Mary, 44, of Lincolnton, died unexpectedly Sunday evening, October 13, 2013 at Carolinas Medical Center in Lincolnton. She was the daughter of Elizabeth R. Howard and step-daughter of James H. Howard, Jr. of Gastonia.
Born Mary Graham Blake October 25, 1968 in Durham to Elizabeth R. Howard and John Graham Blake, she grew up in Gastonia, attended Gaston Day School and Ashbrook High School before graduating from St. Mary’s in Raleigh. Mary worked as a nursing assistant, and for several years as a licensed real estate broker.
In addition to her mother and step-father, Mary is survived by her father, John Graham Blake of Ann Arbor, Michigan; three daughters, Hayleigh Alexis Pence, Miranda Aynsleigh Pence and Ericka Ashleigh Pence, all of Clover, SC; her grandson, Logan Carter Steven Pence; a step-sister, Helen Howard Gillespie of Pearisburg, VA; her former husband, Kenneth Steven Pence; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.
A private service will be held from the graveside in Belmont Abbey Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the Belmont Abbey Monastery, 100 Mt. Holly Road, Belmont, NC 28012.
