Mary Maye Morgan, 74, passed away Monday, April 8, 2024. Born in Burke County, NC on January 27, 1950, she was the daughter of the late James "Jim" Maye and Ruby Whisenant Maye. She always considered herself a life time member of First Baptist Church in Morganton where she grew up. Mary retired from First Union National Bank in Charlotte after 25 years. She moved quickly in 1974 from night shift key punch operator to manager of both shifts in the key punch area. Her skill level and ability to manage people as well as job responsibilities got the recognition of the IT department and she rose up to that challenge. Within just a couple of years she was managing a group of Operations Analyst in Charlotte and Jacksonville Florida. She gained the status of "Vice President" and began managing merger projects. Over the following years she project-managed over 95 First Union mergers with other banks.
After retirement, she did some consultant work, worked briefly with ATI, and then was invited back to manage the merger from First Union to Wachovia Bank.
Mary's ability to work with mostly men peers starting in the 70s and continuing into the 2000s, was a cutting-edge accomplishment and helped secure women's roles, rights, and respect in big business. Even as challenging as her job was, she was able to also be a great wife and lifetime partner in her marriage, a loving mother to her one son, and to declare every morning that Jesus was her savior and God. She was an avid reader, kept up with politics, loved nature and to swim in the ocean and lie on the beach. She and Greg her husband, explored multiple Appalachian Mountain trails, caverns, waterfalls, and loved the Linville Hunt Club trails and the surrounding Pisgah National Forest. Mrs. Morgan is survived by her husband of 48 years, Gregory Allen Morgan, her son Gregory Allen Morgan II., and wife Lisa, and sisters-in-law Carolyn Somers of Greenville SC, Stephanie Earlene Bowers Maye of Morganton. Her 1st cousin Karen Lowdermilk and husband Roy Lowdermilk of Morganton, always called her "Sissy", she and Karen were more like sisters than cousins.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by two brothers, William "Bill" Sommers and Thomas "Tom" Maye.
The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Joseph Holland officiating. Interment of the cremated remains will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gastonia Hospice at 2240 Remount Rd., Gastonia NC 28054.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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I'm sorry to hear of Mary's passing. "Mary Lynn" was my first best friend. We met in 2nd grade at Central Elementary and were inseparable all through elementary and into junior high school. Over the years, we spent many weekends at each other's homes. We lost touch when I moved away and I've often thought of her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Greg, You was so blessed to be married to a beautiful woman. Mary touched so many lives in the most positive way. Her legacy and memories will live on through the many lives she impacted and never forgotten. We are sending our love and prayers to you and your entire family. Greg stay strong and know that Mary is in the loving arms of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. Aldether, Mark, and Tearra Aldether Jones & Family
Dear Greg, lil Greg and Family. The Edwards family are sending our condolences. We were so sorry to hear of Mary passing. I remember the first time that I spoke to Mary, on the phone, we talked as if we had been knowing each other for years. You could just feel the love , we became friends instantly. She had a beautiful spirit. When we finally met , it was beautiful. I know that the memories of her kindness, loving heart and beautiful spirit will live forever. Always sending prayers and love ❤️ Dot, Rayford Kenya and Family.
Greg, I am so sorry to have just now learned of the passing of Mary. You spoke fondly of her over a cold IPA at Sammy's Pub and while I did not know her, I know how much you adored her. May God bless you and fill your days with loving memories of 48 years together. - Mark Colone
Dear Greg, Greg II, and Family. Pam and I wish to express our sincerest sympathy. May all those cherished memories you have of Mary, carefully wrapped in her love and devotion, always bring comfort to your Souls. Mary spoke to me of her Faith in God with inspiring confidence that He would keep His Promises. "...And the dead in Christ will rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, shall meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord. ..." (1 Thess. 4:13-18).
Mary gave me an opportunity to move from a “machine operator” position to a first level supervisor job. It changed my life, and lead to an upwardly mobile 35 year career at the bank. Mary always told it like it was. She stood her own ground and was a respected leader. Though she was a petite beauty, she could weld a big stick when it was required. She was one of a kind. She was a wonderful friend. May she rest in peace. My deepest sympathies to Greg, Greg II and the entire family.