June 12, 93,
Mary Ellen Pender Ham, 93, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2020, at Kitty Askins. She was born in Wayne County on September 4, 1926, and was the daughter of the late Leslie Elijah and Lola Hollowell Pender.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 73 years, E. Philmon Ham, who passed away on October 15, 2017. She was a graduate of Rosewood High School. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She dearly loved her family as well as her church family. She was a member of First Christian Church and the George Wilson Bible Class since 1949. She was the church school secretary for many years, Christian Women’s Fellowship member, and service chairman. She enjoyed being outside working in the yard and had a green thumb. She was a great seamstress.
Most of all, she loved to travel with her late husband, enjoying many cruises and visiting all U.S. states and over 60 countries. Mary always kept a journal of all their travels. She also recorded the history of her Hollowell Reunion for many years. One of her proudest moments was seeing her two children and four grandchildren graduate from college.
She is survived by her son, Leslie Philmon Ham and wife Judith of Brevard; her daughter, Marsha Ham Hall of Goldsboro; four grandchildren, Christopher Ham and wife Jessica of Arkansas; Joshua Ham and wife Virginia of West Africa; Melissa Hall of Goldsboro; and Stephen Hall of Durham; and three great-grandchildren, Timothy and Micah Ham of West Africa; and Lena Ham of New York. Mary leaves many beloved nieces and nephews.
Preceding Mrs. Ham in death, were her parents; husband, E. Philmon Ham; and three sisters, Annie Bernese P. Hill, Joyce P. Taylor, and Betty P. Allen.
A celebration of her life will be held by the graveside at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at Wayne Memorial Park with Rev. Dr. Tom Millay and Rev. Dr. Penny Ziemer officiating. The family will greet friends following the service at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Christian Church, 1609 E. Ash St, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
