Mary Abernathy

Mary Long Abernathy, of Denver, NC in the presence of family, died peacefully at Huntersville Oaks Nursing Facility, Sunday, August 3, 2014. Mary was born at Elmwood Plantation in Denver, NC, August 15, 1920. Elmwood was built for the late John Davidson Graham. It was taken down in 1961 for the development of Lake Norman. Mary was the daughter of Mr. Oscar Issac Long and Ms. "Jennie" Graham Long. In addition to her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her husband Roy Lee Abernathy, grandson David Ray Taylor, two sister, Bonnie Long Primm and Ann Long Blakley, and five brothers, Fred, Dowd, Graham, William and Roy Long. Mary is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Ray Taylor of Denver, grandchildren, Gigi Marie Schweikert and her husband Al of High Bridge, NJ and Benton Alexander Taylor and his wife Julie of Wilmington, NC, three great granddaughters, Ashley, Genevieve and Merielle Schweikert, two great grandsons, William Schweikert and Hunter Oliver. Mary had a good life and showed a silent gratitude for her many blessings. She was a loving wife and mother and always interested in the activities of her family and friends. For many years Mary and Roy Lee were active and always happy to do service work at Unity Presbyterian Church of Denver, NC. It is believed at the time of death she was the longest living member of Unity Church. Another favorite time in Mary's life was family and friends gathering at her home on most Sunday afternoons to catch up with what's going on with each other and having a light dinner. She always had a space in her heart for the children in the community and some food in her kitchen. With that same love she was for a time Food Services supervisor at Triangle Elementary School. Those who knew Mary also knew she was an independent thinker and liked to take charge. We gratefully acknowledge and give our sincere thanks to the devoted staff at Huntersville Oaks Nursing Facility and a special acknowledgement to Mrs. Jesse Brooks, CNA for her loving care of our loved one. The family has chosen the following arrangements for the services to celebrate the life of Mary Long Abernathy: a visitation and reception will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Thursday, August 7, 2014 at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Killian officiating. Burial will follow at Unity Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions to honor Mrs. Abernathy may be made to Unity Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, 8210 Unity Church Road, Denver, NC 28037. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huntersville, NC is assisting the family. Friends may offer condolences to the family at www.raymerfh.com