Mary Alice Setzer Bumgarner

Mary Alice Setzer Bumgarner, 89, of Hudson, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, just hours after her beloved sister and lifelong friend, Helen Reid.

Mary was born in Lenoir, North Carolina, on August 31, 1935, to Clifford Ward Setzer and Carrie Leola Craig Setzer. She graduated with the Class of 1953 from Hudson High School. On November 19, 1955, she married Thad Franklin Bumgarner. Mary retired from a long and dedicated career at the Broyhill Furniture main office and found special purpose working at orphanages, where her kindness touched the lives of many children.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Thad Franklin Bumgarner; her brothers, Vernon Leo Setzer, Doyle Alphonso Setzer, Charles Edward Setzer, and Kenneth Ward Setzer; and her sister, Helen Lucille Setzer Medford Reid.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving children, Thad Bumgarner of Gainesville, VA, and Kevin Bumgarner (Tracy) of Hudson, NC; her grandchildren, Sara Gochenour (Zac) of Broadway, VA, Julia Davids (Steve) of Reston, VA, Madison Bumgarner (Ali) of Hudson, NC, Mitch Heavener (Cheyenne) of Springfield, MO, Nic Heavener (Siobhan) of Clayton, NC, and Teresa Fite (Jacob) of Taylorsville, NC; as well as eleven cherished great-grandchildren.

Mary lived a life defined by generosity, resilience, and a quiet spirit of adventure. She found joy in gathering with family, sharing home-cooked meals, and offering a helping hand to the service of her church. She loved canning, traveling, and making new memories — but nothing brought her more happiness than the laughter and companionship she shared with her sister Helen, her constant partner in life.

A joint service for Mary and Helen will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Center Grove Baptist Church in Hudson, NC. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 2:00 p.m.

A graveside service for Mary will follow immediately at Center Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, and Helen will be laid to rest afterward at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to Amorem, Clover Baptist Church and Center Grove Baptist Church.

Evans Funeral Service is honored to serve the Bumgarner family.