Mary Calhoun

Mary Wilkie Calhoun, age 69, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, in the serene surroundings of Kure Beach, North Carolina, her home since the age of 14. Born on August 5, 1956, in Asheville, North Carolina, Mary was a beacon of love and kindness throughout her life.

A proud graduate of John T. Hoggard High School in Wilmington, NC, Mary began her working life as a server at Smitty's Restaurant, now Freddie's Restaurant. Her time there led to her owning Ocean View Restaurant alongside the father of her children. Continuing her legacy, both beloved local establishments-Ocean View and Freddie's-are now owned and operated by her two sons, daughter-in-law, and nephew. Mary later went on to dedicate nearly 40 years to the medical and healthcare field as a clerical professional in the Wilmington area. Her steadfast dedication and compassionate nature earned her the admiration and respect of all who knew her.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mary was a devoted mother to her kickass sons, Charlie and Jason. She took immense pride in nurturing not only her sons but also her grandsons-Roman, Landen, Dean, and Ollie-as well as her many nieces and nephews. She was especially close to her nephew Josh and his children, Hazel and Calvin Herring, who lovingly knew her as "Aunt Sissie," a role she was very proud of.

Mary's heart was as vast as her interests. She found joy in gardening, caring for her and her sons' pets, and providing unconditional love and support to those around her. She delighted in entertaining and cooking for family and friends and was always the life of the party. Her warm smile and generous spirit were ever-present, as she found happiness in making others feel loved and welcomed.

A member of the Carolina Beach chapter of the worldwide women's organization, Beta Sigma Phi, Mary fostered friendships and connections that spanned decades. Her life was a testament to the values of love, community, and giving.

Mary was preceded in death by her cherished parents, Howard and Mary Wilkie, her brother, Howard David Wilkie, and her daughter-in-law, Shannon Kathryn McHone. She leaves behind a loving family: her sons, Charles Smith McHone and Howard Jason Smith and his wife, Jennie ("Shug"); her grandchildren, Roman Howard Smith, Landen Clarence McHone, Dean Howard Smith, and Ollie Gray Howard Smith; her siblings, Gordon Wilkie and Kathy Rogers; her treasured fur babies, Conway and Maud; and her grand-fur babies, Tano, Frosty, Socks, and Mittens.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Jack Mackerel's Island Grill in Kure Beach, NC, on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 2–5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the New Hanover County Humane Society, or Flunk Cancer, an organization that provides small financial grants to teachers to reduce the burden of cancer on them, their families and their classrooms, please see link below.

The family has entrusted Mary's care to Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403.