Mary Esther Whaley Bivins, age 77, of Wallace, left this earthly life for her eternal rest on Sunday, October 12, 2014, where she is now in the very presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born on May 18, 1937 in Duplin County, Mary was the daughter of the late David John Whaley, Sr. and Geneva Wood Whaley. She was also predeceased by her loving husband of 56 years, Jackie Layton Bivins; her sisters, Louise Williams, Gertrude Dinkins and Ella Mae Pleasant and brothers, Charles Whaley, David John Whaley and Johnny Whaley, Jr.

Mary was a long time member of Wallace Pentecostal Holiness Church. She loved her church and supported the ministries of her church as long as her health permitted.

Mary is survived by her loving daughters, Debbie B. Westlake and husband, Greg of Tega Cay, SC and Gina B. Matthews and husband, Bill of Teachey; grandchildren, Angel Parker and husband, Braxton, Brittany Knowles and husband, David, Mary Beth Sanderson and husband, Ronnie, Morgan Murray and husband Eric; great grandchildren, Layton Parker, Carrlee Jack Murray and Holden Parker; sisters, Dorothy Rouse of Goldsboro and Alma Matthews of Wallace; life-long best friends, Hattie Murray of Rose Hill and Janice Horrell of Teachey; her special angel nurse, Felicia Tillman, which she considered one of her "girls" and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Mary was a devoted wife and caring mama, grandma and sister who loved her family dearly. She found great joy in the simplest things, but her greatest joy was her family. Mary was a humble woman who spoke her mind but with love and kindness. She served her community for many years as a day care provider, but she was more than that...she was a mama, a grandma, a teacher, a confidant and a friend to many who attended "˜Miss Mary's Day Care'. Oh, the lives Miss Mary has touched over the years and by her great example many of "˜her' children have grown up to be responsible adults. Having a big heart and a great sense of humor, she was loved and respected by all who knew her. Mary's family is grateful to God for her life and they consider themselves very blessed to have had such a wonderful mama, grandma, sister, aunt and friend.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at the Wallace Pentecostal Holiness Church with the Reverend Bobby Smith and the Reverend Byron Murray officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00pm on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Wallace.

Interment will be at Riverview Memorial Park immediately following the funeral service on Wednesday.

Pallbearers will be Bill Matthews, Greg Westlake, Braxton Parker, David Knowles, Eric Murray and Tim Whaley.

You may send condolences to the family by selecting our 'Memory Wall' above

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Wallace, 612 S. Norwood Street, Wallace, NC 28466 910-285-4005