Mary is a native of Henderson, NC and has always had a love and desire to help homeless, abused, and mistreated animals. She has rescued and adopted for her own a countless number of animals both large and small. Even during her retirement years she continues to oversee the daily operations of Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society and gladly opens her home to animals in need of rescue.

Mary and her husband, Charles, donated the property where the Vance County Animal Shelter is currently located. The great relationship that she has established with the shelter staff has contributed to the well being of so many animals impounded there.