Mary Strider Brewer, 92, of Columbia, died Sunday, May 24, 2020. Born in Randolph County, NC, on April 25, 1928, she was a daughter of the late Gurney J. Strider and Beatrice Cranford Strider.

Mary grew up in the Pisgah community, outside of Asheboro, NC. As one of 9 children growing up during the Great Depression, she learned at an early age how to be extremely frugal, and thrifty. She married a career military man and lived in Europe and in Alaska while George served our country. She met many people from around the world that she would call "Friend" and kept those friendships throughout her life. Having to raise her own 4 children as a single mom after husband George died, she depended on those skills and practices to provide for her family. While raising her children and working in the cafeteria at Spring Valley High School, she had the determination to seek more education by attending adult education and ultimately receiving her high school diploma in 1978. She was a master cake decorator, floral designer, and earned a certificate as a Nursing Assistant. She had a passion for many things in life, but none more so for her obedience to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She for many years provided transportation to church for members who could no longer drive. She truly lived the servant's life in many aspects of her own life. A devoted wife and a mother who showed unconditional love to her children, Mary always provided to others before considering her own needs and wants. She will be sorely missed by a multitude of people.

Survivors include her daughters, Robin Branham (Walter) of Columbia and Kimberly Branham (Dale) of Blythewood; son, Mark Brewer of Columbia; grandchildren Ryan Kistler, George Branham, Jogie Love, Hannah Brewer and Isabel Brewer; sister Carrie Strider Cox.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, George M. Brewer; son, Scott David Brewer, grandson Brandon Kistler; siblings John Milton Strider, Carmen Strider, Deldon Strider, Rankin Strider, Thomas Strider, Esther Strider and Lester Strider.

In order to provide proper social distancing, the family will receive friends for an extended period of time on Thursday, May 28th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia between the hours of 3 and 7 o'clock.

The graveside service for Mrs. Brewer will be held 12 o'clock, Friday, May 29th, at Randolph Memorial Park, Asheboro, NC. A livestream of the service may be seen by visiting her tribute page at ShivesFuneralHome.com.

Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or Alzheimer's Foundation of America.