Mary Ervin Beasley

Mary Louise Ervin Beasley was born in Salisbury, NC on October 21, 1932 and passed away peacefully in the company of her loved ones on April 7, 2012. Mary was and is one of God's greatest creations, always putting others ahead of herself and never letting the challenges of life cloud the enthusiastic and positive outlook she carried everywhere.

Mary graduated with honors from Boyden High School in Salisbury. In high school she was a member of the National Honor Society, Vice President of the Student Council, and head cheerleader. Mary was a starter on the girl's basketball team as well as being voted Best All Around Student by her senior class and she represented her school at Girl's State.

Mary was preceded in death by her son, Rob, who died in 2006 as well as her parents, John W. Ervin, Sr. and Marjorie Shuping E. Pinkston. For 59 years she was the adored wife of Robert E. Beasley of Raleigh. She was the supportive sister of Betty Graham (Jack), Bill Ervin (Mercedes), and special sister-in-law JoAnn Bernhardt. She is survived by her daughter Jodi Riddle of Harrisonburg, VA, her husband Warren and grandson Wesley; daughter Cindy Toomey of Greensboro, NC, her husband Kevin and grandsons Zachary and Aaron; daughter-in-law and wife of her son, Rob, Donna Beasley and granddaughters Amber and Courtney.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Jim Parsons and his staff, the Duke Cancer Center doctors, and the staff of Mayview Convalescent Center for their constant care and support. Mary's family realizes how fortunate they have been to have this especially wonderful lady grace their lives. Family members can only hope to accomplish what Mary did in her life! With heavy hearts and loving memories, our family is deeply saddened by Grammy's passing.

Mary was one of N.C. State University's greatest fans and had been for over 50 years. She never lost her zeal for "her team" and loved attending football and basketball games. NCSU now has another angel who will always be rooting for the Wolfpack and the family and friends she leaves behind.

Memorials may be made in honor of Mary to the North Carolina State University Friends of the Library Robert E. Beasley, Jr. Memorial Endowment - NCSU Library Development Office, Campus Box 7111, Raleigh, NC 27695. A memorial service and celebration of Mary's life will be held in the near future.