Obituary: MARY KATHERINE HOLT BULLINS
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Mary Katherine Holt Bullins passed away peacefully at Cone Health Annie Penn Hospital on her 87th birthday, March 9, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born to the late John Pete and Effie Odessa Ferguson Holt in the family’s home on Second Avenue in Mayodan in 1936.
Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 2:00 p.m at First Baptist Church of Mayodan with Reverend Torrey Easler officiating. Interment will follow in the Mayodan Municipal Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Colonial Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
Katherine was a victim of polio in 1959. At the onset of the illness, she was 23 years old and mother of her 3 years old son. She faced many challenges as she attempted to live a full life which included parenting, housework, and cooking. In 1970 she and her late husband, Cornelius Gilbert (C.G.) Bullins, bought Nu Supply Co. in downtown Mayodan. Katherine managed the clothing and sewing goods portion of the store for 24 years. She developed long-lasting relationships with many people who knew her at the store. She was a gifted clothing designer and seamstress and made custom fitted clothing for herself and her family. Her work was impeccable.
A devoted member of First Baptist Church of Mayodan, Katherine served the church as recording secretary for many years. She attended services regularly while her health allowed, and she appreciated the opportunity to remain connected through the church’s online ministry, homebound ministry, and Deacon ministry.
Katherine’s love of family was always a guiding force in her life. C.G. was “the wind beneath her wings,” and she missed him dearly every day following his death in 2008. She often expressed her love, support, and admiration for her son, but her greatest pleasures came from being Grandmama to Neal and Ellen. She and C.G. created every opportunity possible to spend time with their grandchildren, and they all enjoyed many happy times together on the farm in Stokes County. Neal and Ellen learned many skills and life lessons from their grandparents, in addition to sharing some infamous antics and practical jokes. The birth of her great-grandchildren, Margaret and Edward, brought her renewed joy. Additionally, Katherine’s care and concern for her siblings and their families was always a central part of her life and prayers, and she treasured the times the Holt family gathered for celebrations together.
In addition to her husband and parents, Katherine was preceded in death by her brother, Edward Johnny Holt, and his wife Laura; and brothers-in-law, Jack Holcomb and Lewis Winfred Bullins and his wife Betty.
She is survived by her son, Jeffrey Gilbert Bullins and wife, Jean, of Mayodan; grandchildren, Neal Bullins and wife Karah of Creedmoor, NC; Ellen Chu and husband Alex and their children of Chapel Hill, NC. She is also survived by her sister Betty Holcomb; special nephews and their wives, and their families; and her brother-in-law, Joe William Bullins and wife, Marilyn. Linda Manring, Robin Young, and Earlene Pugh provided great love and care to help Katherine fulfill her long held desire to remain independent in her home until she reached the end of her life.
The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the 3rd floor staff at Annie Penn Hospital for extraordinary care and the comfort they provided us. We are also grateful to Hospice of Rockingham County. We are amazed to have learned of the collaboration between Hospice and the hospital and what a tremendous asset this is for our county.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials for Katherine be given to Mayodan First Baptist Church, 101 S. First Avenue, Mayodan, 27027; or Hospice of Rockingham County, Inc., PO Box 281, Wentworth, NC. 27375.
Colonial Funeral Home in Madison is serving the family.
Condolences may be offered to the Bullins family at www.colonialfh.net
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