Mary Williams Booth

Mary Williams Booth, 97, of Morganton, died Thursday, September 15, 2011 at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care following a brief illness. Born on June 29, 1914 in Burke County, NC, she was a daughter of the late John Pinkney Williams and Henrietta Farr Williams. Mary was a member of North Morganton United Methodist Church, and worked as a dietician for the Drexel schools for 16 years. She took great pride in serving the children healthy, wholesome, well-balanced meals. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and housekeeper. She was happiest when in the kitchen preparing food for family and friends. Mary loved her church and was a member of the Sunshine Group. She was also a member of the Morganton Professional and Business Women's Club and a charter member of the Friendly Tuesday Club.In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Maxwell Booth; a daughter, Katharine Bartholomew; a sister, Henrietta Williams; brothers, Manley and Johnston Williams; and a nephews, Billy Booth, formerly of Morganton and Jimmy Williams of Newland.Mary is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Martha and Ron Franklin of Morganton; a brother, Troyal Williams of Morganton; grandchildren, Bobby Bartholomew and wife, Keri of Wilmington, Buzz Bartholomew and wife, Dawson of Winston-Salem, Kathy Eury and husband, Ronnie of Charlotte, Jon Ripley and wife, Stacey of Morganton, and Jeff Ripley and wife, Susan of Columbia, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Brett Eury, Max and Lilly Bartholomew, Kaylee, Olivia, and Tori Bartholomew, Josh and Jacob Ripley, and Gracey and Anna Lynn Ripley; sister-in-law, Murline Williams and nephew, Johnny Williams of Morganton; nieces Mildred Williams Guthrie and Janet Williams Smith; nephew, Gene Williams; great nephews, Hank and Mark Williams, Jeff, Hank and Trevor Booth; great-niece, Caroline Napier; and her loyal canine companion, "Dolly".Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, September 19, 2011 at North Morganton United Methodist Church with Rev. Neill Shaw officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday one hour before the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to North Morganton United Methodist Church, 990 Sanford Dr., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.