Dr. Mary Edith Bentley Abu-Saba died October 30, 2020 at the age of 81 in NC. Born June 06, 1939, Richmond, VA, to the Reverend Floyd and Edith Bayne Bentley, she was the youngest of five. Treasured and teased by siblings who remained close through the years, she faithfully attended summertime "Sibling Sizzle" parties.
The daughter of an itinerate Methodist minister, Mary Edith grew up in small Virginia towns, learning household skills from her mother and oratory from her father. At Randolph