Mary Propst Beal

LEXINGTON – Mrs. Mary Propst Beal, 85, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, in Davidson County. Born on April 30, 1940, in Rowan County, Mary lived a life full of love, laughter, and connection. She was the daughter of the late Fred M. and Mary R. Propst and was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Beal; her brothers, J.W. Shepherd (Lois) and June Propst (Jo Ann); and her son-in-law, Mike Thompson. Mary is survived by her daughter, Wanda Beal of Lexington; her son, Dean Beal of Hillsville, VA; four grandchildren, Eric Beal, Jason Beal, Krystle Beal, and Alex Beal; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, who she treated like her own. Mary had a gift. She never met a stranger. The moment you met her, you felt at ease, like you’d known her forever. Whether you were family, a neighbor, a customer, or someone just passing through, she made you feel welcome. She worked for years at Drexel Heritage in Mocksville as a receptionist and scheduler, where her quick wit and easy smile earned her lifelong friends. After becoming a grandmother, she left the job she loved to stay home with her first grandchild, Eric, a decision that reflected her deep devotion to family. Later, Mary renewed her beautician’s license and opened Mary’s Hair Kare, where she did more than just hair. She listened, laughed, and formed special bonds with her clients. That same love of people led her to her next chapter as the owner and operator of the original Bixby Convenience Store, where she became a friendly fixture in the Bixby community, serving up coffee, snacks, and endless conversation with a smile. In her later years, she moved to Lexington to be near her daughter, Wanda, where she continued to love deeply and live fully. She was the kind of mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend that everyone hopes to have in their life. Warm, funny, strong, compassionate and endlessly caring. Mary’s legacy is one of love, kindness and compassion that filled every room she walked into and will live on in all who knew her. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 11, at Eaton Funeral Chapel in Mocksville with Rev. Alton Beal officiating. Interment will follow in the former Bixby Church of the Living God Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be considered for Humane Society of Davidson County, Thrifty Paws, P.O. Box 1791, Lexington, NC 27293. Online condolences may be made at www.eatonfuneralservice.com.

Mary Propst Beal

April 30, 1940 - October 4, 2025