Mary Elizabeth "Poongal" Barnes Prince

Mary Elizabeth Barnes Prince also known as “Poongal,” 77, born November 10, 1947, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2025. Mary was born November 10, 1947, in Maxton, NC to the late Rosa Lee Barnes McArthur and Lendo Bethea (McInytre). 

She was preceded in death by one sister, Betty Cox, and a brother, Prentice Bethea.

Mary leaves behind a legacy of love for her family: son, James (Levoris) Prince Sr.; daughters, Maria Prince Chadmon, Gerald Jeanette Prince Cherry and special daughter, Ada Bethea; sisters. Rosie Ezekiel, Marie (Thomas) Sadler; brothers, Nathaniel Barnes, Bill (Joyce) Bethea; five grandchildren, Michael (Kahrin) Prince, Rodney (Monae) Chadmon Jr., Jonathan Cherry, Semone Pemberton, James B. Prince Jr. "BJ"; four great-granddaughters, Ayannah Prince, Alana Chadmon, Aleah Prince, Zariah Hicklin and a host of nieces and nephews. And a special friend, James B. Ezekiel.

Mary worked at Slane Hosiery Mills for 30+ years before retirement. For those who knew her, knew she was funny and feisty. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and she loved cooking and feeding people. Whenever she felt that it was time for the family to come together, she would send out a message that she was going to have a cookout, and people would come from miles around to eat her cooking. She loved quoting old sayings. The one she used the most was “Hold on to the line and don’t worry about the horse going blind” which means “Everything is going to be alright.”