Mary Helen Gatlin Senter

Mary Helen Gatlin Senter was born May 11, 1920 in Raeford, N.C. She was the daughter of Margaret Privette and Hallie Leon Gatlin, Sr. Mary Helen graduated from Raeford High School in 1937, attended Mars Hill College in 1938 and graduated from Meredith College in 1942. In 1943, Mary Helen married Neil Leonard Senter of Kipling, N.C. Except for a short time when they lived in Yuma, AZ and while Sgt. Senter was serving in the U.S. Army during WWII, they made their home in Raeford, N.C. Mary Helen served her family, community and church in many capacities, including serving as a lifetime Deacon in First Baptist Church of Raeford, N.C. The church honored Mary Helens family by naming the offices and Educational Building "Gatlin Hall" to recognize her familys service through five generations. Her twenty years of teaching first grade at McLauchlin School was a source of pride to her. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Sorority. In 1993, the Raeford Womans Club dedicated their yearbook to her. Mary Helens life was one of giving- to her church, to her family and to her community. She leaves behind to treasure her memory, her daughter and son-in-law Mary Neil and Julian King, her son and daughter-in-law Bill and Pam Senter, four grandchildren, Jason King and his wife Patricia, Justin King, Maggie Bennington and her husband Erik, and Neil Senter and his wife Heather. In addition are six great grandchildren, Helen, Kate, Ella, Ainsley, Garrett and Julia. "Hedy", as her family knew her, was much loved by numerous nieces and nephews. They, as all who loved her, found her to be a woman of many talents, especially making others feel loved and special. Visitation will be at the home of Mary Helen Senter, 115 North Highland Street, on Wednesday, October 23rd. The funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, October 24th at Raeford First Baptist Church, 333 N. Main Street, with Reverend Tom Lee and Pastor Toby Neal officiating. Burial will be in the Raeford Cemetery. Memorials may be made to: Raeford First Baptist Christian Academy and/or Raeford First Baptist Church, 333 N. Main Street, Raeford, N.C. 28376 and/or the Raeford Hoke Museum, P.O. Box 1383, Raeford, N.C. 28376.