She was born in Marion, SC on April 2, 1940 to the late William (Bill) Thomas Grice and Betty Lee Disher.
Mary had several successful careers in her lifetime including working at Coble Ward- Smith Funeral
Home, The Salvation Army, and Belk’s. She was also extremely active in ABWA and was named Woman
of the Year in 2003. She was always an exemplary employee.
Mary was known for her focus on others in everything she did. Many friends and family members share
stories of the gifts she would give to them with no prompting. She was also affectionately known for her
love of clothes, shoes, handbags and cats! This was evident in the many things she owned with a CAT
theme! She leaves behind the love of her heart, a long haired black cat named Precious.
Mary is predeceased by her parents and her husband, Clarence “Zeek” Secrist and a favorite aunt, Sarah
Disher. Sadly, Mary also has two children that passed, Thomas Eugene Hare, and Michael Hopkins.
She is survived by her brother, Cape Grice and his wife Brenda, of Prosperity SC, her sister Trisha Frost
of Little River, SC, her sister Libby Webb, of Wilmington NC, her daughter, Neil Roberts and her husband
Parks, of Wilmington NC, her son, Brevin Hopkins of Arlington, Texas, and a cousin who is like a sister to
her, Faye White and her husband, Jim of Richmond, VA, as well as many grandchildren, nieces,
nephews and FRIENDS!
The family would like thank EVERYONE for their love of Mary. While there are so many we would want to
recognize, a special thank you goes to her friends: Mammie Johnson, Carol Watters, Joyce and Bill
Paschall, and Edith (Hap) Rogers.
A visitation is set for Saturday morning, July 14, 2018 at Coble Ward –Smith Funeral Home on Oleander
Drive at 10:00am. The memorial service will follow in the chapel at 11:00am. Following the chapel
service, those that wish may join the family at the grave side. There is limited parking, so carpooling is
recommended. Mary will be buried in Winter Park Cemetery on Dixie Avenue in Wilmington. The family
will receive guests on Saturday afternoon following the graveside at the home of Mary’s daughter, Neil
Roberts at 1220 Williamsburg Court, Wilmington, NC
Many thanks go out to Lower Cape Fear Hospice for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, it would
be a blessing to Mary for one to donate to the Salvation Army, The Humane Society or the church of your
choice to further the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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