Mary Frances (Gillespie) Staton

Mrs. Mary Frances Gillespie Staton, 75 of Marshville, NC died Monday, January 21, 2013 at her home.  Funeral Services will be held 1pm Saturday, January 26, 2013 at Piney Grove East Missionary Baptist Church, 1708 Ansonville Rd., Marshville, NC 28103, Reverend Matthew D. Rouse, III, Eulogist, Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery.

Public viewing will be held 1pm to 7pm Friday, January 25, 2013 at Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Monroe, NC.

Born in Union County, NC, Thursday, November 18, 1937 a daughter of the late Mr. Craig Gillespie, Sr. and Mrs. Carrie Caudle Gillespie. She was preceded in death by her sister, Josephine G. Clyburn and four brothers, Mr. Fred Gillespie, Mr. James Gillespie, Mr. Craig Jr. Gillespie and Bobby Frank Gillespie.

Mary was a member at Piney Grove East Missionary Baptist Church and was active until declining health.  She held various positions within the church to include; President of the Missionary Circle, Sunday School Teacher for Young Adults and Women and was a member of the Social Committee, Program Committee and Senoir Citizens Committee.

Mary received her diploma from East Union School in Marshville, NC and was employed with Perfect Fit Industries for 30 years, where she retired.

Mary was an advocate for the community and served on several organizations in Union County.  One of her highlights include the establishment of the Women for Progress Club and her 33 years of service.  She also served as Membership Chair  of the NAACP, member of the Union County Extension Homemakers and the 4-H Club.  She received the 2011 Citizens of the Year Award from the Marshville Chamber of Commerce and she also received the 2011 Freedom Fighter Award from the NAACP. Mary was extremely active in local politics and was  instrumental in increasing voter registration.

Mary was united in matrimony to Raymond Staton and to their union raised six daughters.

Mary leaves to cheris loving memories to Teresa Staton (deceased), Ernestine Staton of Charlotte, NC, Cynthia Delores Staton of Charlotte, NC, Darlene Staton of Delray Beach, FL, Anita Staton of Charlotte and Ramona Francena Staton of Columbia, SC; three grandchildren Gabrielle F. Smith, Timothy Staton and Aderes Jame Staton; two great-grandchildren; Malachi A. Smith and Karmelo I. Smith; four sisters; Queen G. Sturdivant, Rosie G. Thomas and Sarah Gillespie all of Marshville, NC and Sadie Hamlor, (Pat) of Bronx, NY; two brothers; Rommie Gillespie of Charlotte, NC and Archer Gillespie, (Carolyn) of Marshville, NC ; three brothers in law Harvey Staton,(Irene), Jake Staton, (Sadie)and Donnie Clyburn: three sisters in law, Ada Mae Clark, Hattie Mae Gillespie and Callon Washinton Gillespie and a host of nieces nephews and friends.