Mary Frances Aton

Mary Frances (nee Schwarz) Aton went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 10, 2016, with her family by her side. Mary was born May 14, 1933, in Weiner, Arkansas. She was the fourth child of John and Nancy Anne Schwarz. The Schwarz family moved from Arkansas to the Plymouth area in 1946, when Mary was 13 years old. That was a big year for Mary. They moved to Michigan and she met George Aton, the love of her life. His first thought when he saw her was “Wow! Who is that”? He asked if he could walk her to town. She said he had to ask her Mother. He said, “Well, take me to meet Mother.” Mary and George were married May 5, 1949. After almost 68 years, he still said, “Wow!” when she walked into a room.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, sister Geneva, brother Elgie and great grandson, Jonathan. She is survived by her loving husband, George. Together they had three children, John (Diane) Aton; Patricia (Doyle) Lawson; and Tony (Jeannie) Aton. Six grandchildren, Nicole (Bradlee) Gregory; Christopher Aton; Lee (Sherrie) Lawson; Michael (Katondra) Lawson; Anthony (Anel) Aton, and Amanda (Justin) Steblay; special nieces, Sherry Aton and Rhonda Aton; 11 great-grand children, and two great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Juanita White, of Canton; along with many nieces, nephews and friends who love her dearly.

Mary worked outside of the home in her early years. She worked at Kresge’s stocking candy. She also worked at Daisy Air Rifle. Mary loved the Lord, and was a faithful servant all of her life. She worked alongside George in the ministry for over 50 years as Pastors of Church of God in Stockbridge, Jackson, Tecumseh, Trenton, Ann Arbor and Lake Odessa. She loved her family and her many friends. She loved to color, play her keyboard and play games with her family. She also loved her computer, and kept in contact with everyone via e-mail and Facebook. After retiring from pastoring, Mary and George moved back to Canton. In 2014, Mary started a ministry with Church of God for the current churches to adopt retired ministers and their wives. This program was well received and continues today from the Church of God State Office.

We will be celebrating Mary’s home going on Monday, December 12, from 2-8pm at the Abundant Life Church of God, 2100 Hannan Road, Canton, MI. Rev. Michael Holloway will officiate the service on Tuesday, December 13, at 12pm. Burial will be at Cadillac Memorial Gardens in Westland. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Angela Hospice or the Trenton Church of God.