Mary D. Slaven

Mary Detta Slaven December 18, 1955 – March 24, 2026 Mary Detta Slaven, of Independence, Missouri, went home to be with the Lord peacefully in her sleep on March 24, 2026. Mary was proudly and devotedly married for 47 years to her beloved husband, Michael Ernest Slaven Sr. Their marriage was not without its challenges, but their loyalty to one another never wavered. Through every hardship and every season of life, they remained committed, standing beside each other with a love that endured. Mary was a woman who carried no shame in being exactly who she was. She loved the Lord deeply and lived her life as a reflection of that faith. She had a hard life and worked harder than most, yet she remained selfless—always worrying more about others than herself. She held no grudges and loved freely, offering grace, understanding, and kindness to everyone she met. Throughout her life, Mary worked diligently in customer service, where she became known for her unwavering work ethic, her warm personality, and her genuine devotion to helping others. She was especially known by many for making the best biscuits during her time at KFC—a small but memorable reflection of the care she put into everything she did. Though her body had grown tired from a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice, it meant so much to Mary to reach her 70th birthday, a blessing she was deeply proud of. She carried this milestone not just for herself, but as a source of hope for her siblings. She found joy in the simple things. She was frugal, yet rich in love, often referring to the home she and her husband bought together as “their mansion.” What mattered most to her was the love within it and the people she shared it with. She loved to talk, to connect, and to make people feel welcome and cared for. Mary never missed an opportunity to testify about the Lord. Whether speaking to family, friends, or even strangers, she shared her faith openly and boldly. She also had a deep love for children and found joy in every child she encountered, always showing them kindness, warmth, and care. Mary experienced the loss of her mother at a young age, but was later blessed with the love of a second mother, Herta Folsom, who embraced and cared for her as her own. She is survived by her children: Michael Ernest Slaven Jr. and his wife Daisy V. Slaven, and Michelle Bernice Douglas and her husband John Edward Douglas “Johnny”. She is also survived by her grandchildren, listed in order of birth: Chris Santa, Heather Nichole White, Brianna Marie Santa, Seiraya Detta Slaven, Julia Sue Christopher, Noah Lloyd Ayers, Allysiah Faye Ayers, and Jonah Lloyd Ayers. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, whom she loved very dearly: Mason Thomas Kent Santa, Brooklynn Michael McAllister, Jilliyet Vada Detta Williams, Luke Alan Santa, Anara Nichole White, Gwendolynn Alan Garvin, Kya Ren White, and Korra Lynn White. She is also survived by her siblings: Rita Morrison (Tim), William (Vicky) Tucker, Carmen (David) Bakarich, William (Amanda) Tucker Jr., Rickie Schmalz, Johanna Daugherty, Patricia (Andy) Buck; and brothers-in-law John Wilson, Darrell Schmalz, and Dennis Morrison. She is preceded in death by her husband, Michael Ernest Slaven Sr., her parents, Etta Mae Coberly and Richard Sherman Folsom, her second mother, Herta Maria Holzbock Folsom, her sisters Helen Henry, Ramona Wilson, and Mamie Morrison, her nephew Carl Morrison Jr., and her brothers-in-law David Henry and Carl Morrison. Mary will be cremated, and her ashes will be laid to rest in a private ceremony alongside her husband, reunited again, and together with her parents. Mary’s life was one of resilience, faith, and unconditional love. She gave more than she ever asked for and loved without hesitation. One can only imagine her being welcomed into heaven, with the Lord proudly receiving her—just as she so boldly spoke of Him throughout her life. As it is written, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8)—a promise her heart longed for and now rests in. In accordance with Mary’s wishes, she asked that any money that would have been spent on flowers or other gifts instead be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her honor. You can donate using this link: https://everloved.com/life-of/mary-slaven/ As Mary always said, “Thank you Jesus,” her family and friends say, “Thank you Jesus” for giving Mary to us.

Tributes

Mary D. Slaven

December 18, 1955 - March 24, 2026