I had the opportunity to meet and work with Mary a couple of times. I photographed her nephew for her so that she could paint a portrait of him. What a lovely lady she was. It was a privelege to meet her, work with her and experience her incredible energy. It was an experience that will stay with me always. ‘Seek not to be well known; but instead, seek to be worth knowing.’ Fondly, Robin Reed
Mary Louise Short
Mary Louise Short
September 29, 1946 ~ December 28, 2005
Resided in:
Etowah, NC
Etowah ~ Mary Louise Short, 59, of Ewbank Road, Etowah, died unexpectedly on Wednesday December 28, 2005 in East Syracuse New York.
A native of Syracuse, New York, Mrs. Short was the daughter of the late Helen Miller Downie, who died in 2003 and John Downie of Culpepper, VA. She sang in the choir and a member of Biltmore Baptist Church. Locally she was known as a portrait Artist.
In addition to her father, Mrs. Short is survived by her husband of 35 Years, Stephen Short of Etowah; two daughters, Jennifer Kirkwood of Hendersonville and Natalie Short of Charlotte; a son, Jason Short of Winter Springs, FL; two grandchildren, Emily and Jacob Short; two sisters, Beth Post of Saratoga Springs, NY and Debbie Ponder of Greenville, SC; four brothers, Fred Downie of East Syracuse, NY, Jim Downie of Herndon, VA, Tom Downie of Arlington, VA and Dave Downie of Asheville.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday 4:00 P.M. at Biltmore Baptist Church with Mr. Bernard Lancaster and Rev. Noel Hendrix officiating.
The family will receive friends from 2:30 – 4:00 P.M. Tuesday at the church prior to the service.
Graveside service will be held 11:00 AM on Wednesday at Pisgah Gardens Cemetery in Pisgah Forest.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road is in charge of local arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Biltmore Baptist Church Moroccan Mission Fund, 35 Clayton Road, Arden, NC.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
September 29, 1946 ~ December 28, 2005
Resided in:
Etowah, NC
Mary Louise Short, 59, of Eubank Road, Etowah, died unexpectedly on Wednesday December 28, 2005 in East Syracuse New York.
A native of Syracuse, New York, Mrs. Short was the daughter of the late Helen Miller Downie, who died in 2003 and John Downie of Culpepper, VA. She sang in the choir and was a member of Biltmore Baptist Church. Locally she was known as a portrait artist.
In addition to her father, Mrs. Short is survived by her husband of 35 years, Stephen Short of Etowah; two daughters, Jennifer Kirkwood of Hendersonville and Natalie Short of Charlotte; a son, Jason Short of Winter Springs, FL; two grandchildren, Emily and Jacob Short; two sisters, Beth Post of Saratoga Springs, NY and Debbie Ponder of Greenville, SC; four brothers, Fred Downie of East Syracuse, NY, Jim Downie of Herndon, VA, Tom Downie of Arlington, VA and Dave Downie of Asheville.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday 4:00 P.M. at Biltmore Baptist Church with Mr. Bernard Lancaster and Rev. Noel Hendrix officiating.
The family will receive friends from 2:30 – 4:00 P.M. Tuesday at the church prior to the service.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road is in charge of local arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Biltmore Baptist Church Moroccan Mission Fund, 35 Clayton Road, Arden, NC.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
-
-
Dear Steve and family. We were so saddened to hear of Mary’s sudden death. Although we did not have opportunity to really get to know you both prior to our move to Hickory, I felt as if we had known each other a very long time. She always took special interest in us in asking how we were adjusting,etc. We could count on Mary to be one of the first to greet us when we had a chance to visit our Bible Study Fellowship Group at Biltmore. She was just extra special. I enjoyed working with her during a Saturday workday at South Mountain Baptist Camp. She worked circles around many of us and it was obvious that was just how she did everything – 100% and full speed ahead. She was a blessing to so many and will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you and the entire family in the days ahead. May God’s promise of a peace that passes all understanding fill your lives today.
-
Dear Steve and everyone: Words cannot describe the sadness I am feeling! I know you are all leaning on God. He is still in control! I saw Mary recently when she came to our home for my mother-in-law’s open house in October. She shared photo albums with me of her children and grandchildren. She was such a fun woman and good mom. I remember well, Steve, our dinners together with the Brown’s and at Carrabas. Mary was so happy and proud of her family. God Bless you all as you grieve.
Praise Jesus–I can’t imagine what she is experiencing as I write this!
Love, Joette -
Steve, Jason, Jennifer and Natalie,
We were so sadden to hear of Mary’s death. All of you have been heavy on our hearts and in our prayers. Mary was such a joyous person, always cheerful, helpful and so encouraging. Mary was a special teacher for Grant, when I called to tell him, he was saddened and said how he enjoyed his 5th grade year with her. May the Lord grant you strength and peace as you go through this time. We will continue to hold you up in our prayers. Love John and Camille, Seth, and Grant. -
Dear Steve and Family,
Judy and I are saddened to hear of your great loss. Although we had barely become aquainted at church, both of us admired Mary’s wonderful and inspired contributions during our recent study on the Sermon on the Mount. She was a pleasure to learn Scripture with and we feel all the better for having known her and her having given us all great spiritual wisdom and insight.
