Marie S. Autry, 86, went to her heavenly home on August 25, 2026. She was born in Smyth County, Virginia on February 24, 1940 to the late Arthur Sexton and Mamie Greer Sexton.

Funeral Services will be held at 3:00pm on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at Philadelphia Baptist Church, 5709 Philadelphia Church Rd, Marshville, NC 28103. Marie will be laid to rest in the church cemetery immediately following the service.

The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 1:30pm until 2:45pm.

In addition to her parents, Marie is preceded in passing by her beloved husband, Jerry E. Autry Sr., three sisters, Betty Louise Sexton, Leona Darlene Huffman, and Nancy Ellen Duck; six brothers, Arthur Junior Sexton, James Clifton Sexton, Archie Lee Sexton, Troy Jefferson Sexton, Richard Dale Sexton, and Thornton “TD” Sexton; father and mother-in-law, Albert and Bridie Autry, brothers-in-law, Leon Autry, Harley (Peggy) Autry, and Lane Haigler.

Marie is survived by her children, Sheri A. Bradshaw (Tim), Jerry E. Autry Jr. (Becky), and Albert Keith Autry (Donna); sister, Jacqueline Ellison, sister-in-law, Kay A. Haigler, grandchildren, Kyle Strawn (Ava), Kasey Medlin (Dylan), Karlie Strawn (Jack Wingblade), Trey Autry (Michele), Natalie Autry (Jason Morris), and Walker Autry; great-grandson, Hunter Strawn, great-granddaughters, Heidi Strawn and Clara Autry, and great-granddaughter-to-be, Ellis Marie Medlin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marie will be deeply missed and cherished in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the PBC Building Fund at https://secure.etransfer.com/PBC/donate.cfm

Holland Funeral Service is serving the Autry Family.

“Momma.” There is no one who can ever replace her.

Momma grew up in the mountains of Virginia, living a hard-working, simple life that taught her so many things. Their home was the very definition of a homestead. She learned to make do, to work hard, and to take pride in doing things the right way.

Momma taught herself to sew—and what an amazing seamstress she became! She made most of our clothes when we were young, and they were always perfect. Plaids had to line up just right. Plackets had to be perfect. Hems and buttonholes were finished with such care. Nothing was ever “good enough” when it could be done better. She always reminded us, “Do things right.” There were no shortcuts.

Momma was also an excellent cook. Through the years, many people were blessed with her famous Apple Dapple Cake at Christmas. And if we asked Momma to make a particular cake, she was always happy to do it. Those special requests—and the love she put into every one of them—are memories we will treasure and miss dearly.

Momma wasn’t one to talk a lot in public. She lived the words of James 1:19: “Quick to listen, slow to speak.” Yet she had a quiet way of making everyone around her feel loved, welcomed, and cared for. She didn’t need many words to let you know you mattered.

Momma found great joy in giving. Every year, she loved buying the very best brand-name chocolate candies for the church’s Children’s Easter Egg Hunts and Fall Fest. Her philosophy was simple: if she wouldn’t eat it, she wasn’t buying it for the church!That was Momma—always giving her very best.

She also found so much joy in filling shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. She carefully chose toys and little treasures for children she would never meet, knowing that each box could bring joy and show someone the love of Jesus. Giving wasn’t just something Momma did—it was part of who she was.

Momma’s greatest earthly joy was spending time with her Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. Oh, how she loved them and they loved her! A Grandmother’s love! One of God’s greatest gifts.

And then there was Momma’s advice.

“Always say a prayer when merging into traffic.”

She told me that many times. She would say a prayer and ask the Good Lord to help her merge safely into traffic—especially on 485! It may make us smile now, but those little pieces of wisdom are the things we will carry with us forever.

Momma also taught us to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us. She loved roses and gerbera daisies, and she had a true gift for growing things. God blessed her with a green thumb like no other. She could take a flower that looked completely dead and somehow bring it back to life.

There are so many memories. So many lessons. So many little sayings and traditions that will forever remind us of Momma.

She taught us how to work hard, how to do things right, how to give our best, how to care for others, how to give generously, and how to find joy in the simple things.

But most of all, she taught us what it means to love.

Momma, your work here is finished. You have given so much, loved so deeply, and left behind a legacy that will continue through every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild who carries a piece of you in their heart.

Now it is time for you to Rest in Jesus.

Thank you, Momma, for everything.

There will never be another you.There will never be anyone who can replace you.And there will never be a day when you are not loved and missed.

We love you, Momma.

With all our love,Your Children, Grandchildren, and Great-Grandchildren