Mary Ellen Reilly Westmoreland, passed away June 14, 2024, in Raleigh, NC. Born on March 6, 1952, in Washington, DC. the beloved daughter of Thomas Mulcare Reilly and Candida Palma. Her early years were filled with love and laughter in the company of her siblings, Andrew "Skipper" Reilly of Ashland, OR, Jonathan "Dogger" Reilly and wife Ivonne of Orlando, FL, and Thomas P. "Poozer" Reilly of Portland, OR. She was a pillar of strength and support for her son, Henry Westmoreland, and his wife, Sarah Shales, of New Orleans, LA, and a doting grandmother to Beauchamp Westmoreland Shales and devoted lifelong friend, Frannie Ashburn of Raleigh, NC. Her joy was complete with the companionship of her faithful dog, Hildie. Molly was preceded in death by her cherished parents, her loving husband, Michael Westmoreland, and her stepmother, Inka Reilly. She graduated with honors from the University of South Carolina in 1990, earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees in library science. Molly's career culminated in her retirement as the esteemed director of the Wilson County Library. She worked towards the betterment of the community and fought for everyone's right to access information and inclusivity for all. A mass was held on Tuesday June 18, 2024 at 12:10PM at St. Therese Catholic Church, 700 Nash St. N, Wilson, NC 27893 with Father Fernado Torres celebrant. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash St. N. Wilson, NC 27893. Arrangements are in the care of Providence Funeral & Cremation Service 519 Broad St. W. Wilson, NC 27893. Phone: (252) 674 1553. Online condolences may be shared at www.providencefuneral.com.

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Published by The Wilson Times from Jun. 18 to Jun. 22, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Westmoreland

Sponsored by Providence Funeral & Cremation Service.

9 Entries

William Blackley

August 24, 2024

A wonderful person to work with at the State Library as we created the Gilbert-Chappell Distinguished Poet Series connection to the public libraries. Best, Bill Blackley

Duane Ferger

July 28, 2024

She was the best person she could be. Nothing could describe her effect on the changes of the Library staff in Wilson. May the warmth of her known complicity surround her; may her family be comforted in this time of loss.

Mary JaLne Charles

June 30, 2024

Molly and I met, while I was one of my walks. We lived near each other, but I was new to Wilson at the time. Molly was already in a conversation with a lady, so I started to walk past..."HI, I'm Molly!" I turned and she put the car in park in the middle of Clyde on the hill! That was that. We made fast friends, sharing a few dinners, a trip to "Barbie" and ice tea on the last warm day last October. She was proud of her retirement, thrilled to have a grandson, delighted that Henry and "his bride" were right out of a movie. We had NY childhoods in common...our towns actually bordered each other! I am sorry to have miss her Mass. I would have been there in a minute. We never know how or when and when things like this h appen, they seem to take on their own lives. I think of you often, Molly. Will miss our talks from politics to fabric to buttered popcorn and more. Thank you for welcoming me upon arrival.

Duane Ferger

June 27, 2024

I am sorry for the pain for the family. I am glad she has moved on from the library and life to a place of warmth and acceptance. Love to all survivors who knew and worked with her.

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Patricia Kassel (Patty Clagett)

June 21, 2024

Picture is from 1977 the very first year of Spoleto in Charleston SC. Molly has always been classy. Sorry I didn't know about the funeral. Last few days have been bittersweet remembering laughing crying. Much love to sweet Henry and baby Beau

David Brownlee

June 20, 2024

I will always have fond memories of Molly, Michael, Peter, Johnny and Andrew. Good times and memories. David Brownlee.

Susan Jaquith

June 19, 2024

I met Molly last fall after a meeting at the library where she announced her upcoming retirement. She made quite an impression on me, as we connected over making books that represent marginalized communities accessible to all. I left feeling I´d found a wonderful new friend in Wilson. We didn´t stay in touch, soon after I had my own health issues to contend with...I´m so glad I got to meet Molly just for the hour we spent enthusiastically chatting like two old friends. She will be missed, but her warm, loving spirit will remain with us. Rest in eternal peace, Molly. You made such a positive difference in so many lives!

Darlene Newsome

June 18, 2024

Molly was a pleasure to work with when I was the town administrator for Lucama. My condolences to Molly's family and friends.

David Radford

June 18, 2024

What a great librarian. She was nice to us at Wilson Library.

Rev. Dr. & Mrs. David Radford
Rocky Mount, NC 27804

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