Mary Ellen Lyons Fuller

Mary Ellen Lyons Fuller, 92, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, died August 3, 2017. A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held Monday, August 7, 2017, at River Hills Community Church in Lake Wylie, South Carolina, at 11am.

Mary was born January 17, 1925, to her beloved late parents Mae Bullinger Lyons and V. Ormsby Lyons in Petersburg, Michigan. When Mary was in the eighth grade, her family moved from Michigan to Pleasant Lake, Indiana. A 1943 graduate of Pleasant Lake High School, she was the drum major for three years, a fitting role for her because it was upon her suggestion that the school establish a marching band. At age 15, she met her future husband Richard, a 1940 graduate of Pleasant Lake High School. When Richard entered the United States Naval Academy (USNA), he and Mary remained faithful to one another. After attending International Business College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Mary moved to Washington, D.C., so that she and Richard could live closer to one another. While living there, she worked for U.S. News and World Report. Following a USNA “June Week” tradition, the couple married on June 9, 1945, three days after Richard’s commissioning.

Mary and Richard lived in numerous locations while he served in the U.S. Navy, and then returned to civilian life. In 1956, they moved to Charlotte where they spent many happy years. Mary was very active in various non-profit organizations, including the PTA when her children were in school. She was a member and past president of Charlotte Chapter G of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) and cherished her PEO “sisters.” Mary and Richard’s last home together was in River Hills on Lake Wylie, South Carolina, where they moved in 1973. Mary was a faithful charter member of River Hills Community Church and its choir. A gifted vocalist and pianist, she took pleasure in playing music of her era for residents of nearby assisted living centers. Mary then moved to Rock Hill, South Carolina, where she lived her remaining years. 

Mary exhibited strong patriotism for her country; she followed world and political news closely and enjoyed lively conversations about current events. An avid and adventurous traveler, she visited more than 40 countries and islands. The majority of those visits were with Richard; both appreciated experiencing other cultures and enjoyed making lifelong friends across the country and around the world.

Mary’s unselfish life priorities were her Christian faith and her family. She provided unconditional love and unwavering support for each of her loved ones and filled her home with warmth, laughter and many good meals. She treasured spending time with her family and relished hosting annual Easter gatherings at the South Carolina coast. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was adored by her family and countless dear friends. She faced adversity and significant life challenges with uncommon courage and grace.

Mary was preceded in death by Richard E. Fuller, her husband of 52 years; sisters Lois Griffith and Kathryn Moore; sister-in-law Lois Shearer; and brothers-in-law Robert Fuller, who lost his life in World War II, Dutch Griffith, Herb Moore, and Jim Shearer. She is survived by her children, Laura Ellen Fuller Doggett, Richard Edward Fuller (Jean), and Robert Stephen Fuller (Kimberley); grandchildren, Christopher Doggett, Lisa Fuller, and Anna Fuller; and great-grandson Luke Doggett; as well as beloved nieces and nephews. Memorial donations may be sent to River Hills Community Church, 104 Hamilton’s Ferry Road, Lake Wylie, S.C. 29710

Online condolences may be made at www.mlfordsons.com

M.L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, Lake Wylie, SC is serving the family of Mrs Fuller .

 Service Information