Mary Ann Tarrance

Mary Tarrance-Segbefia came into this world the same way she departed, doing what she wanted when she wanted to. Born as the second child on January 11, 1960 to the late George Easterling Sr. & Lucille Easterling in Cincinnati, OH. After learning to live with Sarcoidosis (purple ribbon), she succumbed to liver failure (green ribbon) and bouts of depression (green ribbon) which moved Mary on to her next adventure that began quietly on September 12, 2023 at her home with her youngest daughter by her side. Mary was the beloved wife of the late Oliver for 23 years. She went to join her father, George; brother Johney; sisters Josie, Barbara, & Wanda. As well as her first fur gran kid Angel.

Mary was an active person not just physically but, in the community, church, her education, & career. Like her siblings Mary was brought up in the church and participated in some way growing up. She graduated from Aiken High School in 1977 and strove for more. She was always a driven woman and spent much of her time in school at the University of Cincinnati receiving two bachelor & two associate degrees. Mary wanted to make sure she set a good example & put herself in the best situation possible all while raising her daughters. During her 33 years at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) she grew in her career becoming a Labor Relations Specialist, testifying, solving issues, or making her daughters color (redact) documents. She was forced to retire October of 2016 due to medical issues. Mary never sat still & was always looking for a project. During her time in the IRS she wanted to make sure not only she was successful but others were as well, so she became an intricate part of National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) Chapter 9 in Cincinnati. Mary was determined to help other workers like herself and she spent much of her time driving to different federal buildings to educate & gain support for the union with her daughters in tow. Once Mary & her colleagues succeeded in establishing support for the union she served as a Union Steward, Chief Steward & then Vice President of Chapter 9 NTEU. She was very active in the community as a member of the Les Angelique’s Federated Colored Women Club and always enjoyed the Pink Tea and fashion show event. Mary touched the lives of many people with her smile, generosity, her fun-loving attitude, as well as her trademark quips. She loved to try different foods and restaurants and always said “You can’t say you don’t like it, until you try it.”

Mary was always the first one willing to help, lend an ear if you wanted to talk, & give tough advice when needed. With the help of Olivier, Mary raised both of her girls to be strong and intelligent women. She guided them into sports, music, school, & being one of the taxis for their many activities. She loved her friends and always tried to find a way to stay connected or find a way to see them to have fun. Mary held a light in her heart that she shared with so many people in almost everything that she did. She never hesitated to ask questions, tell you the truth, or keep a secret.

Mary had a good sense of humor, laughing, joking, an adventurous cook, a prolific baker, honest, and loved watching the worst tv. She loved to wait up to watch Perry Mason over the phone with her sister Barb, or wait to gross her daughters out by watching Dr. Pimple Popper. In her younger days, Mary played many sports, but softball was by far her favorite. She was disappointed when neither daughter picked up a bat, but she found joy with them in their new endeavors. She loved all music and was terrible at remembering the lyrics to most of the songs she liked. She gave in & loved the fur grand kids. Mary loved just being with family and friends. Her favorite pastimes were baking (until she couldn’t), gardening, watching tv, watching football & futbal (soccer). She was always on the go, wanted to find the next trip, & always found a way to have fun. She also loved to tell embarrassing, funny, or silly stories about everyone, including herself.

She leaves her children Cira Bryant, Princess Tarrance-Lander (Mike), & Maleah Daughtry to have adventures for her. Fur grankids Sy and Lily; & adopted ones KeShawn, Arion, Devyn, & Camari. Mary also, leaves behind her mother Lucille Easterling, siblings George Easterling Jr. (Michelle) & Pricilla Easterling Green. She has a brother in-law Kossivi Edem Segbefia (Amevi), that she leaves behind to celebrate her life. Her nieces & nephews: Curtis Underwood, Joanna Easterling, Richard Smiley, Renika Smiley Rodger Jones, Earl I Green, Jeremy Green, Malik Green, Randall Ralston, Alexis Ralston, Travis Ralston, George Easterling III, Gevon Easterling, & Jordan Easterling. Mary leaves behind very dear friends Aurther (Rock) Tarrance & Frank Bryant III. She also leaves behind many cousins & friends to celebrate her life.

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