Mabel Mangum Oxford

Mabel Mangum Oxford, 76, of Carbon City Rd., Morganton, NC, died Thursday, June 1, 2006, at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born on August 20, 1929 in Burke County and was the daughter of the late Bryant G. Mangum and Ellen Gettys Mangum. In addition to her parents, Mabel was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Oxford; her son, Sam; her daughter, Liz; brothers, Edward and Ray Mangum; and sisters, Virginia Burris and Helen Hartis. She graduated from Glen Alpine High School and retired from Drexel-Heritage Furniture where she had been employed for over 30 years.

Mabel worked for many years behind the scenes in local community theaters providing sets and props for countless plays produced by the Old Colony Players and the WPCC Performing Arts Program.

She became a community activist and political organizer in her retirement, working tirelessly against noise, pollution, and industrial towers in her neighborhood.

Mabel loved gardening and adorned her yard and the yards of her children with flowers.

In her best of times, her door was always open. As the signs in her kitchen read, "There’s no place like home, except the Oxfords" and "Sit long, talk much."

She is survived by a son, Joe; and by a daughter, Cheryl, and her partner Louise White, all of Morganton.

Graveside services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, June 4, 2006, at Glen Alpine Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Scott Oxford of St. James Episcopal Church, Black Mountain, and Rev. Bruce Walker of Grace Episcopal Church, Morganton officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of personal choice.