Mary Ball

Mary Toleda Whitt Ball of Candler, slipped from this world on September 2, 2011 at the John F. Keever Solace Center in Asheville, after a period of declining health. Born December 7, 1933 in the lower Laurel community of Madison County, Mary was the third child of the late Jeff and Lois Ballard Whitt. The 'big brick house with the tall silos' across from The Upper Laurel Baptist Church was the shelter that nourished a strong-minded young woman with an insatiable curiosity for life. It was in these formative years among her brothers and sisters that the love of family, mountain heritage and a solid work ethic were founded. She attended Ebbs Chapel Elementary School and graduated from Mars Hill High School. While in high school Mary Toleda's competitive zeal flourished. A gifted athlete, she excelled in all sports offered to women of that day. Mary will always be remembered for the record-breaking 62 points she scored in the annual Enka basketball tournament. It was in high school where she also met the love of her life, Joe. Later in life, Mary played semi-professional basketball and fast-pitch soft ball in different states across the nation. She remained active in the Roberson school district in a coaching and playing capacity, always sharing her enthusiasm and love of the game to old and young alike. Mary and Joe were married on August 28, 1954 and remained inseparable throughout the next 57 years sharing all the blessings that life has to offer. Upon completion of high school, Mary left for Washington DC to work for the Department of Navy and later the Army Administration in Anchorage, Alaska and Oak Ridge, Tennessee. A versatile businesswoman, she worked with the Buncombe County School system, Hyde Insurance Agency, owned a small business in Waynesville, and in 1976 worked beside her husband in establishing a successful family business, Ball's Machine and Manufacturing, Inc., where she served as Vice President. First and foremost Mary loved her family. Laughter, warmth, generosity and exuberance were part of her existence. She loved togetherness and had a passion for social gatherings and family reunions. She could be counted on for her undivided attention while cheering on her grandchildren at all of their various activities and sporting events. Their growth became a source of strength for her. Mary was a member of Canton Central United Methodist Church. Mary's beauty, charm and grace will forever be remembered by all those who were fortunate enough to share in this extraordinary life. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother Jack O. Whitt of Mars Hill and her youngest daughter, Connie. Entrusted with a lifetime of memories are her husband, Joe; daughter, Donna and husband, Stephen M. Metcalf, of Weaverville; son, Gary and wife, Janet Coates-Ball, of Fletcher; son, Gordon and wife, DeAnna Ledford-Ball, of Weaverville; brother, Vance J. Whitt and wife, Irene, of Mars Hill; sisters, EllaZene W. Wells of Johnson City, Tennessee and Jo W. Garrison of Weaverville; uncles, Carroll Whitt of Michigan and Dick Whitt of Mars Hill; sister-in-law, Peggy Whitt; brother-in–law, Phillip Ball and wife, Faye, all of Mars Hill. And to continue her story are her cherished grandchildren, Ali and Leah Ball and their mother, Ann Bradfield of Asheville, Lauren, Alexander, and Mary Catherine Ball of Fletcher, John and Elizabeth Miller-Metcalf and children Waylan, Jackson, and Caroline Rose of Asheville and Jack and Mindy Tavel and children Shane, Wesley, and Brittany Grace of Fletcher. Dearly loved nieces, Edith, Wrenda, and Leisa and a host of wonderful cousins will also miss her graciousness. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2011 in the Sanctuary of Canton Central United Methodist Church with the Reverend David Christy officiating. Interment and Ascension will follow service in the Pisgah View Memorial Park in Candler. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Alex Ball and John Metcalf, nephews; Jeff W. Garrison, Vince J. Whitt, Doran 'Randy' Whitt, Daniel Ball, family friends; John Isgrig, Marty Phillips, Sam Pattillo, and Dan Sealy. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 in the Sanctuary of Canton Central United Methodist Church. The family requests Memorials to be made to CarePartners Hospice Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813; Canton Central United Methodist Church, 44 Church Street, P.O. Box 792, Canton, NC 28716 or The Connie Lynn Ball Scholarship Fund at Western Carolina University, Suite 460, H.F. Robinson Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28732.

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