In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Ruth Davis, Louise Davis McBrayer, Georgia Elizabeth Davis, and Alberta Davis Boswell. She is survived by her brother-in-law, Jack Boswell, of Myrtle Beach, SC, along with 4 nephews and nieces; Phil McBrayer and wife Margaret of Greensboro, NC, Thomas Boswell and wife Diana of Richmond, VA, Mary Boswell Gagarin and husband Russ of Bethesda, MD, and Patricia McBrayer of Cornelius, NC. She will also be missed by several cousins, as well as numerous friends and former students.

Marie graduated in the first class of Number 3 High School as valedictorian. She received her BS degree from Asheville Normal Teachers College, her Master's degree from Peabody College in Nashville, TN, and did post-graduate work at the University of Hawaii. She taught in public schools in North Carolina for 43 years. She was a charter member of Alpha Delta Kappa, the honorary international teacher's sorority.

She traveled extensively and enjoyed several hobbies, including gardening, ceramics and painting. She was a charter member of the Earl Garden Club and was active in promoting projects with that organization, including assisting with the exhibits at the annual Cleveland County Fair. She was a member of the WMU of New Hope Baptist Church

The family expresses deep gratitude for the fine care provided for Marie by the staff members of Shelby Medical Associates, Carillon of Shelby, Shelby Regional Medical Center, and Hospice of Kings Mountain.

Services: will be held at the New Hope Baptist Church in Earl at 2:00 pm, Thursday Burial: to immediately follow in the Church Cemetery, with reception following.

Rev. Russ Bradley will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to New Hope Baptist Church, Box 116, Earl, NC 28038, or to Kings Mountain Hospice House, 321 Kings Mountain Blvd, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.

Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby is serving the family.

Online condolences at www.claybarnette.com