Mary Helen Gary Wolfrey

Mary Helen Gary Wolfrey
ELIZABETH CITY - Mary Helen Gary Wolfrey, 100, of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, transitioned peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
Born on July 2, 1925, in the Middle Swamp community of Gates County, Mary was the daughter of the late Johnnie Edward and Ellen Morgan Gary. She was raised in a loving family that instilled in her the enduring values of faith, perseverance, and love. After losing her mother at a young age, Mary found strength in her family and faith-principles that shaped her life for the next century.
She married her childhood sweetheart, Austin Cephas Wolfrey, and together they raised twelve children in a home grounded in faith, discipline, and kindness. A hardworking and compassionate woman, Mary balanced caring for her family with active service to her church and community. She was a devoted member of New Middle Swamp Missionary Baptist Church, where she served in numerous roles, including choir member, Sunshine Band leader, Women's Day Chairperson, and Pastor's Aide Committee member.
Mary's life was defined by love, service, and faith. She touched countless lives through her generosity, hospitality, and unwavering devotion to family and community. She lived 100 remarkable years filled with grace, strength, and purpose-leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Austin Cephas Wolfrey; daughters Helen Augustine, Myra D. Blow (Larry), Connie M. Price (Clifton Sr.), and Vanessa L. Ellis (Robert); son, Brian L. Wolfrey; sons-in-law Milton Bernard Bowser and Shelton T. Spence; daughter-in-law Lernette Eason Wolfrey; sister, Ethel Cooper; and brothers Johnny E. Gary Sr., James (Buddy) Gary, Charles Herbert Gary, George A. (Bum) Gary Sr., Fentress Gary, Willie Floyd Gary and Willie Parker.
Mary leaves to cherish her memory her sons: John C. Wolfrey of Sunbury, NC; Austin A. Wolfrey (Loraine) of Shrewsbury, MA; and Reginald T. Wolfrey (Kathy) of Chesterfield, VA; daughters Marilyn W. Bowser of Gatesville, NC; Fannie W. Wiggins (Reginald) of Portsmouth, VA; Dorain A. Spence of Elizabeth City, NC; and Janice W. Baker (Ray) of Elizabeth City, NC; as well as 26 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Chinita Hayer of Corapeake, NC; a sister-in-law, Ellen Gary of Suffolk, VA; and a first cousin, Havard Gary of Hampton, VA.
Homegoing Celebration: Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., New Middle Swamp Missionary Baptist Church, 790 Middle Swamp Road, Corapeake, NC 27926
Hertford County Undertakers is in charge of arrangements.