On the afternoon of July 20, 2022, God called home his daughter Mary Ann.  On March 23, 1938 Mary Ann Ruth Favor Nobles was born in Bishopville, Kershaw County, South Carolina to Earline (Kelly) Favor and Isaac Favor.  She was the second of eight children born and blessed to this union of over 65 years. The family left the South Carolina after some time and initially migrated to Williamsburg, Virginia before settling as long term residents of Newport News, Virginia.

Mary Ann came of age and was educated in Newport News, Virginia graduating from the distinguished and notable George Washington Carver High School, Warwick County in 1957.  Later she attended the Peninsula Business College.  She entered the workforce for a short time before meeting and marrying an Airman named Wilbur Nobles from Boston, Massachusetts who was stationed at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. From this union five children were born.  The military couple were soon transferred to Wiesbaden Hesse, Germany with one daughter, followed a second born in Germany.  A few years later, they returned stateside, with both girls and lived in Phoebus, Virginia.  After growing their family, eventually the couple moved with their five children to Boston, Massachusetts.

Mary Ann, bound by determination to succeed, seized the opportunity to further her education by attending and graduating from Suffolk University, Boston, Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration.  She knew early on that education was the key to success.  After a competitive selection process, Mary Ann earned a Lead Logistics Management appointment at Hanscom Air Force Base, in Bedford, Massachusetts.  There she lead a number of prestigious  and high profile programs that were vital to the country by providing  logistics planning and analysis, project management, program design, training and development, process reviews and technical oversite.

As time went by, Mary Ann decided to relocate back to Virginia. She settled in the City of Suffolk.  Mary Ann transferred to Langley Air Force Base, Virginia in 2002 where she acquired more responsibility.  As the Directorate of Requirements she was responsible for Combat Air force and weapons systems and program modifications.  She received a number of awards and certifications throughout her tenure.  She remained in this position until retiring in 2008 after being a federal government civil servant to the Air Force and country for more than 26 years.  Among her other accolades,  Mary Ann spent 17 years as the Equal Employment Opportunity, (EEO) Counselor for Hanscom AFB, and was an active member in Blacks in Government, (BIG) charter organization in Massachusetts.

Mary Ann had a number of hobbies like gardening, sewing, crocheting, refinishing furniture, and home decorating.  She enjoyed cooking for her family, especially making a family favorite potato salad during the holidays.  Later, she would "supervise" her daughters preparing the meals from her chair that was strategically placed in the kitchen. It was affectionately known as "armchair cooking" because she had a tasting dish to sample whatever was being made, especially the collard greens!

She loved to travel.  She used to brag about flying all over the country for work and taking multiple mini vacations throughout of the year.  Visiting with her out of state grandchildren was the highlight followed by Caribbean cruises, and talking on the telephone.  It was not uncommon for her to reach out to her sisters multiple times throughout the day.  Her sisters remained very close even after raising their own families.  Their meaningful conversations about politics, current events, and of course, the grandchildren went on for hours!

Mary's days in the rehabilitation center were spent with two very special people at her side.  Her sister, Delano Lassiter, aka (Aunt OB), and Cousin Ann Orie who called, prayed, visited, and in some cases, helped ensure Mary Ann received nutrition and proper care.  Their constant vigil meant a lot to the family who lived out of state.  The daily phone calls and wellness checks from other friends and family were greatly appreciated.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earline and Isaac Favor, her sisters Earline (Ray) Favor and Pauline Johnson, and brothers, Isaac W. Favor and Winston Favor.

She is survived by her children Robin Vickers (Milton) of Upper Marlboro, MD, and Andrea Nobles of Suffolk, Antonio Nobles (Michelle) of Fredericksburg, VA., Stephanie Nobles of Waldorf, MD, and Tara Anthony (Ronnie) of Waldorf, MD.  She leaves to cherish her memories one granddaughter, Gabrielle Nobles, and three grandsons, Michael Anthony, Quentin Vickers, and Christian Nobles.  She was also a grandmother in love to Katherine Vickers Meiser and Allonzo Anthony.  She also leaves behind three sisters, Delano Lassiter, Suffolk, VA., Betty Favor, Hampton, VA., and Patricia Favor, Newport News, VA; and one Aunt Dorothy Jones, Newport News, VA, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and best friend of over 50 years Ms. Gladys Curry, Boston, MA.

Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 30, 2022 at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home.  Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.  Viewing will be from 3:00-6:00 p.m., Friday, July 29, 2022 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.