Mother Mary Mageline Deese was born in Union County on June 29, 1924 to the late William “Bud” Deese and Gussie Winchester Deese. She peacefully transitioned from labor to reward at the blessed age of 101—an extraordinary milestone that even reflected her cherished home address.

Mother Deese was a faithful woman of the Baptist faith, a woman who loved the Lord and lived a life of quiet strength, grace and devotion. She was a dedicated worker, retiring from Dixie Furniture Plant No. 1 after many years of service. Her hands were strong from labor, but her heart was gentle, filled with love for her family and all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved son, James Haywood Deese; her sisters: Cornelia Jackson, Christine Watson, Ella Lee McKinney and Althena Colland; and her brothers, James Deese, Brown Deese, Clarence Deese and Lester Deese.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories two devoted sons, Richard A. (Patricia) Simonds and William Curtis Pierce, both of the home; three loving daughters: Annie Katherine Mabley of Waxhaw, North Carolina, Ruth Elam of Lexington and Helen (Roland) Gibson of Goldsboro, North Carolina; a daughter-in-law, Operlene Deese; 15 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Though she has gone from our sight, her sweet spirit and legacy of love will forever remain in our hearts. We can rejoice in knowing that she now rests in the arms of her Savior, where there is no more pain, only eternal peace.