Mary Tucker Hendrick

Mary Tucker Hendrick
Mrs. Hendrick, age 88, of Charlotte passed away on Monday, August 8, 2011 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC surrounded by her loving family.
Fondly referred to as 'Miss Mary,' she was born January 11, 1923 in Savannah, GA to John Lewis Tucker and Laura Spencer Tucker. After a short time in Savannah, her family moved to South Hill, VA where she lived for the majority of her life.
She married Joseph R. 'Papa Joe' Hendrick Jr. on December 29, 1945 at Grace Episcopal Church in Palmer Springs, VA following his return from World War II as a decorated veteran. Papa Joe remained her best friend and partner for almost 60 years until his passing in July 2004.
Together, they raised two wonderful sons, Rick and John, teaching them the value of faith, family and friends. While living in Virginia, she was very involved with her church, playing the piano and teaching Sunday school. Mrs. Hendrick also worked as a teller at the Bank of Virginia until retiring after more than 30 years of service.
Following Papa Joe's retirement from farming in 1979, the Hendricks moved to Charlotte to be closer to their sons. After relocating to North Carolina, Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick soon became fixtures at Hendrick Motorsports and City Chevrolet, part of the Hendrick Automotive Group dealerships. In turn, they became two of the organization's most beloved family members. Both loved racing and she is listed as the team owner of the No. 5 Chevrolet driven by Mark Martin. She never missed watching or listening to the races each week.
In June 2004, then Gov. Mike Easley presented Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state of North Carolina's highest honor bestowed on a citizen for dedication and extended length of service to his or her organization.
Mrs. Hendrick was most proud of her family, especially her two sons and their families. They were the center of her life and she talked about them all the time. She loved hosting family members for meals and special occasions, spending quality time together and watching them grow up.
Known for her generosity, dry wit and passion for life, she will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched. While she remained passionate about her independence, the family is grateful for those who cared for Mrs. Hendrick later in her life, including the many doctors, friends, and caregivers who routinely visited and checked on her daily.
Mrs. Hendrick is survived by son Rick Hendrick and his wife Linda; daughter-in-law Cathy Hendrick; grandchildren, Lynn Carlson and her husband Marshall, Alesha Gainey and her husband Mike; great-grandchildren Kate, Hendrick, Ricki, Jocelyn and Joseph; several nieces and nephews and close family member Emily Maynard.
Mrs. Hendrick was preceded in death by son John Hendrick and grandchildren Ricky, Jennifer, and Kimberly.
Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 10 and will immediately be followed by a 2 p.m. memorial service at the Central Church of God, 5301 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC. A small graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 11 at Union Chapel Methodist Church in Palmer Springs, VA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Hendrick Foundation for Children, P.O. Box 240070, Charlotte, NC 28224 or to the Mary Hendrick Fund, care of the Hendrick Marrow Program, 4400 Papa Joe Hendrick Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28262.
Lowe Funeral Home is serving the Hendrick family.