Tributes paid to former Sandwell deputy Tory leader Mary Docker

Mary Docker served as a councillor from 2004 to 2012 in the Blackheath ward, where she worked as a market trader, running the Moonbeam Textiles stall. She was also the former deputy leader of Sandwell's Conservative opposition party before losing her seat on the authority.

The mother of two died at the weekend a few weeks short of her 60th birthday, after losing her battle with cancer.

During her time as a councillor and even afterwards, she was involved in a range of campaigns including for a ramp for wheelchair users at Powke Lane Cemetery in Rowley Regis.

Wayne Parkes, former branch secretary at Blackheath Royal British Legion who worked with Mrs Docker at the time, said: "She was a force for the good of the area without a shadow of a doubt.

"She will be sadly missed."

Mrs Docker had also been chairman of the Blackheath Business and Community Association, which meant she was involved in the organisation of the annual Tree of Life event in the town, at St Paul's Church, Long Lane, in memory of lost loved ones. She has also overseen the town's 15 camera CCTV surveillance system and helped manage traders' radio link, working with police to provide evidence on crime that took place in the town, as well as campaigning in the interests of traders.

Sue Fullwood, who used to work in the market at Blackheath at the Scribbles stall with Mrs Docker, added: "She was a formidable woman.

"If she knew she was right on something, she was totally unmovable. A lot of good things in Blackheath would not be in place without her pushing and pushing. She was strong-willed but 100 per cent she only ever had Blackheath and its community at heart."

Mrs Docker had continued to campaign even after losing her council seat, calling for better, cleaner public toilets in Short Street Car Park, on Henderson Way, Blackheath, for the benefit of elderly visitors to the town, before the decision was taken to close them.