Mary Howard Cratch Woolard

Published 12:03 pm Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Mary Howard Cratch Woolard was born to the late Lawrence and Pearl Cratch on October 8, 1927, in Blounts Creek, NC, She passed away on January 14, 2025, at the age of 97.

Mary was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where her faith and sense of community flourished. She possessed a quick wit and sharp sense of humor that endeared her to all who knew her. Her joyful spirit and love for life’s simple pleasures were evident in everything she did.

A true lover of nature, Mary found immense joy in being outdoors. She dedicated much of her time to monitoring her birdhouses and embraced a deep affection for all animals. Her garden bloomed with vibrant flowers, a testament to her love of gardening and heightens the beauty of the earth. Mary adored snow, finding wonder and in its quiet serenity.

Her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Mary enjoyed completing enormous jigsaw puzzles, an activity that brought her hours of contentment and connection with her loved ones.

Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband Junius Morning Woolard.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Susan Woolard of Washington, NC, and Jeannie Kountouris (George) of London, England; her grandsons, Evan Kountouris (Ariel) of Raleigh, NC, and Jack Kountouris of Charlotte, NC. She also leaves behind a host of beloved nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, friends who will miss her dearly.

A funeral service to honor Mary’s life will be held on Sunday, January 19, at 2:00 pm at Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Oakdale Cemetery in Washington, NC, at 3:00 pm.

She will be remembered for her warmth, her love for the natural world, and her unwavering devotion to her family and friends. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Joseph B. Paul Jr Funeral Service is honored to assist the Woolard family.