Mary Elizabeth DeVore Netherton, 88, of Candler, went home to be with Jesus on Monday, August 10, 2026.
A native of Asheville, Mary was a daughter of the late Max and Martha Hannah DeVore. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Wilburn C. Netherton, who died in 2019.
Mary graduated from Western Carolina University and later retired from BASF in 1992 as their Quality Control Coordinator, enjoying 34 years of retirement. She was a longtime member of Brown’s View Church, serving as their pianist for 71 years. She also played for many years with Wilburn in The Netherton Family Gospel Singers, sharing their music throughout Western North Carolina and recording two albums. Additionally, she served as the Grand Organist for the Grand Chapter of North Carolina Order of the Eastern Star.
She is survived by sons, Danny (Vickey) and Ricky (Peggy) Netherton; grandchildren, Tara (Charles) Jaynes, Johnny (Janet) Moody, Diamond (Isaiah) Adams, Lauren (Jonathan) Burrell, Allison (Jason) Capps, 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty Jo Warren, Maxine Snelson, Carolyn Heatherly (Phil), and Tammie Smith; and brothers, James DeVore (Darlene) and Gene DeVore (Joan).
Her family wishes to thank the staff of both Four Seasons Hospice and Groce Funeral Home for the care and compassion shown to Mrs. Netherton.
Her family will receive friends beginning at noon on Thursday, August 13, at Brown’s View Church, Candler. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Those in attendance will be invited to speak to share a thought or memory of Mrs. Netherton. Burial will then follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brown’s View Church, 25 Brownsview Church Rd., Candler, NC 28715.