Mary Doris Rackley
December 26, 1933 ~ September 29, 2025
Resided in: Nash County, North Carolina
ROCKY MOUNT – Mary Doris Rackley, age 91, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025. Born in Johnston County, NC on December 26, 1933, she was the daughter of the late James Ollie Renfrow and Sudie Davis Renfrow. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, James Marvin Rackley; and her second husband, Charles D. Mercer.
Mary was a woman with a gentle spirit, a green thumb, and a heart full of love for her family. She had a gift for bringing life back into plants others might have given up on – what was withered, or fading would flourish again under her care. Her yard was always full of blooms, and she delighted in cutting fresh flowers to place in vases around her home, filling it with color, beauty, and the sweet aroma of nature.
Mary also shared her love through her cooking. She was known for her delicious apple fritters, her mouthwatering homemade chicken pastry, and what Brenda and Marie knew as “Daddy’s Favorite Cake”, a white cake mix with bananas, topped with Cool Whip frosting and another banana for good measure. These dishes were more than food; they were traditions, made with love and savored by all who were fortunate enough to gather at her table.
Above all, Mary loved her family deeply. She found joy in their company and pride in their lives, and she leaves behind countless warm memories that will be cherished forever. Her kindness, her nurturing hands, and her loving presence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Brenda Gale Boykin, and husband Monte, of Bailey, NC, and Marie West, and husband Charles, of Clayton, NC; her grandchildren, Carmen Marie Richardson of Bailey, NC, Jacquelyn Kristine Boykin, of Bailey, NC, Rachel Victoria Boykin, of Bailey, NC, Michael Blake Boykin, of Bailey, NC, Jennifer Marie Tanner, of Clayton, NC, and Chad Preston Williford, of Willow Springs, NC; her great-grandchildren, Chase Anthony Braglin, of Clayton, NC and Kings Bay Naval Base, GA – US Navy Space Force Program, Cocoa Beach, FL, serving in the US Navy, Tatum Cole Braglin, of Clayton, NC and Jacksonville, NC, serving in the US Marine Corps, Makayla Briann Mercer, of Louisburg, NC, Nathaniel Cole Mercer, of Louisburg, NC, Alayna Leigh Harrington, of Bailey, NC, and Andi Claire Williford, of Willow Springs, NC; her sister, Ann Rowsey, and husband, Ted, of Disputanta, VA, Brother, Kenneth Renfrow, and wife Faye, of Rocky Mount, NC, and nephew Dwayne T. Nelms, of Petersburg, VA.
A Graveside Service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Pineview Cemetery, 761 E. Raleigh Blvd. Rocky Mount, NC, with Minister Monte Boykin officiating.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Mary’s memory to an organization of your choosing.
Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.
Services
Graveside: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
May God give you all the strength.
Jeanette