Mary Ellen Carter Arney, 93, a resident of Three Rivers Nursing Home, passed away Monday, October 9, 2023.  She was born in Northampton County on June 16, 1930, to the late Walter W. and Chloe McDaniel Carter and predeceased by her husband, Gerald Arney; sisters, Frances Carter Hoggard and Louise Carter Bland.

Mary Ellen was a retired schoolteacher and librarian with the Ocala School System. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin, NC, where she volunteered her time, helping her church in different capacities.

From a very young age, Mary Ellen loved animals of all kinds and for her entire life, she had a dog or a cat (or both) by her side. She was an athlete, playing both basketball and softball for her high school teams. Later in life, she enjoyed bowling and in her 60's she took up golf and developed quite a love for that sport also.

She had the soul of an adventurer, and she was able to enjoy some amazing trips over the years. The American southwest, Alaska and the Amazon were just a few of her destinations and she usually came home with a great story to tell.

Mary Ellen had a quick wit and a contagious laugh and her family and friends loved this about her so very much. She will surely be missed.

A graveside funeral service will be held, Sunday, October 15, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the Woodland City Cemetery in Woodland, NC. Rev. Wesley Daniels will officiate.

Survivors include her son; Tommy Chastain of Perry, FL; niece Mary Lou Hoggard Brooks and husband, Will of Southern Shores, NC; nephews, James F. Hoggard and wife Rita of Windsor, NC, Robert C. Hoggard and wife Lisa of Merry Hill, NC, David W. Bland and wife Marianne of Arlington, VA, W. Douglas Bland and wife Deirdre of Advance NC, and H. Gilbert Bland and wife Carolyn of Chesapeake, VA., along with many cousins, great and great-great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Mary Ellen's memory may be made to Bertie County Humane Society, 217 County Farm Road, Windsor, NC 27983.

Online condolences may be directed to www.walkerfh.net.

Walker Funeral Home of Windsor is serving the Arney family.