Musical Prelude..................................................................................................................................Daniel Grant Processional......................................................................................................... The Clergy Officials & Family Prayer of Invocation........................................................................................ Minister Scott O. Cumberbatch Prophetic Church of God, Paterson, NJ Praise & Worship....................................................................................................................................................... The Holy Scripture Readings..............................................................Deacon Dwayne Washington Old Testament - Lamentations 3:21-24 & New Testament- 2 Timothy 2:15 Prayer of Comfort.............................................................................................................. Apostle John Payton, Perfecting Holiness Outreach Ministry, Philadelphia, PA Musical Selection....................................................................................................................................................... Acknowledgements & Life Reflection.....................................................................Dr. Nyota P. Sadler, MD Tributes & Reflections by Clergy......................................................................... Two minutes limits, please Tributes & Reflections............................................................................................ Two minutes limits, please Representing the Family.......................................................................................................................................... (The grandchildren) Endi Dabney-Cox, Chantal Jones, Jacques Green & Stephon Jones Musical Selection...................................................................................................................................... “God IS” Message of Comfort.....................................................................................................Pastor Rufus V. Strother Prayer of Reflection......................................................................................................Pastor Rufus V. Strother Funeral Directors Remark & Instructions..................................................Watson Mortuary Service, Inc “When We All Get To Heaven” Recessional........................................................................................................... The Clergy Officials & Family
Interment
Friday, January 22, 2021 Atlantic City Cemetery/Greenwood Cemetery Doughty Road, Pleasantville, New Jersey 08232
The Reverend Mary Peace Dabney was joyfully received by her Heavenly Father on January 12, 2021, surrounded by her husband, daughter and grandchildren. From the moment of her birth on August 3, 1934, until last breath granted by God, Mary lived a life after God’s own heart, giving herself as a vehicle for divine healing, deliverance, and compassion. Mary was one of 6 children of the Reverend Robert L. and Mary M. Peace, both of whom preceded her in death. She grew up in Jersey City, NJ, where she attended and graduated from public schools. As the youngest girl in the family, Mary was beloved by her siblings. She enjoyed supporting her sibling’s pursuits and was the biggest encourager and cheerleader. From a young age Mary took after her Creator; she was gifted with a green thumb and an affinity for cooking, taking over her own mother’s traditional yeast rolls which would later be a staple of nearly every family and church function Mary hosted and attended. At the age of 12, Mary would go out of her community, bringing little children home to wash and iron their clothes, then taking them back to their neighborhoods. This was the start of her ministry of compassion, and she would later accept the call to preach the gospel and was ordained by the New Jersey Ministerial Conference in 1987. Second Timothy chapter two, verse fifteen, declares “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Reverend Dabney’s educational achievements include: Garden State Bible School of South Jersey; Early Child Development in Macon, GA; Vocational and Technical of Bibb County, Macon, GA; under study with her husband at the Reformed Episcopal Seminary in Philadelphia, PA; and home study courses from several correspondence courses. Mary believed that teaching is very rewarding—with diligent research, the truth and knowledge comes alive as one investigates God’s word. Mary met her husband, Reverend Dr. Edward L. Dabney, on Zion’s Hill (West Middlesex Campground, Pennsylvania). He was raised with a solid foundation of faith; Edward’s mother Blanche Dabney (deceased) became more than a mother-in-law to Mary—she was just Mother. They were joined in marriage on January 19, 1957 and went on to have four beautiful children: Dona Dabney Pruitt (York, PA); Stephanie Dabney Sampson (deceased); Paul (and Ebony) Dabney (Galloway, NJ); and Nicolette Dabney (York, PA). Edward served in the US Air Force, and Mary made friends all over the country as she supported her husband’s service. After the couple’s first pastorship in Macon, GA, they settled in Pleasantville, NJ, pastoring together at Friendship Church of God. From Pleasantville, the Lord called them to serve at Philadelphia’s Community Church of God. Following in their parent’s footsteps, Mary and Edward cultivated an atmosphere of hospitality and giving in their home and in their life of ministry side by side. Mary and Edward retired from formal ministry at Ebenezer Redeeming Love Church of God in Philadelphia; Mary continued to disciple dozens of young believers whose dedication to the Gospel continues today.
