Mary Haines Burt Welker

Mary was born September 20, 1942, in Pinehurst, NC to Arthur Wellons Jr. and Lottie May Stafford Burt and raised in Biscoe. She is the wife of Joseph Franklin Welker, Jr. of 57 years; she is the mother of Katherine Wilkerson (Al) and Arthur Welker (Emily). Grandmother of Taylor Wilkerson and Cora Welker.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her loving sisters, Ann Harrington Burt, Sara Katherine Mursch, and Jane Arthur Williams. She graduated from Biscoe High School in 1960, Guilford College in 1964 and UNC-Chapel Hill in 1965, with her master’s degree in library science. Many will remember Mary from her time working in the Audio-Visual Department and later the Benchmark Square branch of the Greensboro Public Library system which she retired from in 1997.

After retirement, she filled her days supporting those in the family and community. She enjoyed spending her time reading, tending to the cats, and gardening. She became a certified NC Master Gardener in 2002 and an active member for 12 years. She often sold plants and produce from home, various yard sales, and the Liberty Farmers Market. She was an active member of Julian United Methodist Church and often helped with the church food pantry.

“Mary can do hard things.” Mary was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 2023; she bravely and gracefully endured treatment and remained active through her time in remission. She left us with her usual grace and sense of humor.

Also surviving are a host of loving and gracious nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A remembrance service will be held at Julian United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 3:00PM

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Julian United Methodist Church or the Randolph Hospice House (Asheboro, NC): https://www.hospiceofrandolph.org/donate/

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.LoflinFH.com.

Loflin Funeral Home of Liberty is honored to serve the Welker family.