NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Mable E. Brunson was born on February 5, 1934, in New Hanover County, North Carolina, to the late George Garron Everett and Thelma Purchase. She was her mom’s greatest joy — Thelma’s only child. On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Mable was called to her eternal rest peacefully at her home, surrounded by the love she had so abundantly given throughout her life.
Mable was, in every sense of the word, a woman of grace. She moved through life with elegance and quiet strength, carrying herself with a dignity that drew people near. Yet it was her warmth — her kind, loving, and generous spirit — that left the most lasting impression. She was known as “Granny” to her grandchildren, but she was “Granny” to so many more who were blessed to know her. She lived a full and active life, and those who had the privilege of her presence knew they were in the company of someone truly special.
Mable accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age and joined First Baptist Missionary Church, where she remained a faithful and devoted member. She served the church in many capacities over the years, most notably as an appointed member of the Mother Board, as President of the Hospitality Committee — a role she held with dedication for numerous years — and as a supporter of the Youth Ministry. She was known throughout her church family as a willing worker, always ready to give her time, her hands, and her heart.
A proud alumna of Williston Industrial High School, Mable graduated with the Class of 1951 — a class she would continue to celebrate and champion for decades to come. She went on to pursue her education at nursing school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a chapter that spoke to her ambition and her servant’s heart — before she left to marry her childhood sweetheart, Cleveland Brunson.
He was the love of her life and together they built a life in New York, where they raised their three children, before returning to Wilmington, North Carolina to retire, and welcomed two granddaughters into their home and raised them with the same devotion. Cleveland and Mable were blessed with and enduring love and 61 years of marriage before his passing.
Mable was a devoted homemaker for many years, the heart and anchor of her family. She also worked for Sears Roebuck in Wilmington and later retired from the New Hanover County Department of Aging, now known as the New Hanover County Senior Resource Center. Her contributions did not go unnoticed: she was honored by the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) as Woman of the Year, and was recognized by the Williston Alumni Class of ‘51 as Woman of the Year (1983–1984).
Mable was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Cleveland Brunson; and two children: Thelma “Sunny” D. Turner and Stephen Brunson.
She leaves to mourn and to cherish her memory: her son, Cleveland (Delores) Brunson, Jr. of Wilmington, NC; her beloved grandchildren, Charlon Turner (Christopher) Everett of Wilmington, NC, Shalance Brunson of Prattville, AL, Sunnia Turner of Raleigh, NC, Careese Brunson of Wilmington, NC, and Carissa Brunson of Columbia, SC; her sister, Marion Taylor of Raleigh, NC; her cherished cousins who shared a sister-like bond: Marie McMillian of Navassa, NC, Victoria Sterling of Stone Mountain, GA, and Gerri DeJarnette of Philadelphia, PA; her Godson, Thomas (Tria) Brown, of Leland, NC; her honorary granddaughter, Tranell Waterman of Wilmington, NC; honorary great-grandchildren, Talib Kaffo and Nova Waterman; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and beloved friends who will carry her memory in their hearts.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” — Proverbs 31:25
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” — Proverbs 31:28
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” — Colossians 3:14
