mary magdalene mosley loper
1892-1982
Life Story
Newton County, Mississippi
Mary Magdalene Mosley Loper was born on August 5, 1892, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Sherrod Mosley (1860–Aft. 1940) and Nancy Jane Evans (1868–?)—two deeply rooted families connected to the early African American settlement patterns in the Altare and Newton communities. Raised in a rural farming household, Mary grew up alongside several siblings who together helped sustain the family’s livelihood through agricultural work and community labor.
Early Life and Work
During her youth, Mary worked as a farm laborer, contributing to the day-to-day operations of her parents’ farm. Like many young women in rural Mississippi in the early 1900s, she balanced work in the fields with household responsibilities, all while growing up within a tightly connected network of Mosley, Evans, and Chapman relatives who shaped the character and culture of the Black communities of northeast Newton County.
Marriage and Family
Mary later married Will Loper (1892–?), and together they established their home in Newton County. Their union was blessed with two known children:
- Alma Loper Arrington (1917–2006)
- English Loper (1919–?)
Mary was also a stepmother to Mary L. Walker of Newton, who remained part of the family circle.
Through the years, Mary nurtured her children and grandchildren, guiding her family with strength, faith, and a lifelong commitment to community values. Her descendants would span multiple generations, extending her legacy well beyond Newton County.
Church and Community Life
A devoted Christian woman, Mary was an active member of the Church of God in Christ #1 in Newton, where she participated faithfully until her health began to decline. Her presence in the church community—marked by steady involvement and quiet dedication—made her a respected elder figure in one of Newton County’s most longstanding African American congregations.
Later Years and Passing
Mary spent her later years surrounded by family, including:
- her daughter, Mrs. Alma Arrington of Newton,
- her son, English Loper of Muskegon, Michigan,
- her stepdaughter, Mrs. Mary L. Walker of Newton,
- two sisters, Mrs. Ida Kennedy of Newton and Mrs. Flossie Wheaton of Montrose,
- her brother, William Mosley of Jackson,
- and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
She passed away on December 26, 1982, leaving a rich legacy of faith, family, and community service.
Burial
Mary Magdalene Mosley Loper was laid to rest at the Evans Cemetery on Mt. Moriah Road in Newton County, joining generations of relatives on the sacred ground that holds much of her family’s history.
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
1892-1982
Sources
- 1900 Federal Census
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- The Newton Record, Mrs. Mary Magdalene Loper Obituary, Wed, Jan 05, 1983 ·Page 3
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
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