FAYETTEVILLE — On Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, Mrs. Mary Williams Floyd passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord in Heaven. Mary was born May 3, 1952, in Fort Campbell, Ky., to Penelope Kariotis Williams and Lt. Col. Albert Edward Williams. Affectionately known as "Cindy" to her family, she spent her childhood traveling with her father's military career, and lived in many overseas locations including France, Germany and Okinawa before coming stateside to Fort Bragg. Upon arrival in Fayetteville, Mary enrolled in Horace Sisk Junior High, where she met her future husband, Greg. Greg was singing "Build Me Up, Buttercup" and dancing down the hallway when their eyes met for the first time and cupid struck his arrow. They continued dating through high school and college, and married on May 17, 1975, after Mary graduated from UNC-Pembroke with a degree in education. Mary then settled with her husband in Raleigh, where she worked at the North Carolina Women's Prison teaching literacy to the inmates, while he finished college at North Carolina State University. The couple later moved to Fayetteville, where she taught third grade at St. Ann's Catholic School and later at Cliffdale Elementary School. Before long, Mary was blessed to be able to fulfill her calling as a mother. After the birth of their first child, the family quickly blossomed to include seven children. She was an eager and devoted mother, and thoroughly enjoyed homeschooling and being involved in their daily activities. With a domestic talent to rival Martha Stewart's, she was frequently called upon to contribute for the children's various school and sporting events. In her spare time, Mary enjoyed running, and was an avid reader and history buff. She was also the consummate collector of stray animals, and rescued all that had the fortune to cross her path. Tireless and devoted as a wife and mother, she was also a passionate and enthusiastic friend. Mary lived her life fully and fearlessly and loved with a fierceness that left an indelible imprint on everyone who had the fortune to know her. She was preceded in death by her mother and father. Mary is survived by her husband, Greg; and children, Jonathan, Christina, Rachael, Kathryn, Laura, Christopher and Nathan. She is also survived by her brothers, Leo Edward Williams Sr., Albert Edward Williams III, Tomas Peter Williams, and Leo Williams; two sisters-in-law, two nieces and a nephew. A graveside service will be held today, Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, at 2p.m. in Lafayette Memorial Park, with the Rev. Mike Martin presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Operation Inasmuch, 531 Hillsboro St., Fayetteville, NC 28301; or to the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society "F.A.P.S," 3927 Bragg Blvd., Fayetteville, NC 28303.Funeral services will be held graveside on Friday, February 1, 2013, at 2 pm in LaFayette Memorial Park with Rev. Mike Martin presiding.