It is hard to believe 40 years have passed since Mary first came into my family’s lives. My father owned a store at the bottom of Beech Mountain. One wintery night a van pulled in with a tire issue. Dad fixed it so the family with three young boys could make it up the mountain. That would be the beginning of a lifelong family friendship. Ironically all of us kids were similar in age. Mary became part of our extended family as well over the years. We spent summers and winter breaks together in NC and spring breaks in FL. ( my personal favorite) I loved it so much with the support of Mary and her family I spent the last 20 years living in South Florida. There are too many memories to share but just to mention a few: The Jackson Five Live, Beech Mtn. Club, art camp in a tree house, Walt Disney World, Heat and Panthers games, and Christmas dinner shared together. Mary’s strength, confidence, and generosity was most admirable. Mary gave us our first family cat our beloved Thor. She provided comfort and encouragement when Royale our beloved little dog of 15 years crossed the rainbow bridge. We love you Mary and will miss you terribly. We have many fond memories to hold close and because of the love you showed each of us you will live on forever in our hearts.
Ashley & The Hodges family