Mary Tankard Asby

Published 3:28 pm Monday, February 24, 2025

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Mary Tankard Asby on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at the age of 81.  Born on September 9, 1943 she was the daughter of the late Hal Ryland & Mary Martin “Mumsie” (Kugler) Tankard.  On June 20, 1964 she married George Daniel “Danny” Asby who preceded her in death on July 28, 2016 after 52 years of marriage.

After graduating East Carolina College with a degree in Elementary Education, Mary dedicated her life to her students as an elementary teacher.  She was passionate and devoted to her students and treated them as her own.  Mary was a lifelong and devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington. Throughout the years she served on numerous church committees while providing countless hours volunteering. Mary served as a leader of her circle for many years, delivered Meals on Wheels for over 20 years, as well as serving in any capacity her church needed. Her many acts of kindness and contributions to the church is part of what earned her the “Lifetime Membership Award.”

Mary had a deep love of the water whether it was spending time at Kugler Kamp/Hawkins Beach or in Ocracoke with her dear friends.  This time was often spent reading, which was one of her favorite past times. Our momma loved talking about her family history and the legacy of the Kugler name. Her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Kugler Sr. donated the land for what is known as Kugler Field. Kugler Field has provided a place for sports and athletic use for many generations and more to come. But her favorite pastime was her love of family. She was married to her high school sweetheart whom she most affectionately called “Honey”. Mary was a proud Momma/Mema of her children and grandchildren. She loved sharing their accomplishments with her loved ones and friends.  Mary was blessed to have lifelong relationships with not only her dear friends but also her siblings and cousins.

Survivors include her children (and their spouses/fiance): Braun Woolard (Lee), Mary Martin Moore (John) all of Washington, and George Asby (Kelsey Lopes) of Bear Grass.  Grandchildren: Peyton Woolard, Hunter & MaryPage Moore, Carson (Belle) and Taylor Asby, Step grandchildren: Trey (Loralyn) Moore, Justin (Stephanie) Moore, and Dylan (Chelsea) Moore. Step great grandchildren: Parker, Rhett and Gatlin Moore. Her sister Charlotte Kugler “Kay” Nicholls of S.C., brother Lee Tankard (Mary) of Bath, sister in law Dee Tankard, & many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Ryland Tankard, and brother-in law Henry Lee “Puz” Nicholls Jr.

In our recent conversations with family and friends, one of the most consistent comments was how much everyone loved her laughter. It was infectious and will be cherished by all who had the blessing of knowing our sweet momma.

The family would like to extend our most sincere gratitude to everyone for their prayers and overwhelming support during this difficult time.  We would also like to send a special thanks to Delores Harris, Julia Whetstone,  ECU Home Health and Hospice staff,  and ECU Health Pain Management Clinic who all went above and beyond to provide our mom and our family superior care and loving support.

A celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, March 1st at 4:00pm at Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service, officiated by the Reverend Matt Carr.  A reception will follow at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to one of the following which Mary held so close to her heart: The Humane Society, First Presbyterian Church Deacon Fund, First Presbyterian Church Methuselah Fund, Lights of Love, or The Service League of Greenville Hospice House.

Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service is honored to assist the Asby family.