Marylu Bertha Brayboy blessed out lives on July 11, 1931. The ninth child of Maggie and Melvin Brayboy was born in Lake City, South Carolina. She came to Baltimore, Maryland in 1945 where she lived out the rest of her life. She always reminded us that where you start out in life is not always where you end up. Mary was educated in Baltimore City schools. She worked as a domestic and several factories around the city and retired from the John Hopkins organization in 2003. She was a dependable and reliable employee. She made many friends, touched and inspired many lives with her kindness and generosity. Mary never hesitated to offer a thoughtful word and prayer to anyone she met. Ms. Brayboy met and loved Richard H. Neal of Bladen, Noth Carolina. Ms. Brayboy and Richard had three children, Michel Y. Neal 1988, Kenneth H. Neal GA and Audrey J. Neal Baltimore. She would always tell us that you have to love others in spit of everything. Sister Brayboy was an honorable and devout Christian. She was constanly active in the church for many years. Sister Brayboy loved the word of God and knew her Bible well. She served as an active member of the body of Christ, a Sunday School teacher, a Bible study leader, and revered as a church mother and fellowship cook. Mother Brayboy was always a loyal friend who brought honesty and patience to her relationships. She was a trusted confidant that incorporated spirituality and clarity to any situation. She remained a prophetic advisor and a compassionate counselor throughout her life. She was a poised listener ready to assist anyone wherever she could and would give her last to help another. Mother Brayboy encouraged all of us to pray for someone other than ourselves. Ms. Bertha was a self taught seamtress and could make anything with precision, from prom dresses, chair covers, place mats, hats and scarves, to curtains, dolls blankets and handkerchiefs. Her skills ablities, and ingenuity was equal to any professional and left us with many keepsakes and heirlooms. Mommy was an original and masterful cook. Her delicious creations of pound cakes, pies, biscuits, chicken pot pies, cobblers and fried chicken left all of our mouths watering for more. Her ex made-from-scratch rainbow chocolate cake will always be at the top of our list of favorites. Grandma always challenged us to be and give the best of ourselves. She offered us her help and words of encouragement at every opportunity. Grandma always wanted us to be better than the situation, to pray and trust in the Lord for His kindness and mercy, and she never let us forget that prayer changes things. She remains unmatched in her kindess, generosity strength of spirit, discernment, analytical ability and tolerance. To knew her was to love her, a true talanted role model. So many people loved her. We are all blessed that God has favored us with her life. Her spirit and the lessons she taught will forever remain an inspiration to so many. Those of us who mourn her are far and wide. Her sisters Icybell McClan Sumter, S.C., Emma Pretlow Baltimore, Md. and her brother Troy Brayboy Sumter, S.C. will be remembered in our prayers. Her grandchidren and great-grandchildren brought joy to her life and smiles to her face. Our mother loved many and embraced us all as her family. She called many daughters, son, grandchild, sister, brother and friend. Her daughter Audrey J. Neal Baltimore and her son Kenneth H. Neal GA ask that you join with us as we bid her peace and say thank you to her for all she has given us.