Mary Ellen Harrelson Kincaid

Mary Ellen Harrelson Kincaid, age 95, of Bessemer City, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Mecklenburg Health and Rehabilitation. She was born February 19, 1930, in Gaston County to the late Charles Carr and Florence Kiser Harrelson.

Mary was an active lifelong member of Concord United Methodist Church in Bessemer City, NC where she taught Sunday School and Bible School. She organized a Wednesday morning prayer group at the church as part of the United Methodist Women group. She was a member of the UMW for 50 years holding local and district offices within the Gastonia district UMW. She also was a leader for Methodist Youth Fellowship. In addition, Mary accompanied her husband, Rev. Dr. Eugene C. Kincaid, and served many congregations throughout their ministry in the United Methodist Church.

Mary was also active in her community. She was an active member of the Sunnyside Homemakers Club. She founded the Sunnyside 4-H club to provide area youth with the same experiences she had while growing up. She not only led this club but also served as a camp counselor throughout the state.

Mary was an incredible seamstress, artist, poet, crafter, baker, gardener, and full-time homemaker. Her fresh baked cookies and cakes awaited her children and nieces and nephews every day after school. She received numerous awards for her poetry and oil paintings. Her artwork is proudly displayed in her children’s homes as a loving reminder of how she viewed the world. Many people have “Green Thumbs”, but Mary had Green Hands. She could grow or revive almost any plant and turn it into something beautiful and productive. She loved being outside in her garden, communing with God in his big, beautiful world. She always said that having her fingers in the soil and growing plants and flowers was her therapy.

Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt to numerous nieces and nephews who loved her cookies, tea parties, and were always welcome in her home. She was the heart of our family and will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Dr. Eugene C. Kincaid; brother, Danny Harrelson; sisters, Angelita Foster and Charlie Sue Robertson; niece, Melody Foster Trakas; and special friend, Pete Rhea.

Mary is survived by her son, Randy Kincaid (Brenda) of Lincolnton; daughter, Markeeta Kincaid Pepe (Ernie) of Indian Land, SC; grandson, Christopher Kincaid (Karina) of Belmont; great-grandchildren, Carson and Gabby Kincaid of Belmont; special niece, Kimberly Brown of Mt. Airy; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Concord United Methodist Church, 570 Concord Church Road, Bessemer City, NC 28016, with the Memorial Service following at 1:30 PM in the church sanctuary. Burial in the church cemetery will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Concord United Methodist Church or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at St.Jude.org.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com