Mary Elizabeth Peek, aged 90, of Greensboro, North Carolina, passed away on Saturday, June 21st, 2025 in her sleep, peacefully, at home surrounded by the comfort and love of her family.

Born on January 5, 1935, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Minnard Harvey Peek and Naomi Grant, Mary’s life journey was rooted in strength, resilience, and love. At one year old, she moved with her parents to Greensboro, NC — a place that would become her lifelong home. She began her education at Washington Street Elementary School before relocating to Altoona, Pennsylvania, where she attended Mt. Aloysius Catholic School for middle and high school, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for learning.

Mary pursued her undergraduate studies in Economics at Chestnut Hill College, and later returned to education with force — earning a Master’s degree in Education from A&T State University, and continuing toward a Ph.D. in Education in her later years. Mary remained a proud AKA alumni throughout her years.

Beyond her education, Mary was an educator herself. She was the first black teacher at George Washington High School in Danville, Virginia, before spending 4+ years in faculty at UNCG and 15+ years in faculty at A&T State University teaching English & Humanities. Mary further served on the Foundation & Alumni boards at A&T State University.

Mary also was an entrepreneur, building and operating the Carlotta Supper Club in Greensboro, NC alongside her father until his passing in 1987, and then independently until the early 2000s. Among the many talents featured at the club were Marvin Gaye, Patti LaBelle, and others. Through music, food, and community, Mary brought people together — always with joy, elegance, and unmistakable flair.

She married Cyrus Theodore Greene on April 6, 1958. Their union brought forth her pride and joy - her only daughter, Elaine Greene-McCone.

Mary was known for her avid passion for shopping, her laughter which could fill a room, and her love of music, nightlife, and travel. Mary visited 30+ countries on 5 continents during her lifetime, making connections and building relationships worldwide. Beyond her travel, she also participated in many community organizations - including the Links and the Smart Set groups. Mary was constantly on the phone with her friends across the globe - often known to be caught at 2am watching Jewelry Television with her loved ones.

She is survived by her daughter Elaine Greene-McCone, her grandchildren Kaelan, Mariana, and Grant McCone, and a worldwide circle of friends and family.

A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, July 1st at 10:30am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greensboro, NC. Visitation 10am. Burial Carolina Biblical Gardens, and a repast meal with the family will follow the service.

Her memory will live on through all of our collective remembrances and stories of our time with her. She will be deeply missed by all those who loved her.