Mary Sue Warren

Mary Sue Warren, 90, peacefully passed away at home on January 23, 2021.  She was born on October 9, 1930 in Dunn to the late Carl Bennett Warren, Sr. and Ethel Irene Baynes Warren.

In 1936, Mary Sue, brother Carl Bennett Warren, Jr., and their parents moved to Newton Grove where she attended Westbrook School.  She graduated from Dunn High School in 1948 and continued her studies at Greensboro College, Atlantic Christian College, and Campbell University in the fields of music, religion, and education.

Mary Sue began her 29-year teaching career in Johnston County at Meadow School and retired from Benson Elementary School as an English/Language Arts educator.  She also taught piano in the Hobbton, Hargrove, and Halls-Piney Grove schools. Education was a lifelong passion of hers.  

Serving the Lord through her church work was always important to Mary Sue. She shared her musical gifts as pianist and organist at Pleasant Union Christian and Oak Grove Free Will Baptist churches for 75 years, with many of those years serving as choir director. She also faithfully taught Sunday School and served on various committees at Oak Grove.

Mary Sue was preceded in death by her husband, William Blake “Bill” Warren, Sr. and her son, John Bennett Warren.  She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Sue Warren of Kinston, Cathy Warren Mason of Clinton, and Caroline Warren of Raleigh, and her son, Blake Warren (Donna) of Newton Grove.  Grandchildren include Hardee Merritt (Rachel), Amanda Gullie (Andrew), April Dudley (Nathan), Thomas Merritt (Christina), Pamela Lewis, and William Warren (Heather).  She is also survived by her brother, Carl Warren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Pansy Denning, Lenora McLamb, and Zenaida Hernandez for their loving care, support, and friendship they have provided.

Mary Sue’s graveside service will be held on Tuesday, January 26, at 3 pm at the Warren Family - Oak Grove Cemetery.  The Rev Corky Herring will be officiating the service.  The viewing will be at the funeral home in Newton Grove on Monday, January 25, from 3 to 5 pm. The family will not be present. 

In order to stay in compliance with NC COVID Law, social distancing measures should be practiced at all times and a mask worn during all services. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oak Grove Free Will Baptist Church at PO Box 389, Newton Grove, NC 28366.

Services have been entrusted to West and Dunn Funeral Home of Newton Grove, NC

Condolences may be made to www.westanddunn.com