Marjorie Louise Jory Parton

Marjorie was a resident of Gaston County after moving from Cherokee County, North Carolina as a young child with her mother, Vesta Lou Jory, and father Clinton Jory.

Marjorie was a graduate of Cramerton High School. Marjorie met her late husband, Reverend Jerry Parton during their years at Cramerton High School. Marjorie and Jerry were married 59 years.

Marjorie was passionate about art and culture. Sharing this with all of her daughters, demonstrated by touring of art shows, art museums and sharing art literature during their formative years. Marjorie pursued an Associates of Art degree from Gaston College as an adult learner, while taking care of 5 children and one grandchild.

Marjorie lived for a short time in Wake Forest, North Carolina while she and Jerry were in seminary and at Southeastern Seminary. During Marjorie's time in Wake Forest, she made many friends while, ministered to families in need, while expanding her knowledge of Christ and love of worship music. Marjorie assisted husband, Jerry throughout their ministry in various roles.

After seven years, Marjorie and Jerry returned Gastonia to make their house a home to all. Marjorie and Jerry founded Living Clay Church and ministered to many for more than 20 years. Marjorie faithfully served alongside Jerry at Living Clay often keeping books, directing music and cleaning for those in need.

Marjorie served her family well with encouraging messages, through letters and phone calls. She was a devoted friend and maintained contact with most everyone she knew. Marjorie was the seam that kept her family together and loved all of them without question.

Marjorie loved gardening, watercolor painting and supporting local artists. She enjoyed life without complaint and was often progressively ahead of her time.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents Vesta Lou Ledford Jory and Clinton Jory. Her husband Rev. Jerry A. Parton. Two of her five daughters Shari Tate and Melanie Byrd. Her sisters Jenny Clark and Sue Shires, her brother Randy Jory.

Marjorie is survived by 3 daughters. Lisa Hayes, of Belmont, North Carolina (husband) Reginald Hayes, Kathy De La Ossa of Stafford, Virginia (husband) Victor De La Ossa. And Anne Parton, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a recent graduate of University of North Carolina, MPA. Along with her two sons-in-love Gary Bryd (husband to the late Melanie Byrd, and Roger Tate (husband to the late Shari Britt Parton Tate.)

Marjorie was known as "Nanny" to her seven grandchildren and their spouses. Christopher & Carrie Barfield, of Harrisburg, North Carolina, Bryan and Kelli Barfield, of Belmont, North Carolina, Dominique & Stefan Dunham, of Wooster, New York, Marguerite De La Ossa, of Stafford, Virginia, Ashley & Matt Montgomery, of Dallas, North Carolina, Victoria & Joshua Blu and Isaias Luke Martinez of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Marjorie was Nanny to 7 great-grandchildren Alyssah Duckworth, of Belmont, North Carolina, Braden Duckworth, of Belmont, North Carolina, Rowan Dunham, of Wooster, New York, Trenton Barfield, of Belmont, North Carolina, Cailyn Barfield, of Harrisburg, North Carolina, Charlotte Montgomery, of Dallas, North Carolina, Caison Barfield, of Harrisburg, North Carolina, and Caleb Barfield of Harrisburg, North Carolina.

Marjorie has two living siblings Bill Jory and Linda Ledford. In addition to these family members, Marjorie is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Marjorie's family would especially like to recognize her two surviving best friends Martha Jones and Donna Huffman.

The family would also like to express their gratitude to Kelli Barfield for the care provided to Marjorie.

Visitation will be held at Greene Funeral Service on 1503 South York Road in Gastonia January 2, 2023, at 5 pm with the memorial service to follow in the Greene's Chapel at 6 pm. Service will be officiated by Reverend C.A.  Barfield.

A private graveside service will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Belmont, NC.

Condolences may be made online at www.greenefuneral.com