Mary Lizzie Means

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Mary Lizzie Means, affectionately known as May Liz, who departed this world on February 8, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. She was born on June 17, 1951, in Emelle, Alabama, and from the very beginning, her life was a testament to faith, love, and resilience.

Mary was the youngest of her siblings, the cherished daughter of Nathaniel and Lugena Griffin, and the beloved granddaughter of Frank Smoot Sr. and Magnolia Giles. She was raised in a home where faith was the foundation, and she accepted Christ at a young age, carrying that devotion throughout her life.

Her childhood was filled with adventure, humor, and family bonds that stood the test of time. At just eight years old, she learned to drive—her father’s guiding hands teaching her independence early. One evening after choir practice, she drove herself home, only to be followed by her shocked older brother, Nathaniel Jr., who couldn’t believe his baby sister was behind the wheel. His surprise turned to laughter when he realized their father was peacefully asleep in the backseat, trusting Mary completely.

A Love Story for the Ages

Fate has a way of bringing soulmates together, and for Mary, that moment came in 1966 when she met the love of her life, Lenell Means Jr., at her best friend Joyce’s house. From the moment their eyes met, something clicked—a spark, a knowing.

Lenell was immediately drawn to Mary’s beauty, grace, and infectious laughter, and from that day on, he made sure to be wherever she was. Whether it was at her home, in their neighborhood, or at McDonald's, where all the kids hung out, he always seemed to “coincidentally” show up—especially when he knew she’d be there for her daily French fries.

As their connection deepened, Lenell found joy in making her smile. When he got his first car, his favorite passenger was always Mary. He would take her and Joyce to football games, making sure every moment they spent together was filled with laughter, love, and adventure. It wasn’t long before their love story inspired another—when Lenell introduced Joyce to her own future husband, creating a lifelong friendship and bond between their families.

On August 23, 1969, Mary and Lenell became husband and wife, vowing to walk through life hand in hand. She embraced the role of an Army wife, supporting her husband as they traveled and lived in California for eight months before returning home to Oregon, where they built a beautiful life and family together.

Their bond with Joyce and her husband remained just as strong over the years, as they became godparents to each other’s children, reinforcing a connection that was rooted in faith, love, and unwavering support.

A Life of Faith and Service

Mary was a proud graduate of Grant High School, where she built friendships and memories that lasted a lifetime. Together, she and Lenell raised their beloved children, Lenell Means III (wife Kayla Means) and Monique Chesterfield (husband DeJuan Chesterfield), instilling in them the same values of faith, love, and strength that defined her life.

Her life was one of service, both to her family and her faith. She was deeply involved in Mount Olivet Baptist Church, where her voice graced the Jubilee Choir. She served with dedication on the usher board, starting as a youth usher and continuing faithfully into adulthood as a senior usher. She was also a member of the Cell Group Ministry and the Girls Guild, where she uplifted young women and built lasting sisterhoods across Oregon.

She poured her heart into everything she did, whether it was her years working at Nabisco, her career in Management Healthcare Northwest, where she eventually retired, or the devoted care she gave to her beloved mother in her later years. No matter where life took her—from Alabama to Chicago to Oregon—she carried the same grace, kindness, and unwavering strength.

A Loving Legacy

Beyond her career and service, Mary had a love for fashion and home decor, always creating beauty around her. She treasured moments spent reading and watching movies with her grandkids, sharing laughter, wisdom, and warm embraces that will never be forgotten.

Mary was preceded in death by her siblings Clyde Jones, Nathaniel Jr., Johnson Griffin, and Rebecca Tartt, and Cousin James "Babe Bro" Lewis. She leaves behind a family that loved her dearly, including her devoted husband, Lenell Means Jr., her children, Lenell Means III (Kayla) and Monique Chesterfield (DeJuan), her grandchildren: Raven, Evontae' (Jasmin ), inJae, Sade, Moses, Larry III, and Laila, and her great-grandson, Soule Means,  and her God son Anthony Lowry.  She is also survived by her siblings James Griffin (Mary), Clarence Griffin (Jean), Betty (Samuel), and Barbara, along with countless nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Mary’s life was a light to all who knew her. She was a woman of faith, a giver of love, a nurturer of souls, and a pillar of strength. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and faith that will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

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