Mary Cleland Becton

Mary Cleland Becton, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 26th, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on Tuesday, May 8th, 1934, in the close-knit Captola Community of Screven County, Georgia, Mary lived a life devoted to her family and community, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and service.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Louis Becton, with whom she shared 60 cherished years of marriage. She was the devoted daughter of the late Clyde Alvin Cleland and Louise Tilley Cleland. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Joe Cleland (Ellen) and Dolawese Edison (Ronald, deceased), leaving behind a tradition of love and unity among her surviving siblings: Daisy Davis (Ralph, deceased), Roger Cleland (Henrilyn), Cathy Black (J.W.), Ann Britton (Steve, deceased), Ray Cleland (Linda, deceased), Wanda Smith (Randy, deceased), and Patsy Burkhalter (Doug).

Mary is survived by her sons, Robert Wayne Becton and Stephen Louis Becton. Her memory will be fondly cherished by her grandchildren, Nina Marie Becton, John Robert Becton (Diana), Daniel Lewis Becton (Kaitlin), Skyler Austin (Joseph), Jacob Hartzog, and Denny Hartzog. She was also a guiding light to special cousins Christopher Curtis and Mandy Curtis Austin, and numerous other family members and friends.

For 42 years, Mary dedicated her career to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Georgia, serving diligently as Clerk of Court from 1974 to 1999. Her work ethic and dedication earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues.

Outside of her professional life, Mary graduated from Sylvania High School, Class of 1952, and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Garden City, where she actively participated as a member and teacher in the Lydian Sunday School Class. Her faith and service have been a cornerstone of her life and a beacon for those fortunate to know her.

A visitation will be held at the Baker McCullough Funeral Home Garden City Chapel on Sunday, December 29th, 2024, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Funeral services will take place at First Baptist Church Garden City on Monday, December 30th, 2024, at 11:00 am, followed by a graveside service at Oak Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Millen, Georgia at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Garden City, 35 Nelson Ave, Garden City, GA 31408, in memory of Mary's lifelong devotion to her faith and community.

Please sign our online guestbook at www.bakermccullough.com.

Services have been entrusted to Baker McCullough Funeral Home, Garden City Chapel, 2794 West US Highway 80, Garden City, GA 31408. (912) 964-2862.

Mary Cleland Becton will be remembered for her unwavering faith, the love she shared with her devoted family, and her invaluable contributions to her community. Her gentle presence and kind spirit will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.