Mary Gwyn

Mary Jean Berry Gwyn, 84, of Elkin, NC, was born on February 1, 1942 in the Shoals Community of Surry County, to parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hiawatha and Lurenda Moore Berry. She completed her earthly journey on February 4, 2026 at Novant Forsyth Medical Center surrounded by her loved ones. She was united in matrimony to Freddie Gwyn on July 18, 1965.

Mary was educated in the Stokes and Surry County School systems, graduating from J.J. Jones High School in 1960 with further studies at Surry Community College. Her career included employment at local industries and in the Elkin County School System where she generously shared her wisdom and quick wit with coworkers and students.

Mary was a longtime member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Elkin until it closed in 2018. She served in several capacities including a stint as president of the Methodist Women, which she fully enjoyed. Naturally creative, she was a gifted seamstress and a skillful cake-baker. Her cakes were requested at all family dinners and reunions. She routinely saved the day when someone needed a unique outfit for a special occasion or alterations for that favorite garment. She parlayed that hobby into an enjoyable part-time retirement position with Ray’s Cleaners, Inc. in Elkin, who relied on her seamstress skills to maintain their alterations department. An avid gardener and capable canner, she also dabbled in furniture upholstery. In her youth she anchored the Pinnacle Softball team as a formidable first baseman and shared special friendships with her classmates that continued throughout her life. Mary was a pragmatic person with a magnetic personality and a delightful sense of humor. She had a remarkable way of connecting with people by meeting them where they were. She was very spiritual with a strong, intuitive, sixth sense. Mary enjoyed music, learning new skills on her computer, car shows and the beauty of the mountain as the seasons changed. Spending time with family and visiting with friends by way of telephone were also important to her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by infant daughter Phyllis Gwyn, granddaughter, Kadeja Hamelton, five siblings, Leron Berry Meredith, Priscilla Berry Leazer, Hiawatha Berry, Jr., Anthony Berry (childhood), and Gregory Berry. Along with her husband, Freddie, she leaves to cherish her memory, two children: Lorri A. Glenn (Tommy) and Fredrick Gwyn, one granddaughter, Jamila Lamb, two brothers, Charles Mike Berry (Helen), James Ingram Berry (Margaret); and three sisters, Ellen Berry Ellis, Melanee Berry Bennett, and Gloria Berry-Holly, Also, bonus sisters, Mary M. Brown, Minister Emma Jean Carter, Clara W. Carter (James), and bonus brothers C.W. Webster, Minister Robert A. Webster, Franklin Webster, and Sherman Webster, one aunt, Verlie Madge Haynes. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Elkin Funeral Service Chapel with Rev. Alvin Hayes officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Elkin Funeral Service. Burial will follow in the service at Crestwood Memorial Gardens.