Mary Cecil (Terry) Atkinson

Mary Cecil Terry Atkinson, 93, of Faison, NC, passed away on January 8, 2020, in Concord, NC, from complications of Parkinson's disease.  She was born on November 15, 1926, in Hamlet, NC, to the late Gaston and Irene Everett Terry.  Mary grew up with her five brothers and one sister.  She was married to Jake Atkinson in Hamlet when he returned from service in World War II.  Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband of 54 years and their daughter Terry Ellis.

Mary's loves were her family and her church.  She gladly gave countless hours to the Faison Presbyterian Church.  Mary was an ordained Elder, and for her service was designated a Presbyterian Woman.  Her working career was spent in Rockingham County Schools as secretary to the superintendent of schools, in Kings Mountains Schools, in admissions at Mount Olive College and at Southern Furniture and Interiors in Mount Olive.

Mary had many interests.  She was an expert seamstress, a wonderful cook and a talented homemaker.  As a helpmate to her husband, Jake, a coach, school administrator and teacher, she always had her door open to students and families.  Mary washed football uniforms, scouted opposing teams, helped grade papers and painted lines on the basketball court.  Her giving spirit and compassionate ear were a cornerstone in any community of which she became part.  Mary created family wherever she went, never more so than in Faison.  She and Jake became part of a unique town and community where they lived happily for more than 30 years.  It was there she found her church and her dearest friends, people who cared for her and Jake and their family and with whom she was able to share her many special talents.

Mary is survived by two daughters:  Sandy Pettyjohn (David) of Concord, NC, and Kathy Allred (Steve), of Kings Mountain, NC; son-in-law, Pete Ellis (Carla) of Charlotte, NC; three grandchildren, Brandy Greene (Chuck); Chris Pettyjohn; Drew Ellis (Christine Friel); and three great-grandchildren; Erika Greene and Erin Greene; Scarlett Terry Ellis.  Surviving are also three brothers:  Bill Terry of Plumas Lake, California, Ray Terry of Roseville, California, and Paul Terry of San Jose, California.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the loving and caring staff at St Andrews Assisted Living Center and to to Hospice of Lake Norman.

A graveside service will be held at 11am  on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Faison Cemetery, 100 Cemetery Drive, Faison, NC.

Memorials can be made to Faison Presbyterian Church, 502 W. Main Street, Faison, NC  28341; the Mary Atkinson Endowment at the University of Mount Olive, 634 Henderson St., Mount Olive, NC  28365; St Andrews Assisted Living Center, 246 Cabarrus Ave West, Concord, NC  28025 or to Hospice & Palliative Care Lake Norman, 705 Griffith Street, Suite 203, Davidson, NC  28036.

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