Obituaries

Mary Florine Slaughter Keener, age 92 of the Brian Center in Lincolnton, and formerly of 110 Balsam Drive in Lincolnton, died on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 surrounded by loved ones.

A service to celebrate Mrs. Keener's life will be 11:00 am on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at Boger City United Methodist Church with Rev. Joe Ervin officiating.  Burial will follow in Hollybrook Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8:30 pm on Friday, August 24, 2012 at Warlick Funeral Home. 

Mrs. Keener was born February 1, 1920 in Morgan County, GA to the late Jacob Luther and Lula Bell Moore Slaughter.  In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Blair E. Keener, son-in-law, Edward T. Bennick, Jr., six sisters, Addie Truefenia Slaughter, Ethel S. Sherrill, Leona S. Lail, Maggie S. Long, Dolly S. Henson, Ruby S. Hillick, and brothers Cramer Slaughter, George J. Slaughter, Hawkins Slaughter, Walker Slaughter, and Luther Slaughter, Jr. 

Mary managed and co-owned Keener's Shell Service Station with her husband, worked as a seamstress in the textile industry, assisted her sister-in-law, Alda Crow as a seamstress in the fashion industry and lastly before retiring she fulfilled her dream of caring for the elderly by opening Mary’s Family Care Home as owner/operator from 1973-1987. She was a member of Boger City United Methodist Church for 63 years and a member of the American Legion Auxillary, Post #30. 

She is survived by a daughter, Theresa K. Bennick of the home; a granddaughter, Mary Anne Bennick and husband David of Seattle, WA; two sisters, Murriel Shuford and Camilla Beamer both of Newton; and a number of nieces and nephews.  

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Lincoln County, 107 N. Cedar Street, Lincolnton, NC  28092, or to Boger City United Methodist Church, 2320 E. Main Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092.