Mary D. Heywood Armistead

August 26, 2018

Mrs. Mary D. Heywood Armistead, of Charlotte, North Carolina died August 26, 2018 at The Stewart Health Center of the Cypress of Charlotte.

She was born May 19, 1924 in Biltmore Forest, North Carolina, the daughter of the late Harvey Merrick and Jane Stanback Heywood. Mary D. was a graduate of Mt. Vernon Seminary for Girls in Washington, DC and Pine Manor Junior College, Wellesley Hills MA. She also attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.

Mary D. and her husband, John, moved to Charlotte in 1958. Here she was active in The Junior League where, recognizing the need in the community to bring arts and theater to young children, she approached the League about developing a theater program focused exclusively on children. With the Leagues support of this initiative, the Children’s Theater was created which Mary D. remained involved in for years.

Mary D. was active in Christ Episcopal Church where she taught Sunday school and was a Girl Scout Leader. In addition, she was active in the Mint Museum Auxiliary and served in the Crisis Assistance Outreach Program. Mary D. was a member of the Mayflower Society and the Mecklenburg Committee of the Colonial Dames where she served as State Vice President for the Western Division of North Carolina and as the Patriotic Service Chairman for the State.

She loved gardening, playing bridge and most importantly, spending time with her family and friends and she was especially devoted to her grandchildren.

Mary D. is survived by her daughter, Susan Heywood Armistead of Charlotte; son, John Lucas Armistead, III and his wife, Julie Hancock Armistead of Charlotte; grandson, John Lucas Armistead, IV (Luke) and two granddaughters, Margaret McCory Armistead (Meg) and Catherine Heywood Armistead; her nieces, Suzanne Heywood Miller (Chuck) and Mary Martin Witt (Dale) .

Mary D. was preceded in death by her husband, John Lucas Armistead, Jr. and her brother, Harvey Merrick Heywood.

Special thanks and gratitude to Mary D.’s wonderful loving caregivers from Compassionate Care of Charlotte, Tammie Cherry, Paula Gregory, Eileen Patoka, Irina Shikula, Ilene Simmons and Jackie Vinson and the nurses and CNA’s at the Stewart Health Center, as well as Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region.

A service to celebrate her life will be held in the Community Room of the Cypress of Charlotte at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 1, 2018 with the Reverend Lisa Saunders officiating. A reception will follow. Burial will be at 2:00 PM on Sunday, September 2, 2018 in the Calvary Church Cemetery, Fletcher, North Carolina.

Memorials may be made to Christ School, 500 Christ School Road, Arden, NC 28074, The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte, 4015 Stuart Andrew Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217 or to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, PO Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28247.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Eloise DuBose Seegars

    Dear Susan and Jay and family, I am so saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. Having spent so much time in your home growing up, I know what a lovely, kind lady she was. She treated me always like family and was a joy to be around. I'll always remember her beautiful smile and her sincere interest in others. May The Lord encircle you with His peace and comfort during this difficult time. With love, Eloise DuBose Seegars