May 21, 2025 , 80, Goldsboro —

Mary Ellen Thornton Best, age 80, of Mount Olive passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at her home with her adoring family at her side.  She was born in Wayne County, to the late Edgar Lee Thornton and Rubia Keel Thornton.  She was also preceded in death by her husband Dewey Bradford “Rooster” Best, along with two sisters Dolly Smith, Dora King

A service to celebrate Mary Ellen’s  life will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, May 24, 2025 by the graveside at Wayne Memorial Park .Her son, Brad will officiate the service.   (The family will be receiving friends Friday Night between the hours of 6:00-8:00 PM at the funeral home at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home and Crematory in Goldsboro, at other times they will be at the home 534 Britt Road Mount Olive.

Mary Ellen is survived by Son, Dewey Bradford Best Jr., Daughter Kimberly Best ; Grandchildren, Meredith Best, Marina  Bass (Phillip), Sarah Game, Jacob Best; Great Grandchildren, Easton Richards, Paisley Bass, Brothers Keith Thornton (Denise), Gene Thornton, Kenneth Thornton (Diane), Sisters, Betty Williams, Faye McCullen (M.F.), Ann Cox, Billie Turlington (Jackie).

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Best family and online condolences may be sent via www.shumate-faulk.com