The Happy Herald bluebirdThe Happy Herald
Hometown Heroes

Community Heart

Star Citizen Spotlight: Martinsburg's Own Mary Mullin

Since 1981, Miss Mary has walked our sidewalks with a cart, a grabber tool, and a pocketful of kindness.

The Happy Herald · August 2026

Miss Mary Mullin seated at a downtown Martinsburg table in her reflective vest, notebook open in front of her

If you have spent any time walking through downtown Martinsburg over the past few decades, chances are you have seen Miss Mary Mullin with her cart and grabber tool, diligently clearing litter from local sidewalks and parking lots. A beloved fixture of the community since 1981, she represents the quiet, everyday generosity that keeps a town thriving.

A Lifetime of Giving Back

Miss Mary's routine is simple: she loves to walk, and cleaning up along the way gives her daily movement a clear purpose. Her service to Martinsburg extends far beyond neighborhood tidy-ups:

  • Community Volunteerism: Before mobility challenges shifted her routine, Miss Mary spent years volunteering with Catholic Charities.

  • Neighborhood Celebrations: She collects small treats and prepares cards year-round to deliver birthday greetings to neighbors across local apartment buildings, including Kings Daughters Court and her foster son's residence.

  • Encouraging Words: She frequently hands out cards bearing reminders that "Kindness Matters" to passersby, bus drivers, and local shop owners.

    Front of the "Kindness Matters" card Miss Mary hands out, reading "One Kind Word Can Change Someone's Entire Day"
    The front of one of Miss Mary's cards.
    Back of the "Kindness Matters" card, listing small acts of kindness such as "lend a hand" and "pay it forward"
    The back: a list of small ways to spread the kindness.

Local Roots and Global Heights

Miss Mary has deep ties to the area's history — she recalls learning that the heavy pillars of St. Joseph's Church had to be brought by a dedicated railroad track from Caperton Station, and that the church once served as a Civil War hospital while its lower level housed stables. Yet, one fact surprises almost everyone she meets: during a trip in the 1970s with her husband at the time, she traveled to the Swiss Alps and stood atop the Matterhorn.

Wisdom for the Next Generation

Miss Mary's message to the community is grounded in mindfulness and connection:

  • Do Not Fear Change: "Everything, whether it's good or bad, has a beginning, a middle, and an end. It's not going to go on forever like it is right this minute."

  • Acknowledge the People Around You: She encourages everyone to take notice of their neighbors — even just by learning a name and saying hello — so no one feels invisible.

Supporting Miss Mary's Mission

Miss Mary celebrates her own birthday on September 24th. One of her favorite local spots is Ginger's Flowers and Gifts on Race Street, where she loves to pick up flowers, balloons, cards, and gifts. For community members who would like to support her ongoing mission to spread birthday cheer across Martinsburg, gift certificates can be purchased and left in her name directly at Ginger's Flowers and Gifts.

The next time you spot Miss Mary out on her route, be sure to offer a warm wave, a friendly thank you, and a happy early birthday!

Submit a storyMore Hometown Heroes