Obituary

Mary Elisabeth Bivins 

August 14, 1990 - November 21, 2023

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”  Revelations 21:4

Mary’s Earthly Beginning

Mary Elisabeth Bivins was born August 14, 1990 to the parents of Lee Anthony Butler and Gwendolyn Elizabeth Calahan at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, in Covington, Louisiana. Born premature, weighing 1lb, 7ozs, the miracle child, Mary was the world’s gift. She remained in the hospital fighting for life as a miracle for nearly 8 months. Because the Lord had a plan for her life, Mary was immediately blessed to be connected with a very special nurse named Ella Corder. Ella took special care of Mary, and their bond grew beyond words. This bond afforded Mary the opportunity to be raised for nearly 3 years by Ella, and her husband, Joe Corder. Because of this special love, Ella and Joe were selected to become Mary’s Godparents. Mary’s family grew, as she now had God-siblings: Kimberly and Fred Corder.

Mary’s Life

At 3 years of age, Mary moved in with Eddie Lee and Stella Mae Bivins, her maternal uncle and aunt. After the passing of Eddie, Stella legally adopted Mary at the age of 4 years old. Again, Mary’s was blessed, her family grew even more. She immediately gained 4 additional siblings and a host of nieces and nephews by adoption. Stella raised Mary as her own and Mary was a treasure to her growing family. Mary attended various schools, including Folsom Elementary, Folsom Junior High, and Covington High Schools. During her educational matriculation in high school, Mary successfully completed the Certified Nursing Assistant Program, thus receiving her CNA Certificate. Soon after high school graduation, Mary entered JOB Corps. 

Mary’s Impact

From the very beginning of our precious Mary’s life, she made a very deep impact on every life she met. Her soft voice, gift of chatter, passion for bonding, and gift of love made Mary all so easy to love. Simply put, Mary never met a stranger who she did not adopt as her own. Children always became dearest to Mary. In Mary’s words, “That’s TeTe’s baby.” And that was to many. 

Mary’s Earthly Conclusion

Mary was preceded in death by her biological mother, Gwendolyn Calahan, brother, James Calahan, grandparents, Clarence & Rachel Roberts, & God-father, Joe Corder. 

On Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at around 2:30pm, after a great deal of illness, the miracle child, Mary was called home for eternal rest in Temple, Texas. 

She leaves to cherish her memory, her adoptive-mother, Stella Bivins; Siblings, Bridgethe Bivins, Ricky Bivins, Darrell (Erica) Bivins, Veronica (Wendell) Sams, Andre Calahan, Jerlesha (Gary) Moore, Tatiana Calahan, Tyrell Calahan, biological father, Leeanthony Butler; Paternal Grandmother, Helen Steward; God-mother, Ella Corder; God-brother, Fred Corder & God-sister, Kimberly Corder; and a  host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. 

A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 8:00AM - 10:00AM followed by funeral service at 10:00AM at Midway Church of Christ Holiness USA with Bishop Leroy Divinity, Jr. - Pastor Officiating. 

Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton are in charge of arrangements.