Mary M. Borden

Mary Martin W. Borden

April 13, 1934 - September 18, 2015

Goldsboro

Mary Martin Williamson Borden died September 18, 2015 after a lengthy illness. She was born on April 13, 1934 in Charlotte, NC. She was predeceased by her parents, Martha Lee Williamson and William H. Williamson, Jr., as well as by her son, Edwin B. Borden. She is survived by her husband, Edwin B. Borden of Goldsboro, sons Lee Borden and wife Mary Mills of Goldsboro, Martin Borden and wife Elizabeth of Raleigh, daughter Martha Roberson and husband Wilborn of Winchester, VA, and brother William H. Williamson III and wife Pat of Charlotte. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Will and Elizabeth Borden, Edwin, Charles and Mary Ann Borden, and Holt, Michael and Sarah Roberson. In addition, she is survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, and long time family friend, Virginia Coley.

The family would also like to express their appreciation to Mary Martin's caregivers for their tremendous compassion and support.

A memorial service celebrating Mary Martin's life will be held at Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church (200 N. James Street) on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at 11:00 a.m., following a private family graveside burial service. The family will receive friends at the home on Monday, September 21st from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m.

Mary Martin grew up in Charlotte, and graduated from Saint Anne's – Belfield School in Charlottesville, VA. She graduated from Duke University in 1955. While at college, she met Ed Borden and they were married in 1956 and moved to Goldsboro in 1958.

Throughout her life, Mary Martin was an active participant in community affairs. She was one of the original organizers of the Goldsboro Family YMCA, working tireless hours to insure that the dream of that facility was made a reality. She remained active with the Y continually after its opening in 1984. She was a member of the Board of Directors of Uplift, Inc., and played an instrumental role in establishing the Wayne Uplift Resource Center in Goldsboro. For many years, Mary Martin was a volunteer in the Wayne County Guardian ad Litem program. She was an active volunteer with the Wayne County Public Schools through their Read to Succeed program, helping found the program as Volunteer Coordinator. She was also instrumental in the founding and continuing success of Wayne Opportunity Center, Inc. (formerly Wayne County Sheltered Workshop), where she served in many capacities. She was a member of the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Zoo Society. She also volunteered extensively over numerous years for the Community Arts Council, the United Way of Wayne County, Wayne County Special Olympics, Edgewood Developmental School, and Respite Care of Wayne County.

Mary Martin was also very active at Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church. She served on many committees there, and was Senior Warden of the Vestry and a member of the Rector Search Committee.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church Memorials Fund, Post Office Box 984, Goldsboro, NC 27533, to Wayne Opportunity Center, Post Office Box 1007, Goldsboro, NC 27533, or to Duke University (attn: Mary Martin Borden Scholarship Endowment), Post Office Box 90581, Durham, NC 27708-0581.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. seymourfuneralhome.com