Mary Z. Carnes

Mary Zoe Carnes, 90, passed away Monday, January 24, 2011. Mary Zoe was born in Gastonia, NC on November 6, 1920. Her father was a Baptist preacher and her mother a homemaker for Mary Zoe’s four sisters and brother.

Mary Zoe attended Mars Hill College and graduated from Appalachian State University. She taught school for 35 years.While in Wilmington, Mary Zoe taught at Tileston Elementary School. She taught her children to swim at Wrightsville Beach, and wrote children’s stories. She later taught in Whiteville, Artesia, and retired from Hallsboro Elementary School. She loved to take long walks with her friends along Madison Street in Whiteville, NC. In summer, Joe, her husband of fifty-eight years, and Mary Zoe had many adventures fishing and boating. Mary Zoe taught the senior level Sunday School Class at Trinity Baptist Church and later the 4th and 5th grade Sunday school classes.

Even when very sick, her nurses and caregivers remarked about how sweet, happy, and gracious she always was. She was the most giving, kind, and fun mother anyone could have.

Mary Zoe is survived by her children, Joseph Kenton, Breta Cecile, and Karen Zoe. She is also survived by her dear brother, M.L. Barnes, and many loving nieces and nephews. Her beloved husband Joseph Plummer passed away in 2005.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 27, 2011 at Oleander Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel.