Mary Etta Mendelson

Mary Etta Mendelson, 59, of Otway, passed away Thursday, March 7­, 2019, at her home.

Her funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at Munden Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Manley Rose, Jr. Interment will follow at Vergie Mae Cemetery on Harkers Island.

Mary was born and raised on Harkers Island. Shortly after graduating high school, she enlisted in the United States Army where she met and married the love of her life, James Mendelson. After she learned she was expecting her first child she was honorably discharged from the Army. James service in the Army took them various places including Fayetteville, Georgia and 6 years in Germany. During their time in Germany she was a teacher’s aide for special needs children. Following James retirement, they opened a Lawn and Tree Service business. She also worked for Dr. James Graham as an Office Manager. Mary loved being outdoors and especially enjoyed gardening.

Mary was a former member of Atlantic Missionary Baptist Church as well as Smyrna Pentecostal Church. More recently she joined Refuge Fellowship Church. She loved the Lord and had great compassion for others, she was known for being a “giver” and will be remembered fondly by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her husband of 41 years, James Mendelson of the home; daughters, Tabbatha Mendelson Sparks and husband Adam of Otway; Bridget Renea Mendelson of Beaufort; Jenny Mendelson Brower of Maryland; son, James Mendelson, II and wife Brandy of New York; sisters, Gloria Gray Ellis of Newport, Ann Culpepper of Beaufort, Agnes Lewis of Morehead City and Amy Wilder and husband Mike of Trenton; brother, Michael Lewis of Beaufort; grandchildren, Dylan Fulford, Ethan Sparks, Dakota Springle, Elle Sparks, Dustin Mendelson, Mason Mendelson, Trey Mendelson, Keneley Mendelson, Kirstyn Brower, Kyle Brower, Ally Brower and Jamie Lynn Mendelson; and 5 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Lula Mae Lewis and father, Carl Lewis.

Family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 11, 2019, at Munden Funeral Home.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory in Morehead City, NC.