Mary Roberts Iler

Mary Roberts Iler went home to be with the Lord on March 26, 2010. Mary died peacefully at home after a courageous, eight year battle with colorectal cancer. Mary was born in Raleigh’s Rex Hospital on March 20, 1950 to Lehman and Sarah Iler. Mary attended Governor Morehead School for The Blind. She graduated from both Campbell University and Meredith College. Mary developed many close friends during her work experiences at Learning Together and the Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department. Mary was an active member of Athens Drive Baptist Church and taught the youth group. Mary loved music and her voice was an inspiration to many. Mary was a member of the Sea Breeze singing group who encouraged many during their Christmas season performances. Mary loved snow, cats and NSCU basketball, but Mary most of all loved people. Mary’s favorite day of the year was Christ’s birthday, and Mary loved to listen to Christmas music year round. Mary will be remembered for her unblemished integrity, her caring soul, and her unwavering faithfulness.

Mary was preceded in death by her father, Lehman Iler. Mary is survived by her mother Sarah, her twin brother John, sister Nancy Evans and husband Rocky, brother Lewis and wife Mendy, niece Leigh, nephews Rocky and Logan, aunts Nancy and Doris Roberts, and uncle Ned Roberts and wife Ruby.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday March 30 at 11:00am at Athens Drive Baptist Church in Raleigh. A graveside service will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 St. Mary’s Street, from 6:00 – 9:00pm on Monday March 29.

The family would like to thank all the people who helped influence Mary’s life. Special thanks goes to the dedicated and talented doctors/medical staff at the Cancer Centers of NC, including Dr. Elizabeth Campbell, Eileen Capel, Pia, Kathy, Pat, and Kelly. Caregivers Darlene Williams, Beverly Curtis, and Gwen Poole were an exceptional gift to Mary. Tina, Barbara, and David from Hospice provided needed comfort, and the members of Athens Drive Baptist Church spent countless hours nurturing Mary and the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the following: Athens Drive Baptist Church, 1601 Athens Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606; Cancer Centers of NC, 4101 Macon Pond Road, Raleigh, NC 27607; or the SPCA of Wake County, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Condolences can be sent to the family through www.brownwynneraleigh.com