Obituary of Mary Helton Alexander

Mary Grey Helton Alexander, 93, died peacefully at Chatham Ridge Assisted Living in Chapel Hill, NC on July 22, 2019. She was born and lived in Quinwood, WV; and when she was about eight years old, relocated with her mother and brothers to Timberland near Raeford, NC. After graduating from high school in Raeford, Mary obtained a music degree from Mars Hill College. 
She married William Lona Alexander (Bill) in 1947 in Raeford, NC, and they then moved to Chapel Hill to attend the University of North Carolina and start a family. She is survived by three children (Joe of Chapel Hill, Marc of Kinston, NC, and Kim of Richmond, VA) and their families. She was predeceased by her daughter (Ann), husband (Bill), a sister (Neville), two brothers (Lawrence and Eldred), and her parents (Mary Tapp Helton and Ralph Joseph Helton).  
She enjoyed the creative side of life as she was known for her musical gifts; artistic talents (paintings of natural landscapes); sewing (anything from handbags to quilts); and gardening (successfully growing everything from cacti to beautiful flowers). Mary was well known for her love of children, humor, cheerful disposition, positive attitude, and uplifting spirit. 
She and her family were charter members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill. Mary’s membership was recently transferred to University United Methodist Church, in Chapel Hill. A private family grave-side service will be held at the Raeford City Cemetery on Sunday. 
Considering Mary’s love of children, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Children and Family Ministries of University United Methodist Church, 150 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 or a charity of choice. Appreciation is extended to the staff at Chatham Ridge Assisted Living, in Chapel Hill, who lovingly cared for Mary for three years.  Walker’s Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is honored to serve the Alexander family.