Mary Ellen Box

Mary Ellen Box, 67, of Newport, passed away Monday, September 16­, 2019, at her home.

Her funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2019, at Soundview Original Free Will Baptist Church in Newport, officiated by Rev. Jim Elmore. Interment will follow at Amariah Garner Cemetery.

Mary Ellen was an accomplished businesswoman and professional photographer with a heart of gold. One of her favorite endeavors was being the Co-Founder and Director of the Sunshine Lady Foundation, Inc. While she didn’t have any children of her own, she mothered 150 students a year for the Sunshine Lady Foundation, Inc. Having obtained her Master of Education from Eastern Carolina University, she enjoyed her years teaching in Greenville and at Morehead City Middle School. Mary Ellen was also the co-owner, operator, and CEO of Carolina Swamp Stuff, Inc. and was the former Executive Director of Carteret Community Foundation.

She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Rev. Dr. Jerry Allan Box; sisters, Sandra Pearce Dean and husband Roger, Phyllis Turner Zerkle and husband Scott and Minda Pearce Harris; brother, Floyd M. Pearce and wife Betty; her furry dog friends, Lulu and Trina; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Gladys Pearce and sister, Judith Jan Pearce Harris.

Family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2019, at Soundview Original Free Will Baptist Church in Newport.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Pilgrim’s Rest Original Free Will Baptist Church at 621 Lola Rd., Cedar Island, NC 28520.

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

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