Mary Leary Long
March 07, 2006Mary Magdeline Leary Long, daughter of the late Deborah Dorcas Byrum and Robert West Leary, Sr., and the wife of the late Octavious Coke (O.C.) Long, Jr., died Tuesday, March 07, 2006, at her lifelong home at 2239 Rocky Hock Road, Edenton, NC, following an extended illness with Alzheimer's Disease. She passed away quietly and peacefully surrounded by her family: her two sons, Danny West Long (Evans Funerals and Cremations of Edenton) and Joseph Phillip Long and her daughter, Deborah Jean Long, all of Edenton. She was 86 years old.
Other than her immediate family, Mary is survived by a grandson, Judson Phillip Long and a great grandson, Judson Tyler Long. She was the sister of Joseph Clarence Leary, Sr., Robert West Leary, Jr., and Thomas Stillman Leary, all deceased. She was also sister to Annie Bell Leary Hollowell, Bessie Leary Harrell, and Kate Leary Boyce, all deceased. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends and a very special person, Lois Leary, who was her nurse for the past 13 years.
Mary was the last child of "Miss Deb" and "Mr. Bob" Leary to be born at her home in Rocky Hock. She spent her whole life in this community, where she was very active both in her church, Rocky Hock Baptist, and in the activities of the community. She taught Sunday School, beginning at a very young age, and remained the teacher of the same class until her illness prevented her to continue. She was also a G.A. leader and later served as a YWA leader. She served numerous years as Vacation Bible School principal and WMU president from 1958 until 1980 and also Associational President.
Mary was a member of the Rocky Hock Home Demonstration Club for many years and a past President of the Chowan County Home Demonstration Clubs. She was a member of the Chowan County Democratic Party. She was a faithful member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Gideon's International, where she served along side her husband. Mary often volunteered at Chowan Hospital and White Oak School as a substitute teacher. She was a past member of the Edenton Womanâ