Mary Ann Locklear

Mrs. Mary Ann Locklear, exceptional mother, devoted wife, and steadfast caretaker to all entrusted to her love, passed away peacefully in her Pembroke home on Friday, December 5. She was surrounded by her loving family, making her journey 78 years.

Mary Ann was born on April 23, 1947, to Christine Jacobs Burke and Sanford Locklear, and spent most of her childhood in the Pembroke area-a place that would remain the heart of her life. On June 13, 1970, she married the love of her life, Elisha "Buddy" Locklear. To Elisha, Mary Ann was the love of his life and his greatest companion. Together, in the Brooks Landing community of Pembroke, they built a warm and loving home where they raised their two daughters, Trina Locklear Hunt and Iris Lynn Locklear.

In her early years, Mary Ann began her career in the local textile industry, where her strong work ethic and loyalty were unmistakable. Later, she followed her passion and transformed her love for children into a meaningful career in childcare, nurturing countless young lives with patience and loving, but firm care. Even after retiring, Mary Ann never stepped away from service. She continued to give of herself wholeheartedly within her family, her community, and her church family.

Mary Ann was well known for her devoted community work. She volunteered with the Guardian Ad Litem program in Robeson County, serving as a strong and compassionate advocate for children who needed a voice. A born-again Christian in both word and deed, she joyfully served her church, Brush Arbor Christian Fellowship, of which she was a charter member. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School to younger girls and was known for her late night lock in pajama parties in her home and at church, where everyone was sure to have a good time. She also worked as a team teacher in Vacation Bible School each year in the zero-to-three-year age class, nurturing developing minds about Jesus Christ. She could also be found serving food to the children and helping in the kitchen to wrap things up. In earlier years of ministry, she piloted an outreach program for local children living in poverty-ensuring they received gifts at Christmas, nourishment throughout the year, and clothing when it was most needed. Her heart for service continued as she became a charter member of The Overcomers!, a Relay for Life team benefitting the American Cancer Society. It was her pattern to willingly take on tasks others avoided, and she did so with genuine joy.

Mary Ann enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. She traveled extensively with her family-most often with her daughters, her sister Rosa, and her grandchildren-and made each excursion an unforgettable adventure. Along the way, she developed a love for collecting nutcrackers and displayed them uniquely throughout her home, each one holding a special memory. Mary Ann approached everything with a happy heart, an unwavering work ethic, and a sense of humor that made even the hardest work feel lighter. Time spent with her left one feeling they were loved and admired best of all out of her wide circle of family and friends. Mary Ann may have been short in stature like her sister, Rosa, but in love, grace, acceptance, and forgiveness, she stood taller than most.

Along with her husband and daughters, she is survived by her son-in-law, Melton Hunt; cherished grandchildren, whom she adored: Joshua Dean Goodman, Emily Danielle Goodman, Nicholas Garland Goodman, Patrick Clyde Locklear, and Aaliyah Grace Locklear; and by her great-grandchildren, Elayla Hunt, Ayden Oxendine, Naylah Goodman, Isaiah Harris, and Kayden Goodman. She is also survived by her beloved sister, with whom she was inseparable, Rosa Revels and her husband, Donnie "Sonny Boy" Revels, Jr.; her brothers Robert Burke, Kenneth Burke, and wife, Kelly, and Teddy Jacobs; sisters-in-law, Charlotte Locklear and Sherry Burke; and a vast array of extended family members, her Brush Arbor Christian Fellowship Church family, and many dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers, Carl Jerry Jacobs, Chauncey Burke, Billy Dean Jacobs, and Donald Locklear.

Mary Ann leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, resilience, and service. Her warmth, generosity, and steadfast dedication to others will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.