Priscilla Pendleton Mast

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Priscilla Pendleton Mast, 101, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at Grace Ridge Retirement Community in Morganton, NC. Born on June 10, 1915 in Lincoln County, NC, she was the last living child of Margaret Ella Blanton and John Franklin Pendleton. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Ralph Grey Mast. Priscilla will be remembered for her faith in God, love of family, friends, and the children she taught. A granddaughter remembers her as a “true matriarch that helped pave the way for women and human kind.” To God be the glory for the things He did in her life.

After graduating with an AA Degree from Mars Hill College, she moved to Boone, NC, married, and had a family of four children. She owned and operated a flower shop business in Boone until she returned to college at Appalachian State University and graduated with BA and MA degrees in education. She concluded her teaching career with the Burke County School System in Morganton, NC.

In the different communities that Priscilla lived, she was always active in a church teaching Sunday School, helping with summer Bible Schools, and belonging to church committees. In Morganton, she was an active member of First Baptist Church where she taught the Flora Cauble Sunday School class for many years. She also served on church committees and participated in church activities.

Serving her community as a volunteer was also an important part of her life.  After retiring from teaching, she became the coordinator of the AARP volunteers for COMMA. She appreciated and enjoyed the staff and volunteers with whom she was privileged to work.

Playing games with her grandchildren was a favorite pastime. She also enjoyed oil painting, arranging flowers, gardening, basket weaving and playing bridge. Her family will always remember the many wonderful meals she prepared for them. Homemade Christmas candy was always a special treat.

Surviving family members are four children, Brenda Wynn (Fred), Gary Mast (Sue), Janice Branstrom (John), and Steve Mast. Surviving Grandchildren are Rick Wynn (Maya), Steven Wynn (Renee), Grey Mast (Janie), John Mast (Kristy), Chris Branstrom (Nioucha), Jeff Branstrom, Hayes Mast, Katie Elliott (Corey), and Kelly Mast (Jason Keeter – fiancé). She is also survived by 12 cherished great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by some of the children and/or spouses of her beloved siblings. Special friends, Edgar and Stephanie Baker, are also surviving.

The family wishes to express our sincere appreciation to the many caregivers that supported our mom during her declining health. Much love and compassion was given her by Dr. Michael Stutesman and staff of Morganton Internal Medicine, staff and friends at Grace Ridge Retirement Center, staff and friends at First Baptist Church, and staff of Catawba Regional Hospice.

A graveside service will be held at 11 am, Sunday, February 19, 2017 at Burke Memorial Park.  A celebration of Priscilla’s life will be held at 2 pm, Sunday at First Baptist Church (502 W. Union St., Morganton) with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating.  The family will greet friends in the church parlor following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 459, Morganton, NC 28680 or Grace Ridge Friendship Fund, 500 Lenoir Road, Morganton, NC, 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.