Mary Catherine McMaster Atkinson

Mary Catherine McMaster Atkinson, lovingly known to all as “Mazie,” passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. She was born to Eleanora Norvelle Atkinson McMaster and John Hugh McMaster, Jr., on July 29, 1934, in Winnsboro, SC, the fourth of five daughters.

Mazie was the devoted wife of Charles Wesley Atkinson, also a South Carolina native, for 61 years before his passing in 2015. They met while Mazie was attending the University of South Carolina and Charlie was stationed at Fort Jackson. Mazie and Charlie spent most of their married life in Greensboro, where they raised their four children and were early members of Christ United Methodist Church (“CUMC”). Mazie remained a member for nearly 70 years.

She was most proud of the large and loving family over which she served as matriarch. She was a gracious hostess and didn’t let a birthday go by without a card or phone call, even for her 34 great-grandchildren. Her greatest legacy for her family is that they each knew of her deep love for the Lord and commitment to service and generosity.

Mazie’s life was marked by a profound faith, which she lived out daily. She was active in many ministries at CUMC, and was instrumental in managing an antique sale that helped fund the purchase of the Fisk organ. Her life was deeply enriched by a sharing group she joined with Charlie at CUMC in 1967. The group of lifelong friends supported each other through many of life’s sorrows and joys for over 50 years.

She was well known for her expertise and love of antiques, selling at multiple locations throughout Greensboro. She loved to travel, play bridge with friends, read, and learn more about her faith through Bible Study.

There isn’t a person who met Mazie who wasn’t impacted by her grace, hospitality, generosity, humor, bridge prowess, or comforting Southern lilt. Her home was always open to family and friends, even friends of her children and grandchildren. She deeply loved and connected with everyone she met.

For over a decade, Mazie made her home at Friends Homes West, where she was loved by many. She revived and managed the weekly Pray for America meetings and organized Sunday night Vespers. She was a constant visitor to the game room, where she delighted in working difficult puzzles.

Mazie is survived by her children, Charles “Chip” Atkinson (Elizabeth), Ann Conrad (Bobby), Mary Lovelace (Oscar), and Barbara Young (Bill); sister, Barbara McMaster Mims (Harry); grandchildren, Charlie Atkinson (Sara), Mary Mac Brookins (Tim), Bobby Conrad (Lindsey), Kimberly Martin (John), Ben Lovelace (Liza), Branden Conrad (Colleen), Spencer Lovelace (Brittany), Lander Sulser (Pete), Erin Lovelace (Josh), Bryson Young, Carrie Parry (Ian), Ryan Conrad (Mady), Luke Lovelace (Monica), Will Young (Abby), and Mary Catherine Young; numerous nieces and nephews, and 33 great-grandchildren. She knew all of their birthdays, challenges and successes, prayed faithfully for them daily, and spoke highly of them to everyone.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mazie was preceded in death by three sisters, Norvelle McMaster Cox, Marian McMaster Weigle, and Lucy Virginia McMaster Williams; an infant brother, John Hugh McMaster, III; and a great-grandchild, James Wesley Sulser.

The family is grateful for the wonderful care she received from nurses, social workers, and staff at Friends Homes. Additional thanks to the hospice care provided by AuthoraCare Hospice.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on Sunday, April 6, at 2 pm at Christ United Methodist Church, 410 North Holden Road, Greensboro. The family will receive friends at the church following the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 410 North Holden Road, Greensboro NC 27410 or Freedom House, PO Box 38215, Greensboro NC 27438.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com