Mary Dell Malone was born October 19, 1957, in Starkville, MS to Pearly D. Rice-Paster and Herman Paster, Sr.

Mary confessed hope in Christ at an early age and joined Pine Grove M.B. Church in Starkville, MS and later joined Faith United Church in Crawford, MS where she was a member until her death.  She attended Moor High School.  Mary worked for Action Apparel in Starkville, MS for over 15 years and Peco Foods in Brooksville, MS where she worked for over 10 years.   During Mary time on earth, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends, cooking, and getting her nails done.  She was the life of the party and always was the chef when there was a cookout.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Pearly D. Rice-Paster and Herman Paster, Sr; her grandfather, John Thomas Rice; father-in-law, JT Malone and her mother-in-law, Minnie Malone; her brother, Hommer Paster and sister, Annie Pearl Sherman.

On April 24, 2024, the Lord sent his angels down to complete his mission on earth.  Her life ended at 4:46 p.m. in Columbus, MS.

Upon her departure from this life, she leaves to cherish her memories: her loving husband Bentley Malone; two sons, Jeffery (Denise) Malone, Sr. of Crawford, MS; Marco (Lashonda) Malone of Sturgis, MS; six grandchildren Chiquita Robinson, Jaquitta Malone, Jeffrey Malone, Jr., Jamerris Edwards, Tycurio Guy, and Mariah Malone; four great grandchildren Tristan Davis, Mylen Smith, Carsen Rogers, and Madilyn Malone;  one grandmother, Iretha  (Lil' Mama) Rice of Crawford, MS; three brothers, Herman Paster Jr., Bobby (Ethelrine) Rice, Sedrick Rice all of Crawford, MS; Tommie (Jeannie) Paster of Columbus, MS; one sister, Sarah (James) Poe of Starkville, MS; two uncles, Rev. John Henry Rice of  Chicago, IL, John Rice (Dorothy) of Crawford, MS; one aunt, Katie (Henry) Rice-Wells of Brooksville, MS; two brothers-in-law, JD Malone and Curtis Malone of Crawford, MS; six sisters-in-law, Rosie Paster of Brooksville, MS, Lizzie (Sam) Thomas and Delois Malone of Chicago, IL; Maggie Malone, Sallie Malone, and Earnestine Malone of Crawford, MS, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.