Mary Elizabeth Schrum Caldwell

Mary Caldwell, 91, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, August 25, 2015. She was born on September 23, 1923 in Lincoln County, North Carolina, the daughter of the late Edison Lee Schrum, Sr. and Hettie Louise Wilkinson Schrum. She was the eldest of seven children. In addition to her parents and beloved husband, James, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Helen S. Barkley and Betty S. Bumgarner and by three brothers, Edison Lee Schrum, Jr., Donald L. Schrum, and Robert E. Schrum.

Mary graduated from Lincolnton High School in 1941. She married James Jackson Caldwell on March 28, 1942 and they enjoyed 52 wonderful years together until his death on May 21, 1994. Mary’s life was centered around church and family. She was a loving and supportive wife to James and a devoted mother to her daughter, Jeanne. Mary loved the Lord and was a member of Midwood Baptist Church for 64 years where she taught a Sunday School Class for 5 year olds for many years. She was also a 60-plus year member of the Mizpah Chapter #36 of the Order of the Eastern Star. Her favorite pastime was working in her yard and flower gardens.

Mary is survived by her daughter Jeanne Caldwell; a brother, Kenneth F. Schrum and his wife Jane of Lincolnton, and many nieces and nephews.

A service celebrating the life of Mary will be held at Midwood Baptist Church on Friday, August 28, 2015 at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends for one hour immediately prior to the service, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the Church. The Rev. Dr. Garry Baldwin will officiate. Interment will follow in the Gardens of Sharon Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Midwood Baptist Church, 2029 Mecklenburg Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina 28205.

“Farewell, sweet mother. I love you , miss you and will always cherish my precious memories of you. See you again, some day! Your loving daughter, Jeanne”

McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park is entrusted with the care of Mrs. Caldwell and her family.