Mary Elizabeth Portwood

Mary was the eldest child of James Fisher and Zelma Edmonds. She was born on March 6, 1928 in Asheville, North Carolina.

Mary was preceded in death by both her mother and father as well as her brother James Edmonds Fisher and her sister Peggy Robinson. Her father was the first in the family to depart and passed away on December 29, 1947; Mary was the last of the family to depart and passed away on December 29, 2020.

Mary was also preceded in death by her husbands; Calvin L Holcombe, Edward L Carpenter, Raymond Auldridge and Joseph L. Portwood and daughter Jancie J. Gewerth.

At 92 years of age, Mary lived a long and fruitful life. Mary is survived by her children; Calvin Holcombe, Wayne Holcombe, Edward Carpenter II, Teresa Redmond, and Andrew Auldridge II: as well as eleven grandchildren and 21 great children.

Anyone who knew Mary well, knew that she had a great love of Teddy Bears. Anyone who visited her, either at home or even in her Assisted Living home, would probably have to move a teddy bear in order to find a seat. This love of teddy bears stayed with her throughout life.

However, after her children and family Mary’s greatest love was of the beautiful North Carolina mountains. Her home had a spectacular view of Mount Pisgah, and many a day she would sit on her back porch and enjoy her peaceful mountain property.

By living 92 years, Mary experienced a great many gifts of joy throughout her life. However at 92 years of age she also experienced great loss, sadness and disappointment. But never throughout Mary’s life did she ever waiver in her faith and love of God. All of us that knew her, new that.

Thanks to all the many friends and family who helped share Mary’s life and remembered her along the way.

A graveside service in honor of Mrs. Portwood will be held at 12:00 pm Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Candler, NC.

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