Mary Frances Baines Pridgen

ROCKY MOUNT – Mary Frances Baines Pridgen, age 88, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025.  Born in Rocky Mount, NC on January 25, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Lonzie and Lula Melvin Baines. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Marshall W. Pridgen; her son, Julian Scott “Scottie” Pridgen, her brother, Harry J. Baines; her maternal grandmother, Annie Bell Ray; her granddaughter, Ashley Dawn Pridgen; and her great-grandson, Tucker Sean Pridgen.

Mary was raised on the “Mill Hill” at Rocky Mount Mills and was a 1955 graduate of Benvenue School.  Along with her husband, Marshall, they operated Pridgen’s Service Center off of I95 in Enfield for many years.  Her favorite time of the year was Christmas.  She worked tirelessly preparing a large Christmas meal for the family, planning a family party on Christmas afternoon, and working on her Snow Village, which remained in the living room year round.

Mary leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons, Marshall W. “Woody” Pridgen, Jr. and wife, Kaye, of Rocky Mount; H. Stephen “Steve” Pridgen of Ocean Springs, MS, Samuel “Sammy” G. Pridgen and wife, Brigette, of Rocky Mount, and Michael “Mike” B. Pridgen and wife, Melissa, of Sharpsburg; her grandchildren, Brad, Julian, Samuel, Ashley, Justin, Rhiannon, and Miranda; her great-grandchildren, Sidney, Laney, Landon, Tanner, Maci, Addison, Cali, Brooklynn, Easton, Madelyn, Ellie, and Nova; and several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Roger Murray officiating.  Interment will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.