Mary Magnolia Whitley Garris

Mary Magnolia Whitley Garris, age 94, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, July 23rd, 2020. She was born in Enfield, NC on April 5, 1926 to Benjamin Alexander and Annie Pearl Whitley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, George William Garris; brother, B.A. Whitley, Jr.; and sisters, Kathryn Wilkins and Helen Gray Vestal.

Left to cherish her memories are her son, Al Garris (Susie) of Rocky Mount; daughter, Mary Ann Webb (Bobby) of Pinetops; sister, Elizabeth Barnhill (Kenneth) of Raleigh; sister-in-law, Shelby Holland (Ray) of Tarboro. She was especially proud of her grandchildren: Lynn Alaway (Jack), Patricia Jackson, Erin Johnson, Alan Garris, and Derek Garris; and great-grandchildren, Michael Mace (Ashley), Kayla & Lynsey Jackson, Britton Johnson, Shyanne, Skylar, Carson, Alex, Natalie, and Jase Garris.

“Nolia” was a beautiful and kind soul who loved her family and many friends unconditionally. According to her, she enjoyed the “best years of her life” while living at Atlantic Beach and Beaufort, NC. She loved collecting seashells and watching sunsets at Triple S Pier with George. The ocean was so much of a comfort for her, she often claimed to have saltwater in her veins.

We would like to extend a special note of gratitude to the staff and friends at Covenant Homes and to Community Hospice for the loving care shared with “Nolia” when it was most needed.

Family and friends will gather for a special time to celebrate her life at 10:00 am, Saturday, July 25th, 2020 in the Chapel of Memories at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Pinetops Memorial Library of the charity of your choice.