her eldest brother, another brother, Johnny C., and her eldest sister, Virginia B. She is survived by her daughters, Valerie, Lynda and April, as well as many grandchildren (Temia, Ronnise, Isaiah, Micheal, and Tatyana), grandpup Bella Baby, nieces, nephews, and friends. Along with her very special childhood and family friend Mrs. Violet Blackmon (Walker). Her siblings are listed from oldest to youngest, Her eldest brother Junior (Jr.), Virginia Brinkley, Glenda (Gigi) McDowell, Mary Ann Spates, Sheila Spates, George Allen Spates, and Kim Newby originally all from Michigan. After graduation from Central High School, she attended Davenport Community College. Mary Chambliss spent her working years with the State of Michigan, up to her retirement (Secretary of State office, Tether Unit, Probate Court, Administrative Building for Corrections, and retired out of MDOT Special Crews). Mary excelled at propping up her daughters, family, and friends while supporting them through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. If you would like to pay your respects, you are welcome to attend her visitation that we as a family are holding in her honor on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Zaagman's Memorial Chapel from 5-8 pm. Light refreshments (coffee and water are available). At a later date and time in Spring 2024, we will have a celebration of her birth and life as we reconnect dad and mom at his Garfield Park Cemetery plot (section 15 lot A (7A grave). (Mom's birthday is April 17, 2024).