Mary Mayo Heath

Mary Ruth Mayo Heath, 92, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025, in Kinston, North Carolina. Born on February 5, 1933, in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, she was the daughter of Wiley Thomas Mayo and Mary Elizabeth Baker Mayo.  

Mary was a woman of deep faith, unwavering devotion to her family, and a generous heart that touched many lives. She retired from the Caswell Center cafeteria in 1993 but never truly stopped working, her time was instead devoted to helping others. She volunteered as a Pink Lady at Lenoir Memorial Hospital and assisted her daughter, Shirley, in her sewing and design business. She also found great joy in caring for her great-grandsons, Adam and Collin.  

Her love of nurturing extended beyond people to plants. Whether tending to her own garden or caring for the greenery at Neuse Baptist Church, she found peace and purpose in watching things grow. A dedicated member of Neuse Baptist Church in Kinston, Mary spent countless hours ensuring the church was well cared for. Even after she could no longer drive, she remained active in church life—attending services regularly, helping with meals, assisting during Vacation Bible School, and tending to the plants and flowers that adorned the sanctuary. Her faith in Jesus was a guiding force throughout her life.  

Mary’s hands were rarely still. She was an accomplished cook who delighted in preparing meals for anyone who was hungry—especially her late husband, Chester Heath. She also had a talent for crocheting and quilting, often creating beautiful pieces as gifts for loved ones. When Chester was alive, they enjoyed traveling together to visit family and explore new places.  

She is survived by her daughter, Shirley Ann Heath Ewell, and husband Wayne of Kinston; her son, Andy Heath, and wife Tricia of Emerald Isle; her grandchildren Lynn Coombs (Buck Waters), Treva Romig (Joe), and Andrew Heath (Autumn); and her great-grandchildren Adam Romig, Collin Romig, and Athena Heath. She also leaves behind her sisters Margie Kirby (Jim) of Garner, Kathleen Hardee of Greenville, and Faye Jones of Greenville; as well as her brother Johnnie Mayo (Georgia) of Greenville.  

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chester Heath; her parents; her sister Mary Elizabeth Mayo; and her brothers Jimmy Mayo, Billy Mayo, Wiley Mayo, Jonas Mayo, Carl Mayo, and Otis Mayo.  

Although the last six months of her life were difficult, Mary’s family chooses to celebrate the 92 years she lived—a life marked by independence, humor, love, and service to others. Her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her. As she goes to her eternal home to be reunited with Chester, we take comfort in knowing that she can once again do what she loved most—cook him a homemade meal while he enjoys every bite. It will surely be a blessed homecoming.  

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Howard-Carter Funeral Home in Kinston. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM at the same location. A graveside service will take place immediately afterward at 1:00 PM at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston.

Mary’s legacy of love and kindness will live on through those who were fortunate enough to know her.