Mary Lee Marzette: Queen of Lemon Pound Cake, Master Gardener, and Eternal Friend

Mary Lee Marzette (née Brooks) decided she’d had enough of this earthly realm and gracefully ascended to the heavens on December 1, 2024, at the vibrant age of 87. Born on May 4, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio, Mary was the original May the Fourth be with you – and she truly was a force to be reckoned with.

Mary’s parents, Frances and Junious Brooks, knew they had something special when they welcomed her into the world, and she didn’t disappoint. A graduate of John Hay High School, Mary had a knack for making friends wherever she went, and she probably knew more people in Cleveland than the mayor.

On July 8, 1956, she hitched her wagon to James F. Marzette, her dashing prince charming. Together, they raised four children: James Jr. (aka Marty, who undoubtedly greeted her at Heaven’s gates with a big hug), Glen, Yolanda, and Vanita. James Sr. departed this life in 1987, and Mary kept the family flame burning ever since.

Mary spent 25 dedicated years working for the Cleveland Municipal School District before retiring in 1999. But retirement didn’t slow her down one bit! Mary was a master gardener whose yard was so pristine even squirrels left Yelp reviews. When she wasn’t taming her garden, she was crocheting prayer shawls for her church family at Fairmount Presbyterian or trying to decode her grandmother’s secret tea cake recipe (still a work in progress, we suspect).

Known for her legendary macaroni & cheese, melt-in-your-mouth dinner rolls, and her famous Lemon Manhattan Pound Cake, Mary made sure no one left her table hungry—or without leftovers. Her cooking was so good, it might have been illegal in some states.

Mary never met a stranger. Even if you tried to stay a stranger, she’d charm you into being her friend within minutes. Her conversations could last hours, and by the end, you’d know you were better for it.

She leaves behind a family who will carry on her legacy of love, laughter, and good food: her children Glen, Yolanda (Steve), and Vanita; daughter-in-love Cheryl; grandchildren Raishawn (Alberta), Derrick (Jonica), Lakiesha (Eric), Danielle, and Xavier; great-grandchildren Myriah, Cameron, Shane, Tyson, Heaven, Kesani, and Kassian; siblings Junious, Gary, Lafayette, and Barry (Denise); and a galaxy of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Though Mary has traded her garden tools for angel wings, she’s surely beautifying Heaven’s landscape, crocheting halos, and whipping up a divine Lemon Pound Cake for the potluck. She’ll be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Rest easy, Mary—you’ve earned it.