Mary Raye Ferrell, 98 ½, formerly of Raeford, NC passed away at the Robbins Center, Hudson, NC on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, following two months of declining health.
A native of Raeford, NC, she was the daughter of Carl Rufus Freeman and Mary Harllee Freeman, both deceased. She attended Columbia College in South Carolina and completed her degree at Flora MacDonald College in North Carolina with a major in Bible Studies and a Minor in Music. Mary Raye was Director of Christian Education for one year and taught public schools for a total of nine years. After teaching in the school system, she began her career as a piano teacher.
Mary was a longtime member of Saxapahaw United Methodist Church and more recently at the First Wesleyan Church in Burlington. She led Bible studies and was a faithful choir member. She was the best friend you could ever have and was a light of God’s love in this world. Mary enjoyed the simple things in life such as family, friends, and church and being a good neighbor. She loved spending time with nature and was an avid bird watcher.
Survivors include two daughters, Anna Bottoms (Mark) of Lenoir and Beth Jenks (Greg) of Holly Springs; five grandchildren, Caroline Bottoms of Tampa, FLA, Stephen Bottoms of Tampa, FLA, Julie Dupervil (Lu Lu) of Lancaster, PA, Seth Jenks of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Hannah Jenks of Los Angeles, CA; and two great grandchildren, Leilah Dupervil and Lucie Dupervil. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Helen Ferrell and sister, Carlene Blackmon.
A memorial service will be conducted at the First Wesleyan Church in Burlington on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with lunch and visitation to follow. At a later time, there will be a graveside service at Raeford Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff with AMOREM (in-home hospice care) for the wonderful care given to Mary Raye. Memorials may be made to AMOREM, to Patient Assistance Fund, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.
