Mary Absher

Mary Holcombe Absher, 90, passed peacefully on April 30, 2012 and departed this life to be with her loving husband Dr. Coleman Absher, who predeceased her in November 5, 2007. Mrs. Absher was born January 27, 1922, to the late Sam F. and Clyde Moore Holcombe of Statesville. Mary has one surviving brother, Jimmy Holcombe and their two children, Jimmy Holcombe, Jr. and Jane Holcombe Clendenin. Mary was predeceased by five brothers, Frank, Bill, Clyde, Norris and Sam Holcombe. After graduating from Statesville High School, she attended Mitchell College. In 1940, Mary was chosen to be the runner up for Miss. Statesville. Mary worked at Stratford Jewelry store where she met her husband, Coleman Absher. Following their marriage, they moved to Georgia, where Coleman went to vet school. Upon their return, they resided in Statesville on Summit Ave. for 38 years and later moved to their current home on Sedgefield Rd. where they have resided for the past 20 years. While in Statesville, Mary also worked for Dr. W.C. Current. Mary was a wonderful home maker and will be remembered for, among many talents, her home style cooking and engaging sense of humor. She raised three sons, and welcomed all the children in the neighborhood to her house. Mary loved playing bridge, reading, and traveled frequently outside the country to Africa, Europe, India and China. She kept a wonderful traditional southern home, liked to entertain, and had a love for flowers and roses, which she grew every year. Mary is survived by her son, Coleman Jr. and his wife Irene, their three children, Alex, Chris, and Joy of Boca Raton, FL; her son, Clayton Absher, his wife Cathy, and their daughter Lauren, all of Virginia Beach, VA; her son, Steve Absher of Statesville. She is further survived by close friends and caregivers, Karen, Shelly, Mona, Etta, Michelle, Sandra, Dot, Billy, Lura and Tammy. Mary was a wonderful and fun companion. She will be dearly missed for her kindness and dedication to her family. Her journey to an abundant life as promised by our Lord has just begun. A service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, May 5, 2012 at Concord Presbyterian Church with Rev. Kyle Goodman officiating followed by a graveside service for family and friends. The family will visit with friends Friday evening 6:30 until 8:30 pm at Nicholson Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com/obituaries and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Mary Holcombe Absher.