Mary Frances Blythe McAbee
Mary Frances Blythe McAbee passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025. She was proud of her heritage, was a native, and enjoyed her role as the Staton matriarch. Her parents, Clyde and Nellie Staton Blythe; her husband, James William McAbee; daughter, Nellie Jane Ann McAbee; stepmother, Lucille Wright Blythe; and stepbrother, James Clay Wright, Jr., preceded her in death.
She graduated from Flat Rock High School in 1956 and from Central Wesleyan College in 1960 with a degree in English. She came back to teach in Flat Rock for 36 years. She grew up as a member of Bethel Wesleyan Church and moved to Hendersonville First United Church in 1980. At various times, she served both churches in different capacities. Her loves included the Alma Lee Cheves Class and her monthly prayer time in the chapel.
She belonged to the Henderson County Retired Teachers and, in 2009, was inducted into the Henderson County Education Hall of Fame. In earlier years, she belonged to various organizations serving both the Jaycettes and the Kappa Kappa Iota Teaching Sorority in most positions. Reading and helping award scholarships to deserving students was one of her favorite activities with her organizations.
In the 1960s, McAbees’ Fruit Stand was established. She loved her time with the employees, and many of them became extended members of her family as well as special friends. They all share much love and memories.
She is survived by her children, Michelle Renee McAbee, Crystal Leigh McAbee Cheek (Greg), and Scott Damone McAbee; grandchildren, Cody McAbee Cheek (Jordan), and Katie Scarlett Cheek; sisters-in-law, Anita Wright, Dinah Hunter (Murdic), and Linda McAbee; nephews, Jim Wright, and Tripp Wright; and niece, Kara Widener (Mark).
A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Bethel Wesleyan Church Cemetery in Flat Rock with Reverend James Maybin and Dr. Daniel Veazey officiating. A Gathering of family and friends will follow in the Reception Hall of Bethel Wesleyan Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Henderson County Education Foundation, 4154 4th Ave. W., Hendersonville, NC 28739, www.hcefnc.org, or to the Buncombe County Schools Foundation, 175 Bingham Road, Asheville, NC 28806, https://foundation.buncombeschools.org/o/foundation/page/support. Shuler Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family.