M arie Batchelor, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home on February 20th at the age of 101.

Marie, lovingly known to many as 'Granny' was born Marie Casteen on November 12, 1923, in Rose Hill, North Carolina, to Perry and Nancy (Maready) Casteen. After losing her mother at a young age, she was raised by her father and stepmother, Perry and Mary Casteen, as well as her aunt and uncle, Tempie and Lawrence Henderson. Marie grew up in a large family with seven siblings where she learned the importance of hard work and the value of education. She excelled academically, graduating as the Salutatorian of her class at Rose Hill High School. She went on to attend nursing school in Rocky Mount, where she graduated as the Valedictorian in 1944 and began her lifelong career in nursing.

While she had known Roland Batchelor since she was 13 years old, the two were reunited after his return from World War II and married in March 1946. Together, they built a life in Duplin County, raising their two children, Tim and Dale. Though her life was not without hardship, facing both losses and illnesses, she remained a woman of remarkable strength and grace, meeting each challenge with resilience and faith. In 1960, Marie began working with Dr. Edward Boyette in Chinquapin, later continuing with his partner, Dr. Crawford. She dedicated herself to caring for others, working as a nurse until the age of 83, when she retired to care for her husband, Roland, until his passing.

Granny's home was always open and welcoming, filled with warmth, love, and especially good food! She took great joy in farming, gardening, and caring for a variety of animals—from dogs and a couple of adopted cats to rabbits and peacocks, which she absolutely loved—and of course hosting friends and family. She loved to watch things grow and thrive, whether in her garden or amongst her family. She and Roland often had nieces and nephews come stay with them and loved the years that their grandson, Rivers, lived with them as well. She was also known for making every get-together special, especially her Mother's Day and Christmas celebrations, that usually featured her famous collard greens.

In her later years, she continued to enjoy music, visits and calls from loved ones, and even recorded some of her life stories, ensuring her legacy would live on for generations. She also cherished the companionship of her beloved dog, Belle, and cat, Tommy, until their passing. She shared much of her time with her son, Tim, and his wife Mary as well, whose devoted care and support brought her comfort in her later years. At 101 years old, Marie remained as fiery as ever, always ready to advise on how things should be done, share her opinions on any number of topics, and still coloring her auburn hair—a testament to the vibrant spirit she carried throughout her life.

Above all, Granny treasured her family. Her children and grandchildren were also the lights of her life. In recent years, she was overjoyed to welcome her great-grandchildren, Birdie Mae and Beau Gentry Batchelor. She also had a soft spot for her furry great-grandchildren, Lou and Porter Heisler.

She is survived by her son Tim (Mary); her daughter Dale (John Thomas); her grandchildren Hayden, Brandon (Lesley), and Brooke (Chris); and her brother, Reid (Bessie Ann); and many other extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Marie's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and home health workers who helped care for her in her final years.

While we grieve her passing, we find comfort in the long life she lived, the cherished memories she leaves behind, and the enduring love she shared. She now rests peacefully, reunited with those who journeyed to Heaven before her: her beloved husband, Roland; her sisters Faye, Ruby, and Macie; brothers Joe, Lonnie, and Donald; and her grandson, Rivers, as well as many friends and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army in her honor.

Funeral Service:

Monday, February 24, 2025

1:00 PM

Visitation begins at 12:00 PM

Community Funeral Home, Beulaville, NC

Interment:

East Duplin Memorial Gardens, Beulaville, NC

Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Batchelor family.