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MARY MCEACHERN Obituary
Mary Lou Jordan McEachern, 70, of Wilmington, North Carolina passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, July 30, 2012.
Mary Lou was born on Christmas Day, 1941 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and spent her child hood years in Kelly, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thaddeus Burns Jordan and Mary Keith Edge Jordan of Kelly; her brother, Auley MacRae Jordan of Wilmington; and her husband, Hugh Alexander "Sandy" McEachern, Jr. of Wilmington.
Mary Lou attended elementary school in Kelly and graduated from Atkinson High School. She thereafter attended Selenia Commercial College in Lumberton and upon graduation, she moved to Wrightsville Beach and worked at Wachovia Bank and Wilmington Shipping Company before joining Sandy in the family business, Raysand Building Corporation, in 1969. After Sandy passed away in 2004, Mary Lou continued as President of Raysand until her passing on Monday.
Mary Lou was instrumental in numerous civic and community organizations in the Wilmington area. She was a long-time member of the Cape Fear Garden Club and served as a founding member of the New Hanover County Arboretum Foundation. She has presided over the Azalea Festival Queen's Garden Party and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and she has for over twenty years hosted the annual Azalea Belles' Tea at her home on the waterway. Through her company, Raysand, Mary Lou built and donated a butterfly house to Airlie Gardens in Sandy's memory. Mary Lou was also a member of the Carolina Yacht Club and Cape Fear Country Club. Harboring a deep love and appreciation for her rural heritage, she was instrumental in the development of the Kelly Historical Society.
Mary Lou was known and loved for her generous spirit, her amazing ability to remember not only the birthdays and anniversaries of her friends- of whom she had many- and family members, but also the birthdays of the children and grandchildren of people she loved. She had an infectious smile and a sharp wit. She loved people and life, and jumped at the chance to throw any kind of party, whether it be a New Years Eve bash, a Forth of July birthday party for her daughter Mary Margaret, an oyster roast, or a Christmas party. Being a Christmas Day baby, she loved the Christmas season and enjoyed so much being able to give gifts to her beloved friends, family and employees.
Mary Lou is survived by her daughter, Mary Margaret McEachern Dillow and husband Robert E. Dillow, Jr. of Wilmington; her sister, Connie Jordan Lewis and husband, Jerry D. Lewis of Wilmington; her brother, Johnny Jordan and wife, Kay Jordan of Atkinson; her brother, Tim Jordan and wife, Beth Jordan of Burgaw; her brother, Keith Jordan of Kelly; her brother-in-law Robert J. McEachern and wife, Carolyn of Wilmington; and many nieces, nephews, godchildren, other relatives, and countless friends.
The family will receive friends at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 1. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 2 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church on Market Street. A brief graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Kelly, North Carolina, followed by a reception at Centerville Baptist Church on Highway 53 in Kelly.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cape Fear Garden Club, 8506 Hammock Dunes Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28411 or to the Airlie Gardens Foundation Butterfly House, 300 Airlie Road, Wilmington, NC 28403.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com
A Market Chapel Service
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Memories and Condolences
for MARY MCEACHERN
Richard Watkins
August 4, 2012
Thankyou for always being a part of my famliy MaryLou,We became famliy when Raysands opened there doors I will always remember the great times you and Sandy myself and Jackie had we shared alot of laughs
Diana Watkins
August 4, 2012
We will miss MaryLou, Kind spirits like her don't come in to people lives like that everyday,she let you know what is was to be loved. We will miss you dearly
Kathie Jorgensen
August 3, 2012
Mary Margaret, We were all so sorry to hear of your precious mother's death. She was so special to so many people and will surely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
August 2, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Mary LOU.
John Snow
Biloxi, Ms.
August 1, 2012
Jackie SEssoms and Linda McIntyre send their condolences to the family of Mary Lou.
Manfred Claude Taylor
August 1, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Alton Lennon
August 1, 2012
Mary Margaret-So sorry to learn of your mother's passing. She was a true "steel magnolia". My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Alton
Will Snyder
August 1, 2012
I will always miss you very deeply, Mary Lou. Your kindness and warmth toward me has been second to none in my life. Please rest in peace.
Matt Peterson
August 1, 2012
Mary Lou's life was a lesson for many of us. She was centered on living and loving life, having fun, giving, and sharing. I'm sure she will long be remembered for the many community activities she enjoyed, and the delightful parties she hosted.
Anne Russell
August 1, 2012
The hostess with the mostess. Always well-coiffed, always laughing, always generous. A perfect wife for my cousin Sandy McEachern, a perfect mom for Mary Margaret. Surely her spirit will be fluttering about the butterfly house in Airlie Gardens, brightening the days.
Cecile Barnhill Crouch
August 1, 2012
I am saddened to hear of Mary Lou's death. Having attended many wonderful parties at her home--she was the most gracious and fun hostess. To the entire family I express my heartfelt sympathy. She will be missed.
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