Mary Nancy Washington, daughter of the late Eddie and Nancy Buchanan, was born on January 14, 1927 in Robeson County and peacefully departed on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 97.  

Mary Nancy grew up in Lumberton, NC, and graduated from Redstone Academy, where she developed a passion for learning and a heart for serving others. With a desire to make a meaningful impact, she pursued careers in domestic work and as a nursing assistant at Southeastern Regional Medical Center where she retired after many years  of exemplary service.

Outside of her work, Mary Nancy was a woman of remarkable talents. She was known for her incredible baking skills, creating cakes that became staples at family gatherings and special occasions. She was one of the original residents of Lumbee Homes Community, and everyone knew “Miss Mary Nancy” because of her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. She was also a member of Federation Club— a local women’s organization.

Family meant everything to Mary Nancy, and she took immense pride in her role as the matriarch. She was the driving force behind the annual McArn Family Reunions that were held 52 years in a row before Covid. Her love for her sisters was well known. Mary Nancy and Rosa Mae would eat out at Golden Corral every Saturday just before the evening rush. The staff would ask other diners to move if they dared sit at the sister's special table. Afterward, they would go to their sister Ruth’s house and listen to the scanner while talking about the week’s issues.

Mary Nancy’s faith was her guiding light. She was a devoted member of Greater Chrysolite AME Zion Church, where she gave her life to the Lord at a young age and served faithfully for most of her life. She served as a Trustee, member of the Kitchen/Hospitality Ministry, the Pastor’s Aid Board and WHOM Society. She was known to attend church in her beautiful hats and suits. She wore her suits even on the Zoom church services over the past few years.  

Mary Nancy was preceded in death by her sisters, Marzella B. Smith and Clara Ruth Nicolson; son, Rascoe Washington, Jr.; and grandsons, David St. John Washington and
Keithan Khalil Lynch.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience in her son, David E. Washington, and daughter-in-law, Marilyn Merritt of Lumberton, NC; her five grandchildren: Tammy Lynch (Keith), Bernadette Washington, and Kewanda Merritt English (Gordon) all of Lumberton, NC; Wanette Washington of Hope Mills, NC; and Darren Crump (Cierra) of Tallahassee, Florida; her five great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Rosa Mae McArn of Raleigh, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and church family.

Mary Nancy’s life was a testament to the values of hard work, faith, and family. Her strength, wisdom, and grace touched everyone who knew her. While her absence leaves a void that can never be filled, we take comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with those who went before her, and resting in the arms of the Lord she loved so dearly.  

Her life was a blessing, and her memory will remain a treasure in our hearts forever.