Mary Gaster Strother

On Sunday July 19, 2020 Mary Gaster Strother went home to eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. From Chatham County, Mary was born to Otis and Alma Gaster on September 6, 1939. She grew up on the family farm with her brothers, Harold and James (deceased) and baby sister, Trudy. In 1962, she married the love of her life and best friend, Donald Strother, who preceded her in 2011. While raising six children, she also had an administrative career in the offices of BVD, Almay, Bristol-Myers, Dr. Pearson’s medical practice and WCPSS. Additionally, she owned The Country Florist, where she and friend, Linda Jackson, created beautiful floral arrangements for birthdays, weddings, and funerals for many years. When her children were in school, she was one of the lead volunteers in the children’s and youth ministries at Green Level Baptist Church. She and Donald initiated the first Youth BBQ Fundraiser. As years passed, Mary’s spinal stenosis and scoliosis began to take a major toll on her body. But Mary pressed on. The pain she endured likely will never be experience by most of us. She continued to serve her church and her family faithfully. Every Sunday, after church, she delighted in cooking for her children, grandchildren, and friends. The years spent together were precious and her home was open to all. Mary’s strong work ethic and dedication to her church will always be remembered. Additionally, and most importantly, Mary was a prayer warrior, who studied God’s Word faithfully on her porch each day, listening to the birds and enjoying her flowers. Many people were encouraged from her greeting card ministry. This strong lady has reunited in Heaven with her first child Donnie and will be missed by so many, but especially her family: sons, Dan, Darin (Donna) and Jason (Lori) and her ever-faithful daughters, Vicky Jacobs (Doug) and Anita Sauritch (Ray). Mary was known as Mema to her eleven grandchildren: Tyler, Kurt, Austin, Noah, Zach, Joe, Shelby, Kaley, Alex, Wiley and Wren. Additionally, Mary is survived by her beloved sister, Trudy Waters (Rick) and special cousin Rex Howard. Brothers-in-law and sister-in-law: Aubrey (Delores), Doug (Rebecca), Tommy (Doreen), and Carolyn Gill (Bill). Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends, Jim and Linda Jackson, Edy Adams, Kim Beckwith, Bonnie Cooke Dukeman, Eddie Evans and Lonnie and Loretta Norris. Due to Covid-19, the family understands if you choose not to attend the service. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Green Level Baptist Church's Building Fund. THE FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE LIVE-STREAMED ON THE GREEN LEVEL BAPTIST CHURCH WEBSITE AT https://www.greenlevel.com/

Mary Gaster Strother

September 6, 1939 - July 19, 2020