Maryella Bruton Cameron

Maryella Bruton Cameron, 79, of Apex, NC passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 23, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. A native of Mount Gilead, NC, Maryella was the daughter of the late Ella Harris Bruton and Clay Livingston Bruton. She was born in Montgomery County, NC and was a graduate of Mount Gilead High School. Maryella treasured her lifelong friendships with her high school classmates. Maryella loved to learn—even after graduating from UNCG in 1964, her thirst for knowledge kept her seeking out new information; she thought that the invention of Google was the best thing ever! Maryella and Hugh enjoyed traveling together and she would extensively research locations before their many trips. She was also a master seamstress and children’s clothing designer; learning about heirloom sewing and machine embroidery was one of her favorite ways to spend a useful day in her sewing room. In her retirement years, Maryella managed the Bruton family business on Lake Tillery. Maryella’s love for learning was mirrored by her love for teaching. Working with students to gain confidence in public speaking, teaching grandchildren to bake and sew, creating “teachable moments” out of everyday events, and mentoring younger coworkers---she poured out her love and energy into helping others discover their potential. Being married to a United Methodist pastor meant that Maryella lived in quite a few different towns throughout her adult life, therefore, she was blessed with many special friendships in each place she lived. Maryella and Hugh chose to retire in Apex and lived there for the longest period of their married lives, developing cherished friendships through their involvement in Apex United Methodist Church. Maryella was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and daughter, Catherine Lee Cameron and we are confident in the joyous family reunion in heaven as they celebrated her homecoming. The most important part of Maryella’s life was her family. In addition to her loving husband of 57 years, Hugh, she is survived by two dear daughters and sons-in-law: Betsy and Eric Tang of Kernersville, and Julie and Jeff Oram of Apex, plus her “work daughter”, Leigh Roach (Andy). She also leaves behind the best part of her later years, 6 precious grandchildren: Ashley Tang-Halverson (Isaac), Kristen Gates (Cameron), Rachel Tang, Abby Cameron, Cameron Oram, and Sol Oram. In addition, Maryella loved and was loved by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Maryella lived a life “well-loved”. A private funeral service celebrating her life will be held Tuesday, April 27 at 11:00am at Apex United Methodist Church with Rev. Laura Katherine Stern and Rev. Gray Southern officiating the service. Seating capacity is limited due to COVID restrictions, therefore friends are invited to view the service online at https://youtu.be/paAEayAeeC0 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Apex UMC Music Program at 100 South Hughes St, Apex, NC 27502 or to Transitions Lifecare at 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Maryella Bruton Cameron

February 22, 1942 - April 23, 2021