Mary Hefner Hern

Mary Hefner Hern, of Oak St., Morganton, NC died Monday, April 12, 2010 at her residence following a period of declining health. Born in Alexander County, NC on September 19, 1918, she was a daughter of the late James Postelle Hefner and Mary Etta Benfield Hefner. Mrs. Hern was a lifelong member of North Morganton Baptist Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, George Alexander Hern; a daughter, Tammy Jean Hern; brothers. Marvin Esley Hefner, Sam Edward Hefner, and Arthur Hefner; sisters, Hattie H. Fox, Ada H. Cline, Hester Ellen H. Hoyle, Ida Irene H. Starnes, Alice H. Lloyd, and Anna H. Reid; and a niece, Ethel H. Hall.She and her late husband were instrumental in the construction of North Morganton Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for over 40 years and remained an active member throughout her life.Her career began as a looper at the Blackstone Hosiery Mill in Valdese before becoming a hairstylist and finally working as a well respected and knowledgeable sales clerk in the downtown shopping area for many prominent retailers. She ultimately retired from Hallie’s Dress Shop.Mary was loved by all for her humorous, enticing story telling which described her family’s memories and life on the farm, as well as history seen through her eyes.A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt, Marry is survived by her son, Andy M. Hern and his wife, Brenda of Morganton; her daughter, Joy Hern-Guzman and her husband, Collin of Morganton; granddaughters, Wendy A. Hern and Taylor R. Hylemon; and a host of nephews and nieces.The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 15, 2010 at North Morganton Baptist Church with the Reverends Kenneth Baker and Bob Deviney officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church before the service from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to North Morganton Baptist Church, 101 View St., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.