Mrs Mary Ann Sturkey Greenland

Mrs. Mary Ann Sturkey Greenland, 84 died in her home in Salisbury on January 11, 2015. She had been in declining health for over three weeks. Mrs. Greenland was born on November 17, 1930 in Salisbury to the late Ralph Jefferson and Lucille Humphreys Sturkey. She was preceded in death by brothers Ralph J. Sturkey, Jr. of Salisbury; Lawrence H. Sturkey of Charlotte, NC; and Charles E. Sturkey of Rock Hill, SC. Mrs. Greenland graduated from Boyden High School, Salisbury, Class of 1949. After attending some college courses at Catawba College in Salisbury, she went to work as a bank teller at Security Bank and Trust Company and quickly developed a passion for finance and accounting. Mrs. Greenland worked hard and ascended up to the position of Senior Teller and was responsible for all daily reconciliation and close out actions. Mary Ann married her “sweetheart” and husband of 60 years, Robert Russell (Bob) Greenland on December 19, 1954. They met while singing together in the choir at First Methodist Church – a great American story. Shortly thereafter, they started a family together in Salisbury. In 1972 and after her children were older, Mary Ann went back to work at James Animal Hospital (JAH), Salisbury as a bookkeeper and veterinary assistant where she was able to combine her financial experience with her deep love of animals, which she learned from her father. After working for 20 years at JAH, Mary Ann retired in 1992. Mary Ann loved God, she had a very strong faith, she loved her family, and she loved her church. She was a member of the Daisy Hedrick Sunday School Class, she enjoyed cooking, and she loved preparing meals for family celebrations with her church friends. Mary Ann loved history. She was a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC). She achieved UDC “Real Granddaughter” status from her grandfather’s service to Company B, Hampton Legion, South Carolina. Mary Ann was a loving mother and wife. She believed in teaching her children about the importance of good manners, good morals, and good values. She was a “patriot”; she loved her country; she believed in the importance of honoring the service and sacrifices of all veterans; she believed in respecting all of those individuals holding elected office; and she believed in respecting the views of ALL individuals regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs or political affiliations. Mrs. Greenland is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Robert R. (Bob) Greenland of Salisbury, NC; a sister, Mrs. Margaret Chandler of Oak Ridge, TN.; sisters-in-law, Eloise Sturkey of Jupiter, FL and Bonnie Sturkey of Charlotte, NC; three sons, Robert Russell (Rusty) Greenland of San Antonio, TX., Benjamin Lawrence Greenland (Anita) of Greensboro, NC., and Bruce Edward Greenland of Woodbridge, VA.; two awesome grandchildren, Rachel Ann Greenland and Joseph Robert Greenland of Greensboro. The family would like to express a profound debt of gratitude to Mrs. Greenland’s healthcare team: her loyal friend, “debate” partner, and primary care physician, Dr. Myron Goodman and wife Mary; longtime family friend and fellow Yankees’ fan Dr. H. Boyd Watts and wife Krista; Ms. Sheila Sherrill; and all of the devoted, highly professional, loving, and caring staff at the Trinity Oaks Retirement Community in Salisbury. You make a difference every day and we love you! Visitation: The family will receive friends from 6-7:30 PM Thursday (Jan. 15) at Summersett Funeral Home. Service: A funeral service will be held 1 PM Friday (Jan. 16) at First United Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. Dr. Mark Conforti and Rev. Rhonda Hermann. Burial will follow at Chestnut Hill Cemetery. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request all memorials be directed to First United Methodist Church, Attn: New Building Fund, 217 S. Church St., Salisbury, NC 28144.

Mrs Mary Ann Sturkey Greenland

November 17, 1930 - January 11, 2015