Obituary of Mary Zealy

Mary Hawes Zealy (1914-2012) A true Southern lady of deep Christian faith, grace, beauty, and charm, Mary Hawes Zealy was loved by all who knew her. She celebrated her ninety-eighth birthday on October 28. Following a brief period of declining health, she died peacefully in the early morning hours on Sunday, November 18, 2012. The beloved daughter of Alice Ruth Knox and James Wilson Hawes, Mary Knox Withers Hawes was born in Thomson, Georgia, in 1914. She attended Georgia State Teachers' College, now Georgia Southern. After teaching third grade for one year in Nunez, Georgia, she returned to Thomson. It was there that she met a young Columbia Seminary graduate, Samuel Hollingsworth Zealy of Augusta, who had been called to Thomson to establish the Thomson Presbyterian Church. In Sam Zealy's journal, he wrote about their first meeting at a church service: ?I spotted a young lady in a purple outfit and knew right away she needed to be on my prospect list.? A courtship ensued, and they were married in 1940 at First Methodist Church in Thomson. She cherished her role as a minister's wife and graced the manse at each church they served, including First Presbyterian, Greensboro, GA; First Presbyterian, Washington, NC; Thomasboro Presbyterian, Charlotte; Farmville Presbyterian, Farmville, VA; and Fairview Presbyterian, North Augusta, SC. Mary Zealy's hospitality and generosity of spirit followed her throughout her life. She was devoted to the congregations she and her husband served, cherishing many friendships from their days in ministry. She also made many lasting friendships as she and ?The Reverend Sam? traveled six continents together. Upon retirement, they returned to Thomson to live happily in their historic home ?Salem,? circa 1849, a gift from her brother, E. Wilson ?Sheik? Hawes. Mary Zealy was active in many church and community organizations for over twenty years. She was president of the Garden Study Club of Thomson, and she served as regent of the Captain John Wilson Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. She also volunteered for numerous organizations that helped people in need. In 1998, she moved to MerryWood Retirement Home in Charlotte, where she volunteered with the vespers ministry, the meals for the homeless program, and as a MerryWood Ambassador. Her strong faith sustained her through the loss of her loving brother in 1992, her devoted husband in 1995, and her beloved son, Samuel Hollingsworth Zealy, Jr., in 2007. She was a loving mother to Ruth Knox Zealy Kerr and her late husband, Ed, Cypress, TX; Libby Hollingsworth Zealy Helms and her husband Frank, Monroe, NC; and the late Sam Zealy, Jr., and his wife, Jane "Peppermint" Zealy, Greensboro, NC. ?Nana? was adored by her grandchildren Katie Kerr McMillen and husband Devoe, Cypress; Tripp Helms and wife Amy, Monroe, NC; Mary Beth Kerr Finigan and husband Jim, Cypress; Mary Zealy "B'easy" Helms Thompson and husband Jim, Blacksburg, VA; Andy Kerr, Galveston, TX; Alice Hawes Zealy Nemiti and husband Jim, Greensboro; Mary Knox Zealy, Raleigh. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Madeleine Kern, Carter McMillen, Savannah McMillen, Sophia Thompson, Zealy Helms, Henry Helms, Shelly Finigan, Frank Hollingsworth Thompson, and Ginsey Thompson. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, November 23, 2012, at 1:00 pm at Avondale Presbyterian Church, with visitation following the service. A graveside service will be conducted on Saturday in Thomson, GA, at Savannah Valley Memorial Garden at 1:00 pm. The family is grateful for the loving care provided by the Reverend Dr. John Earle of Avondale Presbyterian; medical providers Dr. Robert Allen, Dr. Kenneth Ferrell, Dr. Lakshani Chalavadi; caregiver Edna Graham; and the staff and friends at MerryWood Greenbrier. Memorials may be sent to Avondale Presbyterian Church, 2821 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209.