Mary Pulwarty

Mary Harris Pulwarty, beloved wife, mother, and accomplished individual, passed away on July 25, 2023. She was born on December 23, 1952, to the late OC and Shirley Harris. Mary was a source of light and inspiration to those around her and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mary's early life was filled with joy and adventure. Being a proud daughter of a Navy veteran, Mary grew up in South Carolina, Maine and California.

After completing her primary education, Mary pursued higher studies where she began her education journey at the College of Charleston and after two years, transferring to Armstrong where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Mary, continued her educational journey at Georgia Southern were she received a Master’s degree in Social Work Her love of learning helped her excel academically.

Despite Mary’s first two marriages not working out, Mary was blessed with two wonderful daughters, Regina Marie Washington and Faith Leslie Boles. As a mother, Mary’s love knew no bounds. She nurtured Regina’s spunky and free-spirited nature and Faith’s creative and artistic endeavors with love, a whole lot of patience, tenderness, all while imparting invaluable life lessons and instilling in them to live life to the fullest, have a love for learning, understanding the importance of experiences over things, all while having compassion, integrity, and perseverance. Mary took immense pride in the accomplishments and the individuality of each of her girls, expect on Christmas where matching pajamas were the only option.

In 1998, Mary’s life was blessed with the arrival of her granddaughter, Madison Henry. From that moment forward, Mary embraced the role of Nana with overflowing love and joy. Madison held a special place in Mary’s heart, and their bond was unbreakable. Mary loved Madison to the moon and back, cherishing every moment they spent together.

One of the highlights of Mary’s life was the time she spent with Madison at Camp Nana. It was an experience that filled Mary with great pride, as she delighted in creating lasting memories and sharing special moments with her beloved granddaughter.

Also, Madison’s accomplishments brought immense pride to Mary. She took great joy in witnessing her granddaughter pursue her passion of becoming an occupational therapist.

Mary’s unwavering support and encouragement were instrumental in the journey of all her girls and she never missed an opportunity to share her pride in their achievements with those around her.

Regina, Madison and Faith were the lights of Mary’s life, and she treasured the unique bond she shared with each of them, referring to them often as “my girls.” Mary’s belief in her girls’ potential and her unwavering love will continue to inspire them as they go down their chosen paths.

In 1990, Mary met Renwick Pulwarty. They formed a bond based on love, respect, and shared values, and were united in marriage 15 years later. Renwick became her devoted partner, providing unwavering support throughout their journey together for over 35 years.

Mary had a zest for life and a passion for exploration. She found great joy in traveling and embarked on numerous adventures aboard a variety of cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, where she held the esteemed status of a Diamond member. Mary's wanderlust took her to many breathtaking destinations, including Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, Guatemala, Costa Rica, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Trinidad, Bermuda, Canada, Alaska, and various other states across America. Whether it was immersing herself in the vibrant cultures, marveling at natural wonders, or simply relishing the beauty of new surroundings, Mary cherished every moment of her travels.

Traveling was not just a solitary pursuit for Mary; it was an opportunity to create lasting memories with her friends and family, especially her girls. She cherished the company of her loved ones, and they often joined her on these incredible journeys. Mary's enthusiasm was contagious, and she took delight in sharing anecdotes and stories from her travels. Her travel experiences provided a source of inspiration for her writing, and she loved crafting captivating memories through scrapbooking that transported those on her many adventures.

Mary’s love of adventure was quite noticeable, but always took second to her love for family. When she wasn't exploring the world, Mary found solace in attending theatrical performances, spending time with friends, and shopping. Mary had a penchant for shopping. Whether filling the closets of her girls with cute and sometimes undesirable fashions, uncovering hidden gems in local markets, finding a good deal online or indulging in retail therapy during her travels, she found joy in the pursuit of unique and beautiful items. Mary's sense of style in her accessories and fashion and appreciation for aesthetics were evident in the way she carried herself, her style, and how she curated her surroundings.

Having a passion for learning, Mary could often be found engrossed in a book, immersing herself in the stories and wisdom contained within its pages. Mary's passion for reading extended to her own writing, where she poured her creativity into crafting stories about her childhood and being raised in the South to creatively enhance her girls’ knowledge of their heritage.

Throughout her professional career, Mary was admired for her expertise and commitment to excellence. She dedicated herself to working as a Social Worker and School Psychologist for over 20 years at Chatham County, Bryan County and Effingham County School Districts. Mary impacted the students she came across, made significant contributions and garnered the respect of her colleagues. Her unwavering work ethic and passion for her craft inspired others, leaving an indelible mark on her chosen field.

Mary will always be remembered as a person who cherished moments spent with her family, creating memories during vacations and family gatherings. Valuing her role as the oldest sibling, she lead by example in both her words and actions. She was a beloved aunt with great advice, who always celebrated the accomplishments of her nieces and nephews. Her beauty, warmth, intelligence, and ability to bring people together will be remembered by all who had the privilege of sharing these moments with her.

Mary Harris Pulwarty will forever be remembered as a remarkable woman whose love for her family, traveling, storytelling, and for bringing joy to those around her. Her legacy of exploration, curiosity, and the ability to find beauty in the world will live on in the hearts of her loving husband, Renwick, her daughters Regina and Faith, her granddaughter Madison, her sister, Valarie Udeh (Chuk); brother, Otis C. Harris Jr. (Nicolette); and a wide circle of family and friends.

The funeral service to honor Mary's life will be held on the Sunday, October 15, 2023 at Asbury Memorial Church (1008 E. Henry St. Savannah, GA 31401). Family and friends are invited to attend and pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network ( www.pancan.org ) in Mary's name, as this reflects her unwavering commitment to helping others.

Although Mary's physical presence may be gone, her spirit will continue to shine bright in the hearts of those who knew her. May she rest in eternal peace, knowing that she made a profound difference in the lives of those she loved and touched.