Mary Rode Kerr

1932 - 2025

Mary Rode Kerr

Nov 16, 1932 - Mar 31, 2025

Mary Rode Kerr, 92, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025, following a brief illness at Arbor Acres Retirement Home.

Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on November 16, 1932, to the late Frederick and Loretta Rode, Mary earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of Arts in Children's Drama from Northwestern University, both graduating Summa Cum Laude.

In 1966, Mary moved to Winston-Salem with her husband who had accepted a position at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital. Before relocating, she had enjoyed a fulfilling career as a teacher and playwright in Montclair, NJ and Chicago, IL. She was warmly embraced by the Winston-Salem community. With a deep passion for creative dramatics, Mary helped establish a variety of impactful programs across the city, including the ABC program at WS/FC schools, the library outreach initiative, Old Salem educational programs, and the ACT program at Little Theater. She was instrumental in launching creative dramatics programs at the YWCA after-school programs, supporting integration efforts in the early 1970s. Mary also worked to enrich the lives of patients through the Forsyth-Stokes Mental Health Department's programs.

Mary began volunteering at Summit School in the late 1970s, where she quickly fell in love with the school's mission. She later became the Drama Specialist there, a role she held with passion until her retirement in 2005. To her, teaching was not just a job-it was a calling. She believed every child has a unique purpose, and she worked tirelessly to help them find their voice through theater, creative scenes, speeches, and projects.

Mary was an inspiring educator, a gifted storyteller, and a beloved collaborator. Her energy and enthusiasm were contagious; she had a knack for commanding attention, making people laugh, and creating an unforgettable experience for all. Her impact on the Summit School community was immeasurable, and she cherished seeing her former students thrive in the community.

A proud member of Phi Beta Kappa, Mary helped establish the Play Reading Group for the Wake Forest Baptist Medical School and served as its chair for many years. She was passionate about people, theater, and the arts, and found joy in being part of the creative process. In her neighborhood, Mary became a beloved figure, known affectionately as "The Mayor" due to her habit of walking her dog, Dandy, stopping to chat with friends and neighbors, picking up trash, and forming connections with everyone she met.

Mary treasured her role as a grandmother and deeply regretted that her husband, Bob, did not live to see the wonderful people their grandchildren were becoming. She loved spending time with friends and family, sharing her love of the arts and celebrating life's milestones. She had a special fondness for watching birds from her window and enjoying beautiful gardens. Mary's love of adventure took her on travels with friends and visits to her children and grandchildren in New York and Florida. She made it a point to be present for all the important moments in her loved ones' lives, from graduations and birthdays to concerts, plays, and baseball games.

For nearly nine years, Mary lived at Arbor Acres in Asbury Place, where the staff provided excellent care and became her cherished friends. Even in the face of memory loss, Mary remained a source of positivity and joy. She continued to uplift those around her with her trademark sense of humor, asking about others' lives, telling jokes, and singing songs. Her spirited personality brought light to everyone she encountered.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Dr. Robert M. Kerr, who passed away in 1998. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Kerr Wild, and her husband, Matthew, and their children, Madeline and Thomas, of Winston-Salem, NC; her son, Rob Kerr, and his wife, Marcia, along with their children, Ashleigh, Bob, Casey, Luke, Zach, and Colin, of Orlando, FL; and her favorite niece, Carlie Caldwell of Winston-Salem, NC, who was her companion and ally in her later years.

A celebration of life will be held at Robinson Hall at Arbor Acres Retirement Home, 1240 Arbor Rd., Winston-Salem, NC, 27104, on April 21 at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to Summit School, 2100 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC, 27106, or to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, designated for the Summer Enrichment Program. Online condolences may be shared at www.salemfh.com.

Salem Funeral & Cremation Service

2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106