Mary Bybee

Mary Bybee 90, of Parkton passed away on October 14, 2024 after a long fulfilling life.

Mary was born on October 3, 1934 in Union, SC. After graduating from High School, she attended Mars Hill College for two years. She then transferred to Limestone college for her last 2 years where she graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in 1956.After spending 3 years in Japan she moved to Fayetteville, NC where she taught Science at Massey Hill High School. She later became an advocate for Special Needs Students and spent the rest of her career pioneering new programs for them in Cumberland County.

She married Paul Morgan in 1957 and they had one son, Danny. She was divorced in 1971 and remarried John Bybee in 1973 after which they moved to Parkton, NC.

In 1996 Mary retired from Cumberland County Public Schools after 38 years of service. She then spent her time working on the Parkton Historical Society along with Sally Cobb. Together they spearheaded an effort to preserve and move the Parkton Train Depot in 2000.  In recent years she enjoyed singing in the choir at Parkton Baptist Church and loved attending church every Sunday.  Mary was known for her Japanese cooking which she learned while living in Japan. She also baked fresh loaves of “Nana Bread” for her friends and family on all occasions.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Mary and Fletcher Rhymer and her first husband, Paul Morgan. 

She is survived by her husband John Bybee, her son, Danny Morgan (Kathy). She is also survived by her stepson, Drew Bybee; her “Special Daughter”, Jackie Warner (Alex) and her brother James “Buddy” Rhymer. She has three grandchildren, Dan,Jr (Kelly Ann), Elizabeth Putfork (Dustin) and Megan Weber (Matthew) all of which she loved dearly. She has two very special nieces, Kristi Kicklighter and Jessica Rhymer whom she also loved dearly. Finally, she has two grandchildren via her “Special Daughter” Jackie, Teddy Warner (Tiffany) and Molly Capps (Nick).

Special thanks to Dorothy Sutton of Home Instead for the love and care you gave Mary over the last 4 years. Also thank you to Hope Mills Retirement Center and the Hospice caregivers.

Services will be graveside at Parkton Cemetery on Tuesday, October 22nd at 11am with Robbie Byrd officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family request any donations be made to the be made to the Child Advocacy Center of Fayetteville, 222 Rowan Street, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28302 www.cacfaync.org in Mary’s name.