Mary Tillery Pauling, the daughter of the late Jounest and Annie Lyons Tillery was born March 5, 1940 in Hanestown.

She matriculated through the public school system and finished her studies with a GED in 1976. She worked in the medical field and was employed at Forsyth Hospital and Silas Creek Manor as a caregiver; and secretary for Dr. David Branch for more than sixty years.

Mrs. Pauling was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of fifty years, Cleotus Pauling; four sisters, Lillian T. Davis (Robert), Margaret T. Williams, Hazel Tillery and Linda Tillery; four brothers, Douglas (Evelyn), Willie (Charlene), James (Betty), and Odell; two children, Freddy and Barbara.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory, 11 children, Catherine, Reginald (Trevonia), Bobby G, Gia, Curtiss (Sharon), Larry (Trulesta), Khebo, Ronald and Denise; sisters-in-law, Connie Pauling, Magdalene Gaither, Barbara Tillery and Jackie Pauling; brothers-in-law, Isaiah Todd and Jarris (Jake) Pauling; 24 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; and 5 great great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, dear friends: Mrs. Sandra Branch and Catherine Joyner; and many other loving relatives and friends.

Public viewing Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service 12:30 PM, Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1075 Shalimar Drive, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27107. Interment in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.