Rev. Mary Edith Denton

Reverend Mary Edith Denton went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at Autumn Care of Drexel, following a lengthy illness.  She was the daughter of the late Dewey Denton and Thelma Mull Denton.

For most of her working career, she was an office professional and retired with over 19 years at Hanes/National Textiles in quality assurance.  She worked at Shadowline for 18 years, two years as purchasing assistant at Baker Furniture, five years at Highlander Ltd. in production control, and several other companies in various office positions between plant closings.

She was a member of IAAP, International Association of Administrative Professionals, for 27 years and served in all capacities.  She was nominated and selected as Secretary of the Year in 1987 and was selected by her peers as Outstanding Member of the Year in 1995.

Mary Edith Denton was a member of Living Hope Church in Whitnel, served on the “Joyful Puppeteers” puppet team, and taught the 3-5 year olds for three months.  She has written many puppet scripts.  One Way Street has nine of her scripts on file and so far three have been accepted and published in their monthly newsletter.  She loved to work with children and was involved in the Women’s Ministry at Living Hope Church and has been a speaker several times there and at other churches’ Ladies Ministries.

She loved the Lord so very much and enjoyed being involved in various areas of ministry.  At the Morganton Freedom Church of God, she taught the Junior Boys and Girls Sunday school class for 10 years, served as the Children’s Church Director for 15 years, served 28 years as the Youth Director, served as the Youth Chorus Director, and also sang with a Ladies Trio for many years.  She also worked with the children at “The House of Praise Fellowship”.  She always said, “The sky is the limit when it comes to children!”

Mary Edith Denton received her official Minister’s License in April of 2007.  Her special friend and mentor, Rev. Joyce Miles, invited her to preach a number of times at South China Grove Church of God.  She was so thankful for all the ministers who gave her an opportunity to preach and share the Word of God.  She counted it an honor and blessing to minister the Word!  She said, “Stay faithful until He comes again!”  She greatly loved her family and her wonderful church family.  She will indeed be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Emogene “Jean” Denton Small.

Those left behind to cherish her memory include a sister, Ruby Mae Deese of Charlotte, NC; a brother, Harold D. Denton and wife, Cherie, of Hampton, VA; a brother-in-law, Robert Small of Morganton; nephews, Greg Deese, Kevin Deese and wife, Lisa, Heath Denton and wife, Michelle, and Hal Denton and wife, Martha; nieces, Anne Small, Heather Robinson and husband, David; great-nephews and nieces, Madison, Logan, and Ryan Deese, Hannah, Hudson, Houston and Hailey Denton; and three special ladies who volunteered to be her sisters, Brenda Teague, Pearl Younce, and Mary Waters.  Mary Edith was indeed grateful to Donna Coffey, Rebekah and Ricky Greene, Judy Oyler, Donette Lankford, Mr. and Mrs. Randy Hefner, Mrs. Wendy Maney, Susie Willis and her late husband, Rev. Jerry, the late Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Barrier, and others who came to her rescue many times.  She had two special “adopted” sisters, Mrs. Phyllis Barrier Hanmer from Carson City, Nevada and Mrs. Loretta Barrier Mosley from Jonas Ridge, N.C. who loved Mary Edith so very much!  These three sisters had a great Christian love bond!  She was blessed with many Christian friends.  Many other relatives and church friends will greatly miss this lovely Christian lady.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, August 15, 2021 at Sossoman Funeral Home.  The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home.  Her final resting place will be Burke Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Living Hope Church, 1890 Connelly Springs Rd., Lenoir, NC 28645 or to Amorem Hospice, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.