Dr. Mary A. Wesley

Colvin Funeral Home & Crematory...announces this earthly transition of Dr. Mary A. Wesley, of Fayetteville, NC, who departed this life on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the age of 94. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and all that is connected. Services are entrusted to Colvin Funeral Home & Crematory of Fayetteville. Please keep this family in your prayers during their time of bereavement. With hearts filled with love, gratitude, and cherished memories, we celebrate the life, love and legacy of Chief Mother, Dr. Mary Alice Wesley, a devoted servant of God whose faith, wisdom, and kindness touched generations. She lived her life anchored in the promises of God, and Romans 8:28 was more than her favorite scripture—it was the foundation upon which she walked through every season of life. Through joy and hardship alike, she trusted God’s divine purpose and inspired others to do the same. Chief Mother was born on December 29, 1931, in McDavid, Florida, to the late Annie Spillers and Benjamin Tolbert. She was a beacon of faith, wisdom, and love, whose life was a testament to her unwavering devotion to God and her family. Her journey was marked by perseverance and an insatiable quest for knowledge. After beginning her education at Richardson High School in Lake City, she earned her high school equivalency certificate in 1975, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to personal growth. She furthered her education at Knight’s Beauty College, graduating in 1976 as a Cosmetology Instructor, and later achieved her dream of obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Christian Education from Apex School of Theology in Durham, NC. In 2013, she proudly earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theology, an accomplishment that underscored her lifelong dedication to learning and spiritual leadership. Her passion for learning, devotion to the Word of God, and tireless commitment to spreading the Gospel earned her the distinguished honor of an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Theology. Chief Mother Wesley married the late Presiding Bishop, Dr. John D. Wesley in Daytona Beach, FL, and together they raised a devoted family, blessed with four daughters and two sons. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering faith were constants in the lives of her children: Elder Carolyn Wesley, Fayetteville NC, Apostle Deborah Brown, Fayetteville, NC, Deacon John Wesley (Eleanor), Laurinburg, NC, Peggy Dorsey (Andrew), Colorado Springs, CO, Apostle Dr. Titus Wesley (Benita) Raeford, NC and Deaconess LaVondra Boyd (Calvin) Fayetteville, NC. Her legacy continues through her 17 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren who carry forward her values and teachings. A revered evangelist and former pastor, Mother Wesley dedicated over 60 years to ministering both domestically and internationally. Her powerful sermons and revivals touched lives across the United States, from Florida to Virginia, and even reached as far as Germany, where she and Sergeant Wesley received a Chaplain’s Appreciation Certificate in 1971 for their efforts in quelling racial unrest. Chief Mother Wesley's compassion extended beyond the pulpit; her voluntary work earned her the Volunteer of the Year Award from McCain Correctional Hospital in 1998. As the former First Lady of Bible Center One Accord Holiness Church, she was frequently honored for her teaching ability, outstanding commitment, and dedication to her community. Predeceased by her parents, one daughter, four brothers, one sister, her beloved husband, Sr. Bishop, Dr. John D. Wesley, one grandson, Elder Leonardo Wesley and two great-grandsons, Mother Wesley leaves behind two nieces, Barbara Sullivan, Darien, GA, and Danielle Capehart, Killeen TX. Additionally, she leaves to cherish great nieces and nephews, cousins, loving relatives, friends, and countless Spiritual Sons and Daughters whose lives she enriched with her guidance and love. As we bid farewell to a remarkable woman, we find comfort in knowing that Chief Mother Mary Wesley's spirit remains with us, her legacy of love, faith, and wisdom enduring in our hearts forever.

Dr. Mary A. Wesley

December 29, 1931 - May 18, 2026