Remembering Mary Wainwright, former Berkeley council member

Mary Wainwright, an educator, leader, advocate and former Berkeley council member, died peacefully in Kensington on April 2.

Born June 19, 1930 in Marvell, Arkansas to Coli and Hezzie Carr, she moved to California in 1951. Mary and her late husband, Frank Wainwright and their young family moved to Berkeley in 1958, purchasing the family home on Bonar Street.

Mary began teaching in Berkeley Unified School District’s Head Start program in 1968 and earned degrees in education and child development from Cal State Hayward and Sonoma State. Her teaching career spanned over 20 years.

Mary was widowed in 1975 but continued to provide for her family as a dedicated educator and real estate investor and later a public servant. She served as the president of the Channing-Bonar Neighborhood Association, where she successfully led efforts to underground PG&E electrical lines improving neighborhood safety and infrastructure, and creating lasting benefits for the community.  Mary was encouraged by community members to run for public office.

Mary was elected to the Berkeley City Council, representing West Berkeley’s District 2 for two terms from 1988 to 1996, during which time she championed initiatives to address environmental hazards, such as those at the Corporation Yard, and fostered civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and social justice. She was instrumental in getting city sponsorship for Berkeley’s Juneteenth festival, now the longest-running Juneteenth event in Northern California.

A frequent ally of Mayor Shirley Dean, her case to voters in the 1996 election was that “under her moderate leadership, the job base and youth services have increased while violent crime has declined,” according to SFGATE.

Throughout her life, Mary remained a steadfast advocate for education, equity and opportunity.

She was a lifetime member and supporter of the NAACP. She also served on the boards of Berkeley Youth Alternatives, the Berkeley Juneteenth Festival, and Friends of the Center for Independent Living. She was an active member of the League of Women Voters, the Berkeley Democratic Club and a committed supporter of Rebuilding Together (formerly “Christmas in April”).

A devoted trustee of Star Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, her faith and leadership left a lasting impact.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Coli and Hezzie Carr; her husband, Frank Wainwright, Sr.; her daughter, Gisele Patrice Thomas; and her partner, George Buford Sr.  She was also predeceased by her siblings, Emma Lee Harvey, Essie Lee Cunnings, Irea Johnson, Idella Cottman, Eva Mae Haynes, Gracie Mae Know, Emmett Bullock, Murray James Carr, Gaspad Carr, Joseph Carr, Eugene Carr Jr., Grady Carr and Hezzie Carr.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Vanessa Wainwright, son Frank Wainwright (Anita); son-in-law, Lucky R. Thomas III (Gisele Patrice), and godchild Aveva Franklin. She also leaves behind grandchildren Summer, Lucky IV, Morgan Thomas, and Jonathan Wainwright and her extended loving family, including George Buford Jr. (Tia), great-grandchildren Weslei, Jake Jr., Elias, and Mason Thomas-Weathers; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and community members.

Mary’s political platform and personal mission were always centered around improving life for children and families. Her leadership and faith touched countless lives.

The quiet hour will be held on April 17 from 1:30-5 p.m. The celebration of life will be held at Star Bethel Missionary Baptist Church on April 18 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.