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BORN
1929
DIED
2022
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Mary Sewell Obituary
August 30, 1929 - October 2, 2022
Durham, North Carolina - Mary Louise (Mary Lou) James Sewell (93, Durham, NC) died peacefully on October 2, 2022, from a long struggle with Alzheimer's. Mary Lou set an amazing example of love and caring, not just for her family, but for the world. She instilled in her children strong family bonds, a love of nature, a curiosity about the world, a commitment to helping others, and a responsibility for civic participation.
Mary Lou raised three strong children while standing up for civil rights in VA, working to pass the ERA amendment in IL, demonstrating against war and nuclear proliferation, volunteering on Mission trips through the Methodist Church in Mexico and Palestine, and organizing for Bread for the World. Mary Lou was a graduate of Emory and Henry College (1950), where she met her husband Winston Grey Sewell. She was a kindergarten teacher for 20 years in public schools, instilling a love of learning in hundreds of kids.
Mary Lou and Winston took their family on many camping trips, mostly in the Eastern US, and especially to the mountains and beaches they loved. They also traveled around the world together, helped start Habitat for Humanity groups, and volunteered for leadership roles in every Methodist church they attended. They retired to the mountains of North Carolina and built their dream home on thirty acres with incredible views. Mary Lou started two hiking clubs in her beloved Smoky Mountains (NC). Mary Lou loved trillium wildflowers, classic Big Band music and Dove dark chocolate.
Predeceased by husband of 45 years, Winston Grey Sewell in 1996 and brother Trigg James Jr. Survived by sister, Kathryn Ann McKinney (CT); children Mary Susan (Susie) Sewell (Durham, NC), Kathryn Ann (Katie) Sewell (Boise, ID), James Winston (Jim) Sewell (Charlene Jacob, NJ); AFS exchange student daughter Anne Richards Handburg (Australia); and 3 grandchildren: Troy Jacob Sewell (Natasha Jacobs, NY), Clayton Troy Sewell (Clay) Lewis (Danielle Alleman, Bellingham, WA) and Ana Sewell Goldstein (Kaden Goldstein, NJ).
Arrangements by City of Oaks Cremation. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Bread for the World or a non-profit serving those in need.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Sewell
Sponsored by City of Oaks Funeral Home & Cremations.
2 Entries
Susan Argo
October 13, 2022
Mrs. Sewell was my kindergarten teacher at Colene Hoose in Normal, IL. I remember a lot of details of the room, what we learned and her patient and gracious style. I proudly hang the ornament she gave me each year on the Christmas tree. A sand dollar... a symbol of the peace and love she instilled.
Praying for peace for all who love this beautiful woman and giving thanks that our paths crossed.
Susan Walkington Argo
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Kathryn Gossard
October 9, 2022
Yes, as this obituary stated, Mary Lou and Winston did set an example for others to follow. I remember driving with Mary Lou one Sunday afternoon to invite members of First United Methodist Church to make a financial pledge. Mary Lou had recently given away several vintage quilts to those in our local shelter. She said her Mother was not happy about this, but Mary Lou said she knew these quilts would keep someone warm at night- and she didn´t feel she should hold on to more blankets than she needed. At about the same time, Winston started our produce sharing table at Normal FUMC. When I think of them, I know they were faithful Christians who Joyfully cared for their neighbors - near and far.
Please accept my condolences and expression of gratitude for their precious lives.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Gossard
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