“She was Southernside.” Whether you knew Mary Duckett personally or you’re just learning about her by reading this now, her handprints are all over Greenville — most notably in the Southernside neighborhood.
She died on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 85, and tributes honoring the community leader and advocate are pouring in. We wanted to share a few of our favorites. You can submit yours by emailing hello@gvltoday.com.
Mayor Knox White
“‘Just look at us now!’ Last week Mary Duckett had the last word in the ceremonial opening of the Honor Tower, an event she worked tirelessly to achieve for her neighborhood and city. She always wanted her beloved Southernside to have voice and recognition in our city. Mary felt to her core that all people have worth and all voices count. That message will stand as her legacy.”
City Councilmember Lillian Brock Flemming
“I believe Mary should be remembered as a community person, a person who believes in helping everybody, giving everybody a chance, and making sure that government does what it’s supposed to do to help the people.”
Rep. Chandra Dillard
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mary Duckett, a remarkable individual who served as my friend, mentor, and guardian, providing maternal care and support. She was a passionate advocate for justice and a bridge builder, fostering connections within our community. I will treasure the memories of our time together and the wisdom she shared with me. Her leadership and legacy have inspired me to lead with authenticity. One of our most significant accomplishments was the completion of the Hampton Avenue Pedestrian bridge. I am grateful for her tireless efforts to improve our community. My condolences go out to her son Demetric and her entire family. May Mary rest in peace. Servant of God, well done.”
Nick Gilley, Co-founder of PKL Park
“The heavens have just received a new angel. Mary was the very first person we had to meet when planning PKL Park. Gaining her support, trust, and blessing is a huge reason PKL exists today. Her legacy will long live in Greenville and the Southernside community. We all can only hope to live the life that Mary did and truly make a difference and leave this world a better place, just as she has. Thank you so much, Mary.”
Greenville Drive
“Mary was our Green Day Honoree in 2019, and was a great friend of the organization... She was also on the initial steering committee to create our annual Greenville Black Spinners celebration game at Fluor Field. When Mary was announced as our Green Day Honoree in 2019, Drive Owner and Chairman, Craig Brown, noted, ‘She has stood up for those who did not have a voice and for those who society has overlooked or cast aside. She embodies the very best of our Community, and exemplifies what we look for in a Green Day Honoree.’”
Juneteenth GVL
“Her voice, her leadership, and her courage were instrumental in the creation of Unity Park, a place that now stands as a living tribute to her vision for fairness, unity, and shared community spaces. Many called her “the heart and soul” behind that work, and rightly so. Ms. Mary was more than a supporter of Juneteenth GVL. She was a laborer in this movement. A woman who showed up, spoke up, and stood up. She gave generously of herself, her wisdom, her passion, and her belief that community transformation happens when we link arms and serve together.”
The Other Boys of Summer
“We’re thankful to have had the privilege of spending time with her at one of her favorite places, Fluor Field. She was a regular fixture at games and made it possible for many kids to attend games and play baseball. This photo was from Jackie Robinson Day, 2024. We sat with her and friends at the game and took a few photos of Mary and her ballplayers. She was very proud of them. She will be missed. Her impact will live on and she will continue to be loved and greatly missed by her community. Our deepest condolences to her family and friends.”
