On February 24, 2022, Mary Janice Mayberry (née Morrissey), loving wife, mother, and grandmother, returned to her Heavenly Father at the age of 91. Mary was born on March 14, 1930 in Sheridan Oregon. On April 15, 1950, she married her high school sweetheart, Gary, and together they were blessed with four wonderful sons, Bruce, John, Tom, and Jim, and daughter, Jackie (Wills).
Mary touched us all and left us with many lasting and loving memories. Mary was a homemaker, dedicated to her husband and with raising her five children. She was so very proud of both her husband and of her children. She was active in her Catholic church, teaching Faith Formation and participating in many other church activities. Mary loved visits with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially when the visit included a trip to Disney World, a game of cards or a favorite board game, or a special dinner out. We are left with wonderful memories of our family reunions in Virginia Beach, all staying under one roof and having so much fun! Mary loved sports! She enjoyed watching sports on television, but especially watching sports being played by her children and grandchildren. Her love of sports ranged from football, baseball, basketball, soccer, and car racing. She was a bowler, proud of the trophies she had won. Mary had a love of dogs, especially her dear poodles, both named Alfie. She had an interest in politics and world news events. She enjoyed a good glass of wine while watching a “whodunnit”, news program, or sporting event. Mary was loyal and devoted to her friends and neighbors, always up for a visit, a cup of coffee, or an outing for lunch. As one life-long friend said, “knowing Mary was a blessing”. “A very sweet lady” is how she was described by her friends at her assisted living facility. Mary was 100% Irish, and very proud of her Irish roots, with St. Patrick’s Day being one of her favorite holiday celebrations.
Mary is survived by her five children, fourteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and her sister, Harriett Morrissey. Mary was predeceased by her loving husband Gary (December, 24, 2020), and five of her beloved sisters.
We were all blessed to have had Mary in our lives, and her spirit and love will be forever in our hearts. She will be greatly missed by all who celebrate that she is at peace with our creator.
The funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Southern Pines, NC, on March 4, 2022, at 9:00 AM, followed by Inurnment at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Cemetery. All prayers will be warmly accepted for Mary and her family. In lieu of flowers, please give to your favorite charity in Mary’s memory.
May the Road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
May the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May GOD hold you in the palm of His hand.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home.
