Mary Ella Hiatt Gammons

Mrs. Mary Ella Hiatt Gammons, 89, of 132 Slate Street, Mount Airy, passed away Tuesday night, March 15, 2011, at her home. Mrs. Gammons was born June 15, 1921, in Surry County, the daughter of the late Wilford and Effie Ann Simmons Hiatt. She retired as the cafeteria manager from Flat Rock Elementary School and was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She loved the Lord and spent much of her time serving Him, holding many callings in her church, including Sunday school teacher, primary president and teacher, nursery leader, and president of the Relief Society, the women's organization, for several years. She was a wonderful cook and a creative person with many talents, such as crocheting, knitting, and sewing. Many families and homes benefited from her sewing as she was a professional drapery maker, and she made many beautiful clothes and other items for her family and friends. Ella loved and enjoyed music, dancing, and genealogy. Many years ago, she made the strands of ivy garland to decorate the streets of Mount Airy during the Christmas season. She was an inspiration to all that met her. Her most important mission in life was to create a happy home and family. Her friendly smile and loving ways will be missed by all. She is survived by her lifelong sweetheart and eternal companion of 72 years, William Clyde Gammons of the home; three daughters and sons-in-law, Sylvia and Billy Brown and Nelda and Jimmy Draughn, all of Mount Airy, and Cassie and Frank Boles of Pilot Mountain; a son and daughter-in-law, Rayford and Judy Gammons of Mount Airy; fourteen grandchildren and their spouses, Mark and Elizabeth Brown, Anthony and Debbie Brown, Angelia and Kerry Smith, Jeff and Shelby Boles, Stefanie and Randall Gentry, Monica and Jerry Haymore, Celeste and Nick Hawks, Alan and Julie Gammons, Scott Gammons, Trent Gammons, Melissa and David Marsh, Jamie and Alicia Draughn, Jennifer and Marcus Draughn, and Natalie Draughn; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; and a sister, Myrtle Inman of Mount Airy. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gammons was preceded in death by three sisters, Cora Della Hiatt, Lillie Mozelle Leftwich, and Cornelia Alice "Nealie" Johnson; and a brother, Lester Lafayette "Leck" Hiatt. The funeral service will be held Friday, March 18, 2011, at 2:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, with Bishop Ray Riska, Elder Wilbur Hiatt, and Elder Joe Sloop officiating. Entombment will follow in the Skyline Memory Gardens Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC 27030. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Jennifer Chapman and the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care for their loving care and support during Ella's illness and since her passing.