Mary Austin Gregory

Mary Davis Austin Gregory, 78, of 933 South Highway 343, Shiloh, NC, died Friday, February 20, 2015 in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Mrs. Gregory was born in Currituck County on December 5, 1936, and was the daughter of the late Willie Alford and Goldie Aydlett Austin. A homemaker, her goal in life was to care for family and the needs of others always came first. She loved to cook for her family and help them in any way that made their lives easier and helped her grandchildren and other family members in so many ways. Anything she set out to do was filled with love and kindness. Sewing, her plants, auctions, crafts, and searching for new recipes were only a few of her joys. Cooking for her family was a big expression of love and special orders were never a problem. Her caring heart did not stop with people as her entire married life was always shared with her four legged fur babies. Rescued cats, dogs, fish, birds and even a pig enjoyed her warmth and healing, as they desperately needed in some cases. No animal would ever be turned away and her home was always open as a safe haven for her loved ones. She shared a special bond with her twin sister, Martha, and a dear friend of so many years, Linda Williams. I'm sure heaven had a big celebration when Mama arrived and she cooked for everyone! In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, her twin, Martha Speight and Ruby Hubbard. Surviving are her husband of 59 years, Norwood Henry Gregory; a daughter, Debra Mason of Shiloh; two sons, Clifton Gregory of South Mills and Willie Gregory and wife Faith of Shiloh; a sister, Melba O'Neal of Shiloh; a brother, Willie Austin of Currituck; six grandchildren, Raven, Camille, Aaron, Tyler, Curtis, and Lawton; six step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and her three fur babies, Chelsy, Mitsy, and Flippy, who will all miss her dearly. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. in Shiloh Baptist Church by Pastors Billy Royal, Jon Mason and Roland Cooper. Burial will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Elizabeth City. Friends may join the family at the residence. Miller & Van Essendelft, Funeral and Cremation Providers, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is assisting the family with arrangements. Flowers are welcomed, or memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the SPCA of Northeastern NC, 100 Wilson Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.