Mary Elizabeth Coley

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Foster Coley, 98, of Statesville, died Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at Iredell Memorial Hospital. Born in New Hanover County, North Carolina on January 7, 1917, she was a daughter of the late Jack Leonard Foster and Bertie Lee McConnell Foster. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Calvin Coley on December 18, 1962 and a son Jackie Leroy Leonard Coley on March 7, 2006. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church where she served as a Deacon and was a life member of the Women Of The Church. She was also active in the Iredell County Council On Aging. She worked at the former H.F.Long Hospital until it closed as head of the insurance department and then at Iredell Memorial Hospital. She also worked in Dr. Phillip Mason's office. She was a member of the Order Of The Eastern Star for over 60 years and was a member of the B.P.W. for over 50 years. She was also a member of A.A.R.P. She was a graduate of Hugh Morrison High School in Raleigh and the Hardbargers Business School in Raleigh. Survivors include three grandsons, Fredrick Christopher Coley (Katherine) of San Antonio, Texas, Marvin Zeno Best (Faith) of Courtland, Virginia, and Ian Dey (Niki) of Milton-Keynes, England, two granddaughters, Lorraine Best Musselman (Brian) of Fayetteville, GA and Jane Best Bryant (Andy) of Franklin, Virginia, her daughter-in-law, Nancy Best Coley of Franklin, Virginia, and thirteen great grandchildren. Mary was extremely grateful to have numerous caregivers, friends, and hospital staff who were like family to her and whom she loved dearly. Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 Saturday at Oakwood Cemetery with Rev. Steve Scott officiating. Condolences may be sent online to the family to www.nicholsonfunerals.com. Memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church 125 N. Meeting St. Statesville, N.C. 28677 or to the Iredell County Council On Aging, 344 E. Front St. Statesville, N.C. 28677. Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.