Marie Allyne Statham died peacefully at her home on Thursday, May 10, 2012. She was born in Norfolk, VA. to Reverend and Mrs. Charles Roberts. She was a graduate of Mt. Olive (MS) High School and the Baptist School of Nursing in Memphis, TN. She worked as a clinical nursing instructor in Little Rock, AR. and as a registered for many years. She married Kenneth Wayne Statham in 1955 and his work took them to Jackson, MS., Birmingham, AL., Dallas, TX., and New Orleans, LA. They settled in Louisville, MS. in 1970 and reared their four children. They owned and operated the Western Auto Store and Allyne's Dress Shop until their retirement. Marie Allyne was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Belle Arts Club, Baptist Nurses Fellowship, The Daughters of the American Revolution, and many other church and civic organizations.She was an avid gardener and bridge player. She moved to Fletcher, NC., in 2005 and made many friends through her church, neighborhood and volunteer organizations. She was engaged and very active in the lives of her friends and family even while battling leukemia. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, and especially delighted in family reunions and vacations. Marie Allyne was a model of graciousness and encouragement to all who knew her.
Marie was preceded in death by her daughter, Susan Marie Statham, and her husband, Kenneth. She is survived by two daughters, Mary Beth Davis of Dothan, AL. and Gay Lynn Fox of Fletcher, NC; a son-in-law J. Price 'Happy' Fox, of Fletcher, NC and a son, Kenneth Wayne Statham, Jr. of Jackson, MS; as well as four grandchildren, Clark Davis, Elizabeth Davis, Jess Fox, and John Fox.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Samaritan's Purse International or Four Seasons Hospice of Hendersonville, NC.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, May 15th, at First Baptist Church, with Rev. Billy Bowie officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Porter Funeral Home. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.
