Mary Evelyn Stowe

Dr. Mary Evelyn Stowe, 86, peacefully passed away on August 5, 2026, at Bermuda Village in Bermuda Run, NC.

Mary was born October 1, 1939, on the family farm in Stanley, NC to John Paul and Evelyn Rankin Stowe, the second of four daughters. Mary earned her BS (chemistry) from Wake Forest University and her doctorate (chemistry) at the University of Florida. Mary returned to Winston-Salem where she began her career in R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company’s Research and Development department and remained there until her retirement.

Mary’s greatest joy was spending time with friends and family. From traveling (even to foreign lands to adopt one of her great nieces) to attending WFU basketball games with her sister and brother-in-law to dinner parties, playing mahjong, or assembling puzzles with close friends and everything in between, these were her fondest memories. She also loved any and all nature, cooking, reading, fitness, sports, and crossword puzzles, and she could quickly answer the clues better than most even in her last weeks. Mary strongly valued higher education, had a keen business mind, and had one of the most generous, kind hearts, which molded the many philanthropic endeavors that she quietly benefacted. Mary established the Evelyn Rankin Stowe Nursing Scholarship in memory of her mother. She also loyally donated to the Edna and Ethel Stowe Scholarship established by her paternal aunts at Wake Forest University. In addition, she generously volunteered at and donated to many charitable organizations – Second Harvest Food Bank, Pilot International, Boys and Girls Club, NC Zoological Park, Wake Forest University initiatives, and many others. Mary also invested in her nieces, nephews, and great nieces/nephews not only by being a confidant and life coach but also by providing financial support for their undergraduate degrees. She leaves a genuine legacy of love through service and giving.

Mary was predeceased by her parents and sisters Jane Stowe Shook (Hubert, deceased) and Margaret Stowe Teague (Sherrill). She is survived by her sister, Sue Stowe Honeycutt (Ron, deceased); and nephews and nieces, John Driggers, James Teague (Sherry), Vicki Honeycutt Perniciaro (Scott), Brian Teague, Lea Anne Honeycutt Thomas (Randy), Cara Honeycutt Hutchens (Bleu), and Margaret Teague, as well as twelve great nieces and nephews. Mary is also survived by many dear friends who enriched her life with their companionship over the years.

The family would like to express great appreciation to Mary’s caregivers for their loving kindness as her health declined. Mary cared deeply for each of them and was immensely thankful for their tender care.

In keeping with Mary’s modest penchant, all services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Mary’s memory to the Evelyn Rankin Stowe Nursing Scholarship, Gaston College Foundation, 201 Highway 321 S. Dallas, NC 28034 or visit https://www.gastoncollegefoundation.org, click on donate now, and in the comment section, provide the name of the scholarship; or the Edna and Ethel Stowe Scholarship, Wake Forest University Gift Advancement, 1834 Wake Forest Rd. Box 7227, Winston Salem, NC 27109 or visit https://donations.secure.wfu.edu/giving and under gift information, select I would like to specify a different fund/department.

Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Stowe family.