Mary Ellen (Petty) Dalrymple

Ms. Mary Ellen (Petty) Dalrymple, age 83, of Sanford, North Carolina, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at UNC Hospital in Hillsborough, NC.

Jake and Hazel Petty were blessed with their first of four bundles of joy on October 11, 1941. They named her Mary Ellen. Mary transitioned on September 10, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Mary grew up in Sanford, NC. She attended and graduated from W.B. Wicker High School. Later she revealed her aspirations of becoming a nurse.

Mary lived a relatively simple life, but there was nothing simple about her. She loved to laugh and speak her mind. She loved to dress in the finest clothes, and she walked with dignity. Most of all, she loved her family.

She joined McQueen’s Chapel as a child and continued to attend until her health issues began. She loved the Lord and gave her life to Christ many years ago.

She worked at W. Koury Company until they closed. She later worked at Moen until she retired in 2004.

She was united in marriage to the late William Dalrymple for 22 years. To this union two children were born.

She leaves to cherish her memory: one son, William “Rick” and wife Heidi of Germany; one daughter Patricia “Trish” McLean and husband Mickey of Sanford; sisters, Rebecca Nelson (Tommy) of Winston Salem, Marcella Cain (Johnny) of Sanford, and Linda Eaton (Greg) of Wake Forest; two brothers, Jeff Petty (Tonya) and Jerome Petty of Sanford; two grandsons, Ricky Dalrymple of Germany and Damien Street of Sanford; Eight great grandchildren; four nieces and five nephews. There are many others who loved her and will also cherish her memories.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC