Maryanne T. McCurry
November 18, 1934 ~ May 25, 2016
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Maryanne Taggart McCurry, 81, a native of Asheville, passed away on Wednesday, May 25th, 2016, at Fleshers Fairview Healthcare Center after a long battle with Alzheimer's.
She was born on November 18, 1934, to the late Glenn and Mabel Taggart, and was preceded in death by her sister, Rhea Taggart Pearson, and brothers, Jack and Glenn Taggart.
Maryanne graduated from Lee H. Edwards High School in 1953, and obtained her Bachelor of Art Education degree at Western Carolina University in 1957. She furthered her education by studying abroad in Europe, and earned her Master of Arts in Administration at Appalachian State University.
She was an accomplished artist and teacher in Buncombe County Schools for over 20 years. Her students fondly remember how she helped them discover their inner creative talents. She loved to dance, and was the Director of several square dancing teams at Sand Hill Elementary and Middle Schools, sewing many of her student's outfits by hand.
Maryanne taught art in Caldwell County for a short period of time, where she also traveled with Art in the Park and created elaborate wall murals for Designer Houses in Charlotte and Lincolnton, N.C. In her later years, she enjoyed working in the Carriage House at the Biltmore Estate, retiring after 10 years of service.
Her beautiful paintings are displayed in various businesses throughout the Lenoir area, as well as in many homes across Western North Carolina. Her fun-loving nature and kindness to her family, students, and friends will be remembered forever.
In addition to her strong faith, Maryanne's greatest joy was her family, whom she treasured and loved with all of her heart. Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Connie McElrath; daughter and son-in-law, Debi and John Morgan; grandchildren, Evan Morgan, Taylor McElrath Miller (husband Josh), and Payton McElrath.
Her family will receive friends at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31st. In remembrance of Maryanne's life, her paintings will be on display, and her children will be celebrating the extraordinary legacy she left behind. Flowers are welcome and appreciated.
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My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your Mom was an amazing lady and was well loved by all. I pray for peace and comfort for your family.
That soft laugh. That sweet smile. That amazing talent. That wonderful mother, friend, teacher, sister, grandmother. The world will not forget, but long remember.
Our deepest sympathy to you all for your loss. I loved my Aunt Maryanne! She was an amazing, fun, talented person who will be missed by many. Peace and comfort to you all from our family to you all.
Your Mom was always so nice to me❤️ She was beautiful and soft spoken. She will be missed, but her beautiful legacy will carry on through her family. My love and sympathy go out to you all
Lovely lady!! My love and sympathy to Bill and Debi, Connie and John,
Taylor, Payton, and Evan.
My thoughts and prayers with your family, she was a gracious and kind lady..
The legacy of Maryanne lives in the two wonderful children she raised. Her kids were her pride and her joy! You both honored her as you cared for her and loved her through the difficult times in her life. I feel privileged that I was able to have her as a mother-in-law, but most of all as a friend!
Dear Debi my heart goes out to you and your family. I will be praying for all of you.
Debi, I am so sorry for your family as I know she will be missed terribly. May God guide and comfort you each and everyone.
Debi, there are no words that will give you comfort at this time. Just know that your Mom is in God’s hands now. She can paint again and boy there’s a lot of new beautiful things to keep her busy and happy. I’m so sorry for your loss and for the loss of your family. You’re in my prayers.
Bill and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Though your heart holds deep sadness right now, may it also hold the blessings of the love that will always be a part of you. Praying that God will comfort your heart, uplift your spirit, and carry you through this time of sadness to a place of peace. With deepest sympathy –
Thinking of you all -Sincere sympathy, thoughts and prayers with you all.
When I think of your precious kind Mom, only warmth and smiles come to my heart & mind. She has always had a special place in my heart. She touched my life at an early age, giving me love, kindness and encouragement in her ‘soft’ way. This gift will always be with me.
A VERY special lady.
May you take comfort in her blessings and memories; how she touched so many lives in a wonderful way.
Mary Ann and her mother lived behind us when I was growing up. I admired her even then. Later I taught her son, Bill and her daughter Debi lives across the street from us now. I feel blessed to know them all. They are such special people. You have our sympathy and I know Debi and Bill will miss their Mom but I hope they feel pride in the gift they gave her with the lives they have lived..
Remember the good times.
Dear Debi,I am out of town and wll not be able to attend Maryanne’s memorial service. Please know that my thoughts and prayers wll be with you and your family. Maryanne was a dear friend and co-worker. She was an outstanding person in all areas. You have many of her qualities. You are most blessed.
My love and prayers are with you. Nancy Randall
Debi, your Mom lived a wonderful life. This has also passed down to the next generations. This must be a tough time for you and family. I know there are precious memories of her that will live on forever. Thoughts and prayers.
To the entire family, my prayers are with you all, as you remember the vibrant life of a cherished person, who always gave so much to her family and friends. She will be missed, but fondly remembered!!
‘Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.’
I was a student at Sand Hill in the early 1980’s and a member of the Sand Hill Clogging Comets!! She was so encouraging and sweet. I have very fond memories of her. She made an impact on some many young children. God bless your family.
Heartfelt prayers to all the family of Maryanne. She was a great lady and I enjoyed working with her a few years ago. Thankful she is no longer suffering but know that you will miss her earthly presence until you meet again. Hugs!
So Sorry for your loss! We will keep your family in our prayers!!
David, Traci
Matt and Morgan Frisbee
Debi, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your Mother was a very dear, special lady. I enjoyed being with her in a Bible Study Group at Calvary. I enjoyed her laughter and personality. My Mother and I were just talking about their many years of friendship and special times that they shared. I know that your Mother was loved by many. She was so proud of her family. God bless you all. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.