Mary Ella (Skidmore) Vick

Mrs. Mary Ella Skidmore Vick, 84, of Norwood, NC died Tuesday afternoon October 17, 2017 at Levine & Dickson Hospice House.

She was a daughter of the late Roy James and Sarah Cooper Skidmore.  Mary Ella was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Ralph Gwinn Vick.  Also preceding her in death was a nephew, Hampton B. Allen IV, great nephew, Brian Cooper Bowers.

She is survived by her two daughters , Nancy McSwain and husband, Mark of Harrisburg, NC and Betsy Clements of Denver, NC and friend, Jeff Kelley of Newton, NC.  Affectionately known as Mimi, Mary Ella is also survived by her four granddaughters, Megan Lindsey Mayes and husband Robert, Ansley Elizabeth McSwain, Katherine Elizabeth Clements, Caroline Olivia Clements, and a great-grandson, Cameron Tate (Cam) Mayes.  They were her pride and joy and the lights of her life. Also surviving, are Parker Kelley and Erin Kelley children of Jeff Kelley.

She is also survived by three special nieces, Susie Allen Bowers, great niece Elizabeth Paige(Beth) Thomas and husband, David and great-great niece, Sarah Beth Thomas.

Mary Ella lived in Norwood all of her life, except when she attended Limestone College in Gaffney, SC for three years.  She completed her education at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte and earned her BS degree in Elementary Education.  She taught her first 10 years at Aquadale School and her last 21 years at Norwood Elementary School, retiring in 1987.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Norwood, where she, at one time, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and served in various capacities.  She was a member of the Herbert G. Garmon Sunday School Class, a very special group of friends.

Mary Ella enjoyed playing golf and she and Ralph were awarded, a Life Time membership to Piney Point Golf Club.

Upon retirement, she enjoyed spending more time with her daughters, granddaughters, and great grandson.  She also enjoyed volunteering, sharing her famous fudge and poppy seed cakes.  She derived much pleasure in sending cards.  Her daughters stated she needed to start her own greeting card company to supply her increasing needs!

Mary Ella cherished her many friends, the WD40’s, the POPS, The Teacher’s Dining Out group, her Ladies Golf Group and special Hospice friends, Margaret Fields, Anna McGee and Heather Crump.

Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church on Friday, October 20, 2017 at 2:00PM.  The service will be conducted by Rev. Bill Roberts, Rev. Cooper Stonestreet and Rev. Steve Autry.  The family will receive friends in the ballroom at Piney Point Golf Club following the service.

Memorials contributions may be made to:  First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 948, Norwood, NC 28128 or Hospice of Stanly County, 960 North First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001. 

 Service Information