Thursday, November 13, 2014 8:17 am

Mary Athlene Lavender, age 82 of Forest City passed away Friday, November 7, 2014.  

She was born December 5, 1931 in Rutherford County and was a daughter of the late Alfred Gilliam and Cleo Flynn Wright.  Mary worked for Spindale Mills Corporation where she retired from the Cloth Inspection Department and attended Father’s Vineyard Church.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Yates Lavender in 2011, a son-in-law, Tony Parris and brothers Norris Wright and James Melvin Wright.

Survivors include two daughters, Deborah Lavender Ramsey of Forest City, Denise Parris Gavin and husband Mike of Bostic, a sister, Lois Hensley of Union Mills, NC.  There are four grandchildren, Jennifer Cherisse Stacey, Tyler Yates Thompson, Trent Parris and wife Megan, and Allison Parris Tate and husband Parker; three great-grandchildren, Ezra Stacey, Veda Stacey, and Lucas Ayers.

Funeral services were held at the Padgett and King Chapel with Reverend Terry Howell officiating.  A Committal service was held in the Eternal Hills Memorial Park, Forest City.  Memorials may be made to Grace of God Rescue Mission, Post Office Box 212, Forest City, NC 28043.  

The Padgett and King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.