Mary Juanita Watlington Sowell, 77, died Thursday, November 6, 2014. She was the daughter of Rubin Wilson Watlington and Mae Sue Bigelow Watlington. Born in Caswell County, NC, she moved to Winston-Salem in the early 1960's.

She attended Caswell County High School in Yanceyville, NC. In later years, she retired from A Cleaner World in management. She was a committed member of Rising Ebenezer Baptist Church where she served as a Deaconess, President of the senior choir, and other ministries for many years. She was a great community supporter and loved by many.

Mrs. Sowell was preceded in death by her husband, Deacon Claude D. Sowell.

She is survived by her son, Rev. Ray L. (Brenda) Watlington of Raleigh, NC; three grandchildren, Dr. Tia Watlington of Raleigh, NC, Tamara Watlington (DeAngelo) Avery of Charlotte, NC, and Emmanuel Watlington of Las Vegas, NV; siblings, Grace Richardson of Kernersville, NC, Willie-Sue Watlington of Reidsville, NC, Rueben Watlington, Walter Watlington, Joyce Watlington, Larry Watlington, and Aaron Watlington of Winston-Salem, NC; a loving and devoted Goddaughter, Dedra Gordon of Winston-Salem, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm Saturday, November 8, 2014 at Rising Ebenezer Baptist Church, 900 Free St. W-S, NC with Pastor William Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1pm on Saturday at the Church.