Mary Black Westmoreland

Mary Westmoreland

Mary Kathryn Black Westmoreland, widow of William Andrew Westmoreland, Sr passed away peacefully at the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House in Rock Hill, SC on February 27, 2019. She was 94.
Mary was born November 8, 1924 in the Hollywood Community of Saluda, South Carolina, daughter of Clarence Benjamin and Nannie Shealy Black.
She graduated from Hollywood High School in 1941 and earned a BA in Music from Newberry College in 1948. She studied at Juilliard School of Music in New York City the summer of 1950. While at Newberry, she enjoyed being a part of the Newberry Singers and student government. During WWII, she withdrew from college a short time to work at the Moncks Corner Depot operating the teletype machine. So excited to see the announcement that the war had ended, she tore the message off and kept it as a memento of that time in the history of our nation.
Mrs. Westmoreland began her teaching career in the Clover School District where she taught music, directed chorus and coached basketball. In 1951 she moved to the Buford area with her husband Bill and continued to teach music and directed chorus until mid 1960’s when she began teaching at Brooklyn Springs and McDonald Green Elementary Schools. She later taught 7th grade Math at North Junior High and 4th Grade at North Elementary until her retirement in 1987.
She directed church choirs at Clover ARP and Tabernacle United Methodist Church, Lancaster, SC and later shared her musical talents at First United Methodist Church as a member of the Chancel Choir and interim director as needed. She was guest soloist for many special occasions and remembrances throughout the years. In 1963, she received the title of certified Director of Music in The Methodist Church.
As a member of First United Methodist Church, she participated in the United Methodist Women, the Hannah Circle and later the Circle of Elizabeth, the Adult Fellowship Class and served in many leadership capacities over the past fifty years.
Mrs. Westmoreland was a member of the Au Courant Book Club, the Music Study Club, Alpha Delta Kappa and the Lancaster County Retired Educators organization. She was an avid supporter of the Lancaster County Council of the Arts.
She always had a positive outlook on life. She stayed active in church, community and family throughout her life. Her gentleness and kindness was immediately known to all who met her. She spent her life supporting and encouraging others, especially her husband and children in their many endeavors. Her quiet nature and calmness were a blessing to her many friends and family members.
She is survived by her children Kay and Hank Owen of Clover, Bill Westmoreland, Jr. of Lancaster and fiancé Elaine Rej of Lexington, Joy and Brian Melton and Nancy Westmoreland of Lancaster. Grandchildren Katie and Trey Sasser of Watertown MA, Henry and Elizabeth Owen of Rock Hill, Drew Anne Westmoreland of Brooklyn, NY, and Anna Melton of Asheville, NC. Great Granddaughters Mary Alice Owen, Annabel Sasser and Lettie Owen. Sister Claire Wilson, Sisters-in-law Betty Westmoreland, Elsie Westmoreland and Margaret Westmoreland. 12 nieces and 12 nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by sister and brother in law Virginia B. and Sidney Crawford, brother in law C. G. Wilson, in laws D.A. and Geri Westmoreland, Esther and Avery Adkins, Charlotte and Jim Barnett, Jim and Willie Westmoreland, Bob Westmoreland, Jack Westmoreland, Ted Westmoreland and Pratt Westmoreland, daughter in law Jan Bethea Westmoreland.
The family wishes to express gratitude for the support and care of her many friends and family - especially the staff and residents of Morningside of Lancaster, friend and neighbor Diane Steward, the Bentwood Bridge Club and the staff of the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 2 at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church, Lancaster SC. The family will receive friends following the service in the FUMC Fellowship Hall.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Lancaster SC, Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House, Rock Hill SC or charity of choice.
Bratton Funeral Home of York, SC is serving the Westmoreland family.