One of Mary’s many accomplishments includes the founding of the Garwood Center Women’s Summit Connection, a Christian Bible School with a three-year certification course. As both founder and teacher, Reverend Dabney was able to fulfill the calling God placed on her life—to minister healing to women, walking beside them in the power of the Holy Spirit as they pull down strongholds and build each other up. Some of her engagements included speaking at the National Association of the Church of God, Pastors Summit of 1999 in the City of Philadelphia as well as many local churches for special services and events. She was recognized as “Woman of the Year” in 2001 by the women of Ebenezer, and included in Who’s Who in 2006 by the Professional Women of Manchester. Mary’s ministry did not only take place outside the home; she is remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother, and many recalled Aunt Mary’s joyful laughter filling a room. Mary presided over many hallmark moments in the lives of her family and congregants over the years: from the sacred ceremony of marriage to the blessed celebration of a life passed into eternity, Reverend Dabney called Heaven down to Earth to provide healing, restoration, teaching, joy, and deliverance. No pastor can lead who does not love the people she may be called upon to lead—the effect of Mary’s leadership has impacted eternity, and the strength of her spirit lives on in the lives of her family and friends. Revered Dabney’s mission field extended far beyond the pulpit into her community. When she was in public, she was quick with an encouraging or inspirational word for anyone lucky enough to cross her path—since she loved to shop, she was a regular character in the lives of the clerks who helped define her excellent style, and they often knew her by name. Together with her husband, Mary built a life that balanced family, ministry, and blessing. Mary was gifted in many areas, but perhaps the most extraordinary legacy she leaves behind is that of an overcomer. Through Nicky, her special needs child, she transformed a ministry that once relied on traveling into a ‘mailing ministry’ to women. Reverend Dabney was devoted to prayer, fasting, giving of herself, counseling, and tarrying with the Lord; she would not be deterred from following His leading no matter what stumbling block may have risen. Mary was able to make something beautiful out of nothing, nourishing hundreds of bodies and souls during her 86 years on God’s earth. Reverend Dabney is preceded in death by: her loving parents Rev. Robert L. Peace and Mary; her mother-in-love Blanche Dabney; her daughter Stephanie Dabney; siblings Roger L (and Mae) Peace, Robert “Bobby” (and Marion) Peace, and Beatryce (and James) Ashby. The Reverend Mary Peace Dabney leaves to cherish husband Reverend Dr. Edward Dabney, and children Dona Dabney Pruitt (of York, PA), Paul Dabney and wife Ebony (of Galloway, NJ), and Nicolette Dabney (of York, PA). Also mourning her loss are grandchildren Endi Dabney-Cox (Morris) of York PA, Chantal Jones of York PA, Jacques Green (Violet) of Columbus OH, Stephon Jones of Maryland, London Pruitt and Kristen Pruitt of Galloway NJ. Mary was blessed with great-grandchildren Christopher R. Holmes, Ameaul Jones Sr, Da’Jaila Wintermyers, Gobriel Jones, Brooklyn Orr, Shakur Kidd, Antonio Alvarado, Faith Green, Stephanie Jones, and Aubrey Jordon. Great-great-grandchildren include Christian R. Holmes, Aviana Jones, Tru Banks, Ameual Jones Jr, Cameron Holmes, and Camari Holmes. Mary is also survived by her elder sister Anna Strother, of Columbus, OH and younger brother Alphonso Peace (Albertha), of Charleston, SC. The indelible legacy of the Reverend Mary P. Dabney is evidenced in the lives of her family, and at the sunset of her life on this Earth we mourn her passing and rejoice in the promise that we will be reunited in the perfect love of our Savior.
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