Mary Baucom

Mary V. Baucom was born to her parents, Phyllis Franklin and Virgile Owens on April 9, 1941 in Geary, Oklahoma. She was the second child born in the family following her brother, Freeman Owens. She was raised with extended family which included Johnny Lee Williams and O’Dell Owens. As a child, Mary was protective of her brother. She would fight anyone that got in her way and give you some “words of encouragement” if necessary. One of her childhood memories included burning her left leg. She would forever remember this incident.

Mary was educated through Oklahoma City Public Schools where she attended and graduated from Douglass High School on May 22, 1959.

Following graduation, Mary pursued her dream of becoming a nurse. While working at St. Mary’s Hospital, she met a young man by the name of James L. Baucom. On August 15, 1961, they were joined in holy matrimony in Watonga, Oklahoma at the Justice of Peace. They dressed the part, as if they were preparing for a big wedding, and James wore a pair of white shoes. Moments later, the judge announced, “yawl married now”. They would later enjoy 61 years of marriage. In 1962, they relocated to Denver, CO. The couple were blessed with four children, Phyllis, Angela, Renaldo, and Tanisha (all residing in the Colorado area).

Mary loved relaxing at home, doing puzzles, (especially Suduko, Solitaire, word search, and crossword), baking, listening to gospel and soul music, and taking care of her children. She was a disciplinarian who expected her children to always be on point. She later gained an additional source of pride and joy with the addition of her grandchildren, LaKeysia, Domonique, Dimitrius, Steven, Brittney, Jayla, DonaVaughn, Camryn, Kyelind, and Aubrianna. Along with great grandchildren, Ty, Jordon, Santana, Jordan and Xavieon. Her grandchildren recall that she would make them peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, french fries, tea, Kool-aid, cakes, crackers and cookies. She would be there to take them home after they got off the school bus and often time have them spend the night.

Few knew, but Mary was a homebody, you would have to twist her arm to get her out of the house. However, when she would attend social functions, she always made friends and never met a stranger.

Those that knew her best describe her as a peacemaker. She was the backbone of her family and she loved them unconditionally. Most importantly, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend.  She gained her wings on April 20, 2023

She is preceded in death by her mother, Phyllis Franklin; her father, Virgile Owens; brothers, Johnny Lee and Odell; granddaughter, Brittney Valrie; and great granddaughter, Bailee McCombs.

Mary is survived by her husband of 61 years, James Baucom; four children, 10 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren; brother, Freeman (Flora) Owens

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to Parkinson’s Foundation 200 SE 1st Street, Ste 800, Miami, FL 33131 or 1359 Broadway, Ste 1509, New York, NY 10018.