Service Saturday, January 7, 2023 11:00 AM New Jerusalem Baptist Church 1420 Borton St, Wichita Falls, TX 76306 Rev. Angus B. Thompson, Pastor

Visitation Friday, January 6, 2023 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Wells Chapel 811 Woods Street

Mary Allen Griner-Land was born June 6, 1942 in Palestine, Texas to the union of Rev. George Wilson and Loren Farris-Wilson. She was affectionately known as "Red". Mary grew up serving and singing with her sisters in churches pastored by their father Rev. George Wilson. She was one of eleven siblings: Wanda Ford, Jean Walford, Marie Estus, Brenda Griner, Elzie Wilson, Laverne Boyce, Charles Wilson and the late Sir Vaughn Wilson-Denis, the late Everette Wilson and the late Ray Wilson.

After high school, she met and married John Griner in 1959. They had three children; Cynthia (Billy) Jackson, Carmen Rae Griner and John (England) Griner, Jr. In 1990, John Sr. passed. Four years later she met Billy Land. She and Billy married in January 1997.

Mary was a devoted member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church for over 40 years. She was a Deaconess, member of the women’s missionary, the choir and served Meals on Wheels. Also, she could be called on to fill in playing the piano.

Mary loved playing the tambourine and piano while singing gospel songs. She loved sewing, antique shopping and working in her yard. She loved cooking for her family and friends. She only cooked from scratch and was an excellent baker. Be it shifting flour for homemade dinner rolls to baking cookies, pecan pies, sweet potato pies, pound cakes or tea cakes; all were award winning.

Mary was a great homemaker and domestic worker and always maintained a clean house. It has been said by her sisters, "You could eat off Mary's floors".

Family and holiday gatherings were paramount to Mary. She loved preparing and hosting Thanksgiving Day for family to celebrate with food, games, music and dancing.

Mary was known for her elegance, grace, and a smile that brightened every room. She was compassionate for the needs of others. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, cook a meal, or sit and visit with those when loved ones could not be there.

Mary always loved the Lord and served in His house. When she could no longer attend services, she would listen to sermons and gospel music praising the Lord. Mary passed peacefully from this life and into the gates of Heaven, at the age of 80, on December 27, 2022 with family by her side.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. George and Loren Wilson; brothers, Everette Wilson and Ray Wilson; sister, Sir Vaughn Wilson-Denis; first husband, John Griner Sr.; daughter, Carmen Rae Griner and brother-in-law’s, Bobby Ford, Edward Griner and Don Estus.

Loved ones left to carry on her legacy and cherish her memory are husband, Billy Land; daughter, Cynthia (Billy) Jackson; son, John (England) Griner; step-sons, Lloyd Franklin and Floyd Franklin; grandchildren, Enesia Jackson, Cherrelle Jackson, London Brantley and Dr. Jaionn (Nick) Griner-Giachetti; great-grandchildren, Jaden Jackson, Arya Gilyard, Andre Gilyard Jr., Gavin Bradley, Grayson Weaver, Adrian Ferretiz, Joshua Ferretiz; sisters, Jean (Robert) Walford, Wanda Ford, Marie Estus, Brenda Griner, Laverne (Ivory) Boyce; brothers, Elzie Wilson, Charles Wilson; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, family and friends that loved her dearly.