Mary Alice Hyde

Mary Alice Hyde

June 7, 1933 - April 6, 2026

Mary Alice (Hodges) Hyde was born on June 7, 1933, in Aberdeen, Mississippi, to Christine Murry and Clyde Hodges Sr. She attended Okolona Junior High School in Mississippi and graduated in 1953. 

In 1954, Mary married Guy Hyde Jr., and together they built a loving family, raising four children: Valetta Hyde, Robert Hyde, Thomas Hyde, and Cecil Hyde. Mary was a hardworking and dedicated woman who held various roles throughout her life, including working as a bus driver, a domestic housekeeper, and as a personal assistant. 

In search of greater opportunities, Mary relocated with her family to South Bend, Indiana. She began by cleaning homes and later joined Curtis Products in 1973, where she faithfully worked for 25 years before retiring in 1998 at the age of 65. Even in retirement, Mary’s strong work ethic and desire to stay active led her to continue cleaning offices for another decade because, as those who knew her best would say, she simply couldn’t sit still. 

Mary was the heart of her family, a loving mother, devoted grandmother, and cherished friend.  She had a calming spirit that brought comfort to those around her, and a natural charisma that drew people in effortlessly. Mary had a special gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, and deeply loved. Her home was always open, and her kitchen was always full (we all loved those sweet potato pies), she found joy in cooking and took pride in feeding anyone who walked through her doors. 

Her laughter was unforgettable, warm, genuine, and contagious. It filled every room she entered and left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Mary’s kind ness knew no bounds; she would give her last to help someone in need, embodying a life rooted in God, love, generosity, and grace. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Valetta (Isaac) Baker, Thomas Hyde, and  Cecil Hyde, all of South Bend, Indiana. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren:  Syreeta (Keith) Hyde-Pinkey, Jacob Coleman, and Nicole Baker of South Bend, Indiana; Nicholas  (Malia) Baker of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Ashley (Germaine) Harris of Holland, Michigan;  Dominique Hyde of Marion, Arkansas; and Ceiara (Michael) Hyde-Lynch of Ellenwood, Georgia;  28 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren (bonus grandchildren included), as well  as a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Mary also leaves behind three sisters: Doris  Green of Evanston, Illinois; Fannie DeWitt and Margie DeWeaver of Aberdeen, Mississippi; and  one sister-in-law, Amy Baker of South Bend, Indiana; as well as a special cousin, Elois (Peaches)  White and a special friend, Beatrice Smith. 

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Guy Hyde Jr.; her mother, Christine  Lawrence; her father, Clyde Hodges Sr. ;stepfather, Arthur Lawrence; her son, Robert Hyde; her brothers, Robert Baker Sr. and Clyde Hodges Jr.; and her sister, Mary Lou Hodges. 

Mary’s legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering kindness will live on in all who knew her.

Funeral services for Mary will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Funeral Home - West Chapel, 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend.  Friends may visit with the family on Friday one hour prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow at Highland Cemetery in South Bend. Condolences can be sent to the family via the Palmer Funeral Home website, www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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