Mary Staples Wilson

Mary Ella Staples Wilson was born to the late Burrell H. and Lucile Thompson Staples on Oct. 1, 1927 in South Hill, VA. Her time on Earth ended Dec. 27, 2017, when she was promoted to Heaven. Her older sister, Margaret called her “Doll” when she was born, and from then on family and close friends always called her “Doll” as well. She was predeceased by husband Elree O. Wilson, sisters Margaret Ford, Carolyn Moose, and brother Louis Staples. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Smith Bradford; grandchildren, Cortney Bradford (Tabitha Hays), and Corey Bradford (Vily); great-grandchildren, Nelson Bradford and Grier Bradford; a brother, Steve Staples (Diane). Doll grew up in Statesville and Loray, NC moving to Mooresville, NC., soon after marrying Elree. Though a member of Concord Presbyterian Church while in Loray, after moving to Mooresville, she soon became a very active member of Southside Baptist Church, serving in various roles such as Sunday school teacher, visiting homebound members regularly, sitting on many committees and working with the ladies circles, for over 50 years. Before getting married, Doll worked for the Playhouse Theater in Statesville. After getting married and not working for several years, Doll was hired as a secretary at Davidson College Library. Working there for 30 years, she retired as business manager for the library. Her years at the library were truly enjoyable ones for her. Doll was widely known locally for her baking skills, namely her cakes. While unemployed, she would take orders for cakes during the week while baking, and then set out to deliver them on Fridays and Saturdays. If you were sick, or had a death in the family, you would have received one of these cakes!! When Doll was in her 80’s, Cindy and Smith asked her to move to Chester, VA., to be closer to them and the grandchildren and she agreed. While in Chester, she made many new friends and joined Ironbridge Baptist Church. It was there that she acquired the name “Little Mary”. She also enjoyed the care and company of a very special lady, Ann Barbra, for the past 4 years. A visitation will be held from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Saturday, December 30, 2017 at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life and interment will be held at a later date in Mooresville, NC. In lieu of flowers, Cindy requests that you make a donation to the charity of your choice. Doll supported Ironbridge Baptist Church, Southside Baptist Church and Samaritan’s Purse. “A woman of excellence who will find? For her worth is far more than precious jewels.” Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com