Another member of the greatest generation has died.   Mary Belle Workman went to be united with her Lord on December 21, 2023.  She was 98 years old.  Mary was born in 1925 and raised in Lilly, WV the daughter of Bishop and Cora Hamrick.  She lived most of her life in various places in Clay County.  She later moved to Port Richey, Florida and then, in her later years, to Indian Trail and finally to Hickory, North Carolina.

She was an outgoing woman, who loved God, her family, art and the opportunity to witness for her Lord.  She was a well known folk and gospel singer in the central part of West Virginia who turned down two recording contracts to raise a family.  She also worked as a home-maker, a saleslady, a performer, an artisan, writer, and as a school counselor.

She has sung at literally hundreds of funerals, weddings, talent shows and gospel singing conventions,  Additionally, her lifetime was spent singing in church as a soloist, in  quartets, choirs, performing as part of the Hamrick family and in leading church choirs.  Her recordings of  native English and Irish folk songs and ballads have been archived at West Virginia University and the Smithsonian.  She was recorded on multiple records, tapes and CD’s singing original music, in addition to, gospel favorites.

As an artisan she would paint, carve, sculpt, illustrate, write and craft profusely. While most of her art is with the family, a lot was given as gifts to friends, associates and strangers.  A representative cross section of her art was recently shown at the Hickory Museum of Art due to the efforts of her friend Tamara Nance.  She also exhibited in numerous fairs and local art competitions.     As a writer she wrote an autobiography, two children’s books, and over 50 poems and songs.

She ministered to others by visiting the sick and invalid in hospitals and nursing homes for over 20 years.  Singing hymns for the saved and the unsaved and relishing the opportunity to help someone find Christ as their Savior.   In her later years,  her outreach was with the simple words of John 3:16 which was emblazoned on the bottom of hand made “birds” she made and gave to people when she felt led by the Lord.  More than 2000 birds have been handed out to individuals in the US and overseas with the simple message that Jesus Saves.

Mary is preceded in her home-going by her husband of 69 years:  Hollie Workman.  They married in 1949 and had two children:  Michael Workman and Reggie Workman who both survive.  She leaves three grandchildren and their spouses: Mark Tanner (Deb), Heather Workman (Bradley), and Nathan Workman (Emily), a daughter in law: Robin Workman and 4 great grandchildren, as well as, faithful friends far and near like Tamara Nance, James Boggess and Janet Williams.

The family will receive friends Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Service Valdese with funeral services to follow.

In lieu of flowers, she would have been pleased if you would send a contribution to Gideon痴 International, or to your local hospice organization.