Marian York

Marian Johnson York, 97, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2019. She was born in Surry County, NC on March 1, 1922 to J. Brady and Christine Nichols Johnson, and celebrated 68 years of marriage to Thomas Baity York of White Plains. Marian was a life-long member of White Plains Friends Meeting, where she valued her Sunday school class, the choir, and her United Society of Friends Women. She was a loyal volunteer at Northern Hospital of Surry County for many years and played a meaningful role in the success of family businesses. Marian was valedictorian of her White Plains High School class of 1938. She had an intellectual curiosity, a genuine interest in people and lived her life by Quaker values. With strength and grace, she endured disabilities from a stroke for many years, but she never complained. She found the capacity to find joy and touch the lives of others with her sweet smile. Marian was very devoted to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and found great delight in their activities.  Marian is survived by her three children, Gary York and wife, Charlotte, Jim York and wife, Tammy, of Pilot Mountain, and Anne Fehring and husband, Dr. Tom Fehring, of Charlotte, ten grandchildren, Alan York, Garrison Schmidt, Dr. Keith Fehring, Rachel Wixted, Katherine Fehring, Taylor, Johnson and Thomas York, Andrea and Amanda Miller; nine great grandchildren and her sister, Rachel Barr, of King. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom York, her sisters, Benny Moseley and Fay Prather, and her brother, Johnny C. Johnson. The family wishes to thank her many dedicated caregivers for their help, compassion, and hope over many years.  A celebration of Marian’s life will be held at noon on Saturday, May 18, at White Plains Friends Meeting, with visitation at 11 am at the church, with the service conducted by Rev. Jake Penley, Rev. Nelson Puffenbarger and Brent McKinney.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to White Plains Friends Meeting, 849 Old Highway 601, Mount Airy, NC 27030.  Moody Funeral Service in Mount Airy is serving the York family.