Mary (Grady) Etheridge

Mary G. Etheridge
January 15, 1935 – September 12, 2023

Mary Grady Etheridge, 88, of Columbia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Mary was born in Lenoir County, NC on January 15, 1935, to the late James Arthur and Mary Eva Hill Grady. Her early years were spent on a family-owned tobacco farm where she developed a fortitude of spirit and love for family she carried throughout life. She was married to Raymond Etheridge who survives. Together they built a life centered around God, family, and service to others.

She was a member of the Assembly of Praise, where she served others and spread the love of Jesus to everyone she encountered.  Mrs. Mary was a graduate of the former Wilson School of Nursing and spent a lifelong career serving others as a Registered Nurse in the hospital, public school, early intervention, home health, and long-term care settings. She was passionate about the care she provided to her patients. She approached nursing as a ministry and a calling, never missing an opportunity to provide for the comfort and healing of others. Whether she was at church, home, work, or out in the community she devoted her time and effort to helping anyone in need of love and care.

Mrs. Mary had a sense of adventure, visiting many states and ventured to the United Kingdom, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, and other locations. She loved seeing new places and meeting new people. Anytime family or friends mentioned a trip she was ready to go and explore. Mrs. Mary also believed in celebrating. Not a holiday, birthday, or big event went by without some sort of grand gesture or party. She was especially fond of Christmas and enjoyed decorating, cooking, and packing her large family into her loving home to celebrate the birth of Jesus. She truly lived a joyous and happy life. Though hard times inevitably came along, she always faced challenges with a positive outlook and an unwavering spirit.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Assembly of Praise. Pastor Randy Hughes will officiate. A burial will follow at Azalea Memorial Gardens.

In addition to her husband surviving is a son Tony Etheridge (Kathy) of Aydlett, NC; two daughters, Kathy Hoffner (Jim) of Manteo and Susie Phelps of Columbia; six grandchildren, Bridget Spruill (Stephen), John Hoffner, Megan Bohn (Dan), Jordan Spear (Leigh), Meredith Cook (David), step-grandson Algon Sawyer (Marissa); fourteen great-grandchildren, Addison Hoffner, Justin Bohn, Sophie Bohn, James Bohn, Stephen Spruill, Jr., Owen Spruill, Evan Spruill, Landon Spear, Hadley Spear, Mia Cook, David Cook III, Katrina Sawyer, O’Shea Sawyer, McAlister Sawyer.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Jimmy Grady, Warren Grady, and Baby Boy Grady; three sisters, Dixie King, Jean Riggs, and Mildred Spear; and granddaughter, Jamie Leigh Sawyer.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at the Assembly of Praise and other times at the home place.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Columbia.