Mary Esther (Steele) Mills

Mary Esther Steele Foster Mills, 88, of Kannapolis died Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at Tucker Hospice House following a period of declining health.  Mary was born on November 18, 1935 in Rowan County, NC., a daughter of the late Earl H. and Rena Carter Steele. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband , Bennie Ray Mills and 2 brothers, Bobby and Sonny Steele.

A funeral service for Mary will be held at Whitley’s Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 PM on Monday, March 11 with Rev. Timothy Walters officiating.  The family will receive friends at Whitley’s Funeral Home from 1:00 to 2:00 PM on Monday prior to the funeral.  Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park.

Mary was employed by Cannon Mills for 36 years in #6 Weave Room and then the Bleachery Dept. She was a faithful member of Genesis Baptist Church and former member of West A Tabernacle Baptist Church, where she taught the Teen and the Senior Adults Sunday school classes. She was a former choir member, VBS director, Ladies Auxiliary and helper at youth camp. She was Mother of the year in 2012 at Genesis Baptist Church.

She is survived by her son, Terry Foster (Terri) of Kannapolis, and Chuck Foster (Julie) of Charlotte, her daughter, Denise Johannes of Kannapolis, her sisters; Brenda Belk (Ralph) of Landis and Jeanie Deese of Monroe. 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, 11 step-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church, 42 Lisk Ave. NW, Concord NC, 28027 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus Co. 5005 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis NC, 28083

Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com