We both feel that this moment Mary is in the presense of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
She will be missed.
Blessings with love,
Judy & Mike Parent -
Dear Steve and Family…I really cannot imagine this planet without lovely and gracious Mary Short. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Blessings, Ilene Douglas -
Mary was a constant encouragement to me. Steve, I remember allot of dinners and lunches and good times with you all. My heart goes out to you in your loss even though we both know she is as happy as it gets in heaven with Jesus. God bless you and your family.
-
Dear Steve, Jennifer, Jason, Natalie.
All of us were so blessed to have been touched by Mary. God truly expressed Himself through this dear lady. You as her family were most blessed of all; you got to see her up close & know her best. You will also feel her loss most deeply. Cherish her memory & cherish the legacy she has left in her children & grandchildren. She has become one more attraction for us in heaven… -
Dearest Steve, Jason, Jennifer & Natalie;
All of Mary’s artist friends are so sad and grieve with you & pray for you all. As one artist explained, Mary was always flying two inches from heaven. I imagine her radiant face now, looking up to Him. And to us- she says, ‘Do not worry, there is nothing to worry about.’ What a gift Mary will continue to be in all our lives.
She may well be the sweetest, most loving person I have known. To say we will miss her is a grand understatement.
May God give you His abundant Grace to carry on as Mary would desire. Deepest condolences to you all.
May her memory be eternal -
Dear Steve and Family,
Words cannot express my deep sympathy for all of you.
I was thinking about Mary just last week…I had not seen her in a while and wondered how she was doing. We always enjoyed seeing each other, usually at school related activities. Mary had a way of making me feel that I had known her forever. She was such an elegant, sincere person.
I would like to share a little saying that was a comfort to a dear late friend of mine, Leander Johnson. It goes like this…
‘To Live in Hearts One Leaves Behind is Not to Die.’
I know that Mary left her imprint on my heart and I feel blessed to have known her.
I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Becky Varnadore
-
Hi Steve,
Deb and I have been praying for you and your family.I have been asking the Lord to make His presence known in a very real way to you and the kids.If there is anything we can do please don’t hesitate to call.I love you Brother. Jeff & Deb -
I am very sorry for your loss. I met Mrs. Short at a Mary Kay meeting and was so impressed with her portraits.They were beautiful!I enjoyed talking with her that night, she seemed like such a nice and caring person. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Sabrina
-
Dear Steve, Jason, Jennifer, and Natalie,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. I will always remember Mary’s strong support for missions, her beautiful smile, and words of encouragement. The world is a better place because of her being here. I am blessed to have known her. May the Lord bless you.
David Osteen -
Dear Steve and Family,
How sad to lose our Mary – such an encouraging, loving friend to me.
I’m so glad I was able to be with her during my open house a couple of months ago. All of us at First Alliance Church love and miss you, Steve, Jennifer, Natalie and your son for whom we often prayed. I place you all in the comforting arms of our heavenly Father. Just know that Jimmy, Joette and I are here with our loving support and prayers.
Geri Humphrey & Family -
Steve, We were so sad to learn of Mary’s death. Michael played soccer for you in ’90-’92 and Mary was always such a joy to be around during soccer season. She was a warm and friendly person making soccer Moms feel important. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
-
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mary. She was a very sweet lady and will be missed by many. If we can help you in any way please let us know.
John & Michelle Shaw & family
-
Mary was a good friend who always offered encouragement to me.
-
Mary was a good friend who always offered encouragement to me.
-
Steve, Jennifer, Natalie, and Jason:
We are SO SORRY for your loss! I still struggle to grasp that we will not see Mary here again this side of Heaven. Mary is experiencing unspeakable bliss, but those left behind will miss her so much!
May God continue to comfort and strengthen you.
Love,
Cathy McGruder, Melodie and Glenn Warren, Andy and Colleen McGruder -
Mary was so kind to us when we first came to First Alliance Church, after moving to H’ville. She was very concerned over Montana losing her Mother and prayed for her and was always showed an interest in her, and we loved her. I am so sorry, we just heard about her going to be with the Lord today. Raynie
-
Dear Steve, Jason, Jennifer, and Natalie,
My prayers are with you all during this time. Mary was such a wonderful woman of God, always encouraging and helping others, especially my daughter, Sarah Nodurft. We will always keep her in our heart and memories. What a peace and comfort she has in the loving arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ! -
Although I didn’t know Mary, I do know she was a faithful member of Biltmore Baptist church and and a fellow choir member. She was always smiling when I saw her at rehearsals and on Sundays and we will all miss her. Prayers for Mr. Short and family that you will be comforted by knowing that your Heavenly Father loves you and your extended family at Biltmore care about you.
-
Steve, Jason, Jennifer and Natalie,
I will never forget Mary & all the times that we hung out while I was growing up. She showed me so many things from making smores with golden grahams to seeing pieces of art. Mary has not only touched my life, but the life of anyone else that she has encountered. ‘What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.’? A. Pike.
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
We are very sorry for your loss and pray that God will comfort you during this time.