Mary Elizabeth Guthrie

Our heavenly Father graciously called home one of His humblest servants, Mary Elizabeth Tate Guthrie, on Sunday June 28, 2015. She ws 93 years old and though her final years were wrought by illness and physical struggle, her life was a portrait of love, sacrifice and humble servitude. Mary Elizabeth Tate was born on January 26, 1922 in Gastonia, North Carolina as one of 11 children to the late Joseph and Beulah Tate. Being raised in such a large family the characteristics of loving, sparing, giving and caring were instilled early and and served as life's foundation. During her youth, Mary ('Lit' in her family, 'Lib' in her husband's) was active in the church and grew to love praising her heavenly Father in a manner which would later be passed on to her children: singing. She attended and graduated fro Highland High School in Gastonia, N.C. where she proudly learned to pole vault. Until the day she transitioned, she proudly displayed her school ring on her hand. Not long after graduating high school and making the acquaintance of one Mason Guthrie Sr, Mary found herself being wooed by his good looks and charming demeanor. They were married on February 9, 1947. From there, the two set their hopes on building a life and commenced to the creation of their own loving legacy. As a result of their marital union, Mason Eugene Guthrie, Jr., was born. Gene, as he is affectionately known, was not alone for long, as he was soon to have the company of 5 siblings, namely Marvin, Janice, Samuel, Michael (deceased) and Sharon. Anyone who knows this family can attest that as the number grew, the love simply magnified. Mary Guthrie's first love and most obvious passion was for the care of her family and the provision of a safe and nurturing homestead. As a supplement, she enjoyed her work with World Book encyclopedia and, as a result, introduced many of her grandchildren to the wonders of the mobile library. In line with her love for The Lord, she served tirelessly at her home church, First Christian Community Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Alphonso Tucker. She became known as one of the mothers of the church and took immense pride as such. Even when her lips could no longer part a song, her spirit exuded a song of The Lord's praise. The last sentence she uttered to her children was,"Sing again!" We would be remiss in neglecting to mention Mary's command of the kitchen. Yet another means of expressing her love and feeding not only the body but the soul, Mary could fashion delectable cakes and pies in what seemed like minutes. From her beef stew to her tender collard greens and soothing sweet potatoes,you knew those ingredients were not purchased from a store but came straight from the heart. A woman both kind and gentle, she fiercely fought against failing health. During those final years, however, the joy in her heart shone brightly. There was no doubt that her eyes were stayed on her Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. In the midst of pain and suffering, her life was still a testimony of God's Greatness and Awesome Love. Mary Elizabeth Guthrie, sister of Martha Clawson (Gastonia, N.C.), Viola, Bessie, Gertrude, Bill, Floyd, Haywood, George Lee, Samuel Walter Sr. and Elvin Sr., now joins them as she takes her place in The Father's house. She was also preceded in death by her parents. Joseph and Beulah, her youngest son, Michael Guthrie, and husband Mason Guthrie. They will be the first of us to know what Mary's Apple pie tastes like in Paradise. She is survived by her sons Mason, Marvin and Samuel Guthrie; her daughters Janice VanLandingham-Lee and Sharon Timpson; her daughters-in-law Ursula, Ruth and Sharon; Son-in-law Eric Timpson; grandchildren Marvin Jr., Andre, Adam, Tisha, Egin, Monet, Gabriel, Eyrika, Alexis, LaQuesha, Joshua, Travis, Mason III and Michael; a host of great grandchildren...and a tribe of extended family and friends. The depth and breathe of the indelible mark left upon the lives of those blessed to have known Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Guthrie speaks to a life well lived. She will live in our hearts and in the feelings of joy her memory will spawn.

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Mary Elizabeth Guthrie

January 26, 1922 - June 28, 2015