Mary Raper Wynes
May 2, 1935 ~ April 30, 2007
Resided in:
Sanford, NC
Mary Raper Wynes died on Friday, April 27, 2007 at the UNC-Chapel Hill Hospital.
A native of Haywood Co., she was born on May 2, 1935 to her late parents, Martin Alexander and Hattie Botts Raper. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Betty Wynes, who passed away in 2004; brothers, Glenn and Clarence Raper, both of Candler; and sister, Ruby Gaunt, of Asheville.
Mary is survived by her children: Judy Watson of Sanford, Linda Lail of Shelby, Ron Wynes of Candler and Joe Wynes of Clover, SC; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Delma Gentry, of Florida, and Helen Munn of Candler.
In 1958, Mary began employment at American Enka Corporation, where she worked for 14 years. In 1978, she became a part-time craft instructor at Asheville-Buncombe Technical College. In 1986, she received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Mars Hill College. In Asheville, she then worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital as an activity coordinator, the Buncombe County Health Department as a counselor in the Baby Love program, and the Victoria Health Care Center as Admissions Director. In March of 2006, she retired from her position as Admission Director at Madison Manor Nursing Home in Mars Hill to begin treatments with the UNC HealthCare System for multiple myeloma. During this time she resided in Sanford, NC until her death.
Mary was active during her church life as a pianist, Sunday School teacher, and youth worker. She led the singles ministry and nursing home ministry. Her hobbies included crocheting, and being a loving grandmother and great grandmother.
Mary served many years as a board member representing the four counties of the Blue Ridge Mental Health Organization. She also served as corresponding secretary for the Alliance of the Mentally Ill and was past president of the Long-Term Care Social Workers of Western North Carolina.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Groce Funeral Home chapel on Patton Ave. with the Revs. George Patterson and Robbin Mundy officiating. Burial will follow at Pisgah View Memorial Park.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday from 5:30-6:00 p.m. at New Life Praise Church in Sanford, NC with the Rev. Joshua Dickinson officiating.
Her family will receive friends Friday from 6-8:00 p.m. at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave.
Memorials may be made to Chapel Door Ministries Building Fund, 1334-A Charlotte Highway, Fairview, NC 28730 or to New Life Praise Church, 2398 Wicker Street, Sanford, NC 27330.
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Mary was a wonderful person and i believe she was an angel sent from GOD..Mary touched so many lives and helped so many by her unselfish, giving spirit and she will be greatly missed..Mary is with GOD and will no longer suffer..GOD needed another angel
my love goes with you my friend.
To family and friends – I did not meet Mary in person, but we had many talks via telephone. I had an illness similar to Mary’s illness several years ago. Mary was a great inspiration to me and with God’s help I ‘picked myself up and got back in the race’. We spoke of having lunch together but we never did. Blessings and peace, Betty Nelon Rhodes
Dear Ronnie and Joe and family,
May God comfort you in the loss of your mother. God Bless You.
Judy, Linda, Ronnie & Joe…..My
deespest sympathy with the loss of
your beloved Mother, Mary Jane.
She was one amazing woman, what she
achieved with five little kids is
beyond amazing…My heart and prayers go out to each and every one of you…She will be so missed by all that knew and loved her…
Love to you all, Jewel (Deane)
Clarence’s middle daughter
MARY WAS A VERY CLOSE FRIEND. I WILL MISS HER VERY MUCH. WE WORKED TOGETHER AT MAGNOLIA. SHE WAS A VERY SPECIAL PERSON! SHE ALWAYS HAD A KIND WORD FOR EVERYONE AND HELPED SO MANY PEOPLE.LOVE AND PRAYERS TO ALL OF HER FAMILY.
RUBY
To each of Mary’s family members…with prayers and sympathy… Mary was not only one of my dearest friends, but she became my ‘second mother’. We worked together for several years at the Health Dept. Often times, when someone moves far away, friendships seem to fade and contact becomes less frequent. Mary and I became even closer when I left NC. Mary and I had weekly phone contacts for the last 7 years! She was the most caring and loving person I have had the privilige to know. I knew from when I first met Mary, that she was purposefully placed in my life by the Lord. He orchestrated our meeting and our friendship exactly as it was meant to be! I had the utmost respect for Mary. She was a fighter, and even in the worst of times, she offered compassion to others during her own suffering and times of challenge. Mary was a perfect example how God wants us to live our lives. I will miss her terribly, but am joyous that she is now with the Lord, her parents and with Betty, and is in perfect health as she dances with the angels.
Mary Jane was a precious friend to me, we went to school together, then worked at Enka together. She was at Victoria when my mother-in-law and aunt were there. She was always someone I loved to talk to.
mary was a real people person.i will miss her easy way of talking to all she knew .she was my buddy and close friend.she loved the Lord and now she is with Him and sleeping with the angels.
Mary was the most kind and gentle person I believe I have ever known, I had never heard her speak an unkind word to the worst of persons. She was truly a treasure and will sadly be missed.
I worked at MHCC for several yrs with Mary, I will miss her much!
Tracy Keenan
My deepest sympathies to Marys family. Mary and I attended church together in years past. She was our singles ministry leader. I appreciate the time, friendship, and teaching of the Word that she gave to us.
Dear Linda,
I’m sorry to hear about the death of your mother. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen her. I was glad to see Brother Patterson was going to do the memorial service. Our prayers are with you.
Love, Ray and Marti