Obituary of Mary D. Bunch-Keyes

Mary D. Bunch, 69, of Erie, passed away November 3, 2022, at UPMC, Hamot Medical Center. She was born January 5, 1953, in Memphis, Tennessee the daughter of the late James Whitney Dennis and Mary Lee Brooks. In her earlier years, Mary enjoyed playing the piano and being the director of the choir at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur, IL and at Central Missionary Baptist Church. She also joined a group while living in Los Angeles that allowed her to travel the country singing. Locally she created "The Bunch Singers" that sang at many local churches and nursing homes. She was known for her van with the license plate "Bunch 8." Mary was a devoted Christian, she was a lifelong member of Central Missionary Baptist Church, and was very active with various church activities. Her current church while living in Erie she attended Abundant Life Ministries International. For many years she enjoyed performing at the Ashtabula Art Center. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed cooking, gardening, collecting antiques, and storytelling. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Mary is survived by her children, Jeffery Baker, Maryah Baker, Virginia Bunch, Franky Bunch, Minister Charlie Bunch, Rev. Evan Regis Bunch, and Mahalia Bunch; and Milton Lee Bunch, Sr.'s children, Milton Lee Bunch, Jr., and Jarrod Ray Bunch; her siblings, Darryal Montique, Alvin Montique, and Bernard Brooks; and her grandchildren, Jonathan Bunch, Jeremiah Bunch, Larry Jackson III, LaShawn Murray II, Malachi Johnson, and Nehemiah Baker. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Betty, Erline, Otha, Albert, Essie, Ethel, J.D., Sidney, and Irene Dennis. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 12PM at People's Missionary Baptist Church, 3837 West Ave., Ashtabula with Pastor Ryan Gaines officiating, along with her children Rev. E.R. Bunch and Minister Charles Bunch eulogizing. Burial will follow at Denmark Cemetery. For those attending services, Masks are required at the church. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11AM until the time of service at 12PM at the church. A repast will be held following services at Mary's home church Central Missionary Baptist Church. Should friends desire memorial contributions may be made in her name to the family in C/o Virginia Baker, 17304 Tarkington Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44128 Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula is handling arrangements. Online obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com