Mary Ballard Emery

Mary Ballard Emery, 88, went to be with God and her much missed mother on Friday, November 8, 2013, at St. Joseph Campus, Mission Hospitals after a short illness. Mrs. Emery was a resident at Greentree Ridge and had many friends and made a friend for life by one of the staff, Alberta Littlejohn. Mrs. Emery was preceded in death by her parents, Summy G. and Faye Lewis Ballard. Her husband, Horace Emery and their twin daughters, Vivian and Virginia; her sisters, Lessie, Verlene, Annie, Edith, Eunice, and brother, S.G. Ballard. Mrs. Emery is survived by nine nieces and nephews; 20 great-nieces and nephews, and a few great-great-nephews and nieces. And to the many people she knew, she will always be known as "Little Mary" - a little lady with a big spirit and love for others. The family thanks the staff of Greentree and 9th floor nurses at St. Joseph and the many residents and doctors for the excellent care she received. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue. Condolences can be made by calling or email to Brenda Schultz at (828) 620-0823, to JSchultz1976@gmail.com, or at grocefuneralhome.com.