With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Mary Elizabeth Wilson of Colington, NC.
The chapters of her life were many; these are some of them.
Love, when given fully, leaves its mark on every life it touches.
Mary E. Wilson
May 3, 2026
The unforgettable and dry-witted Mary Elizabeth Wilson was born in the District of Columbia September 3, 1949 to the former Lois Winiferd Ferguson and Earl Lamond Wilson. She departed this life May 3, 2026 at the family residence in Colington, NC. Mary was preceded in passing by both parents and her older brother Milan Sydney Wilson.
Mary is survived by her uncommonly fashionable non-common-law husband, Thomas Shortt, her brother, Rodney Earl Wilson of the District, her affectionately-named Little Urchin niece, Mrs. Kipperey Kay Carlson of Virginia Beach and Adam Tate Wilson, a nephew of some reputation, and by Tom's son Kevin Shortt, wife Amanda and grandchildren Wyatt and Adeline who will miss their Mamaw from their home in Florida.
Mary completed most of her formal education in the Washington, DC area graduating high school and attending college in the area. She eventually took a job with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in fingerprint analysis. While the job wasn't as high-profile as J. Edgar Hoover's G-Men, Mary made an impact. It was the parking cost however, that made her seek other opportunities.
Mary volunteered at numerous nonprofits. She was particularly successful at fundraising events such as gathering out-of-season clothes from high-end department stores and holding vast rummage sales to benefit these charities. Mary and Peggy and an unknown third adventurer took to the road in their exploration phase to see these United States.
In the 1970s, she was a member of the Bow Belles, a dance troupe performing yearly at the British Embassy Rotunda. With her friends Marsha and Patty, they started rehearsing each year in April in preparation for a two-week run of music hall performances for visiting English diplomats. One noteworthy playbill heralded the event as the 'Eleventh Annual Old Time Music Hall; "The Streets of London".'
In the early 1980s, she entered the Lambert Riddle Insurance agency where she met her lifelong friend Linda. Carpooling eight years together Mary learned all of her secrets. By 1999, when Tom and Mary were planning to leave DC, Linda bought Mary's house to simplify the move to OBX. Linda is still living there today and reading Mary's mail she never forwards.
In 2000, when Tom and Mary arrived in the Outer Banks, they settled on a hill in Colington Harbour overlooking lots of trees and wildlife in a beautiful stilt house. Thus began a new adventure in a wonderful land of changing license plates on the bypass! In 2004, Mary came out of insurance retirement to join Outer Banks Insurance Agency and became an active Chamber of Commerce Ambassador.
A lifelong Redskins, Capitals and golf fan (according to Mary: golf, if you're not playing it, is great for background noise for couch naps). Mary was a well-known lunch fixture at her favorite Outer Banks eateries, The Salt Box. Kill Devil Grill, Mama Kwan's, Blue Moon Beach Grill, Harbor Grill & Pizza, Captain George's Seafood Restaurant, Country Deli and breakfast at Art's Place with long-time friend Diane. Josephine's was on the list too but only if she could get a person to stand in line for her before the tourists got there…
The essence of Mary was the love and caring she freely gave to all. Her perspective and unique ways will be sadly missed. She personified the idea that life is a gift. Ginger and Nutmeg, her beloved cats, request in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meowter Banks Cat Cafe where she loved to go visit the kitties: https://www.meowterbanks.com/
The family has honored Mary's preference for cremation and there are no plans for services at this time. Please share a word of support and sympathy with the family on-line at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.
Gallop Funeral Services, Inc.
