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BORN
1940
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Mary Leigh Obituary
Mary Leigh, 85, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Wendover Hospice in Shelby.
Mary Esther Beam Leigh was born to Ernest and Esther Beam in 1940 and married Raymond Thomas Leigh in 1963. They had 3 children [Elizabeth (Libby) Leigh, Rodney (Blue) Leigh, and Gary Leigh] and 4 grandchildren (Alexander Leigh, Mary E. Leigh, Thomas Leigh, and Emma Leigh). Mary also had a daughter-in-law, Jennifer Eaker Leigh, who cared for her every day of the last 8 years. Mary was known as “Meme” to her grandchildren, and eventually her children.
Mary will be remembered as selfless and nurturing to her family and her friends. She worked at Shelby Savings bank for over 40 years and never met a stranger. She loved traveling, shopping, going out to eat, and dancing. Some of our best memories with her were weekends at Lake Norman at the family cabin and regular trips to Myrtle Beach. Everyone who met her loved her instantly. Alex, her oldest grandchild, remembers that his friends all called her “their Meme,” because she always made everyone feel like family. Mary had a way of making everyone feel seen, loved, and special. She also was full of wit and sass, never missing the opportunity to make us laugh. She was truly an angel on earth, and her love will continue to live on through the beautiful memories we hold in our hearts.
Mary’s family invites you to Visitation at Cecil Burton Funeral Home at 10 AM, Friday October 17, 2025, followed by a Memorial Service in the Chapel at 11:00 AM. Afterwards, there will be a Graveside Service at Elizabeth Baptist Church Cemetery.
-The Family of Mary Beam Leigh
Online condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.
Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Leigh
Carol Robertson
October 21, 2025
Libby, Rodney & Gary -
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. I have fond memories of your parents and of the whole family, from Shelby Savings, or office beach trips, visits to the lake and just running into each other around town. Mother & Daddy thought alot of Mary and Raymond, and of course, loved each one of you as their own. I still have pictures of some of our trips and they always make me smile. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers as I know how hard it is to say good-bye to someone you love!!
Sincerely,
Carol Robertson
Brenda Camp Evans
October 21, 2025
I grew up knowing her. She was always so loving and nice
Robyn Kirby Kerr
October 17, 2025
I am so very sorry for your loss. I am thinking of all of you and holding you close in my heart! I loved Meme! I know she will be greatly missed!!
Teresa Walker
October 17, 2025
A beautiful woman and a sweet lady I have known most of my life. Thank you for your kindness when we spent time together. Prayers for your loved ones as they miss you.
Tracy Piercey
October 17, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Charles VanHarkness
October 16, 2025
Thinking of your family during this time. Mary was clever and quick to laugh. I appreciated her humor.
Joseph Carrier
October 16, 2025
I am so sorry for your losses. But after reading this, I can tell that she left a true legacy of love in her family.
Scott Paffenroth
October 15, 2025
My favorite MeMe. Sweet heart to everyone. I am lucky to have been her best son in law! Nothing I would not have done for her. I am certain she will make all the angles her best cakes and blonde brownies!!!!
Anglea Hicks
October 15, 2025
Gary I am so sorry to hear about your mother. You, Jennifer, and Emma and your family are in my prayers.
Martha Forlines
October 15, 2025
Bless you and all the family during this time of grief !
Janice Dumas
October 14, 2025
So sorry to learn of Mary’s passing. I knew her from Shelby Savings and went to school with her husband, Raymond. My sympathy to the family.
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