Mary Wynn

Mary Lee Ritter-Wynn, the first of nine children of the late Lucille and Leroy  Ritter, Sr., entered this life April 15, 1921, in Savannah, Georgia.  Their family of three, in response to the North's pursuit of Black Labor from the South, came in mid 1920's and settled in Western Pennsylvania.

Mary took secretarial courses and graduated from Schenley High School in 1939.  Influenced by the current Roosevelt Era, she wanted to work for the Federal Government - wanted to be in Washington, D.C. where things were happening.  On her way to D.C. she stopped in Philadelphia, PA to visit family, as all family members would do.  While there she went to Temple University and acquired a certificate in Nursing to broaden her federal job possibilities.

Shortly after arriving in Washington and her family and friends back home were subjected to federal clearance checks, she succeeded and landed a secretarial position at the United States Pentagon.  There she earned numerous recommendations of excellence, including a perfect "on time" (never late) attendance for over 35 years, rank promotions while all along instilling pride in her family, being the first out of the nest.

Being the first out of the nest, she literally flew.  She traveled extensively in and out of the country, enjoying herself with friends, family and travel clubs.

Mary was a devout member of the Mount Moriah Baptist Church in D.C. where she served as an usher and secretary of the Usher's Board.  During that time she met, then married in 1981 Joseph Alexander Wynn, a Master Plumber for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  And together they started a new life enhancing what she and he loved and believed in; church, friendships, family, travel and making investments.

Shortly after her husband's death in 2003, she became ill and family insisted that she return to Pittsburgh.  Throughout her illness, she stubbornly insisted on keeping her independence and playing her own hand up to the day that God said you can stop now, and rest, Welcome Home.  She peacefully passed at approximately 10:30 PM, August 16 at the age of 96. while living at Independence Court.

Mary Ritter-Wynn a gentle and generous person is survived by her brothers, Ira D. Ritter and wife Mary Ann Ritter, Kenneth M. Ritter and sister, Yvonne Ritter-Gibbs along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Mary Lee, you've given us inspiration in so many ways and you made us proud.

For God hath not given me the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love,, and a sound mind.            II Timothy 1: 7-9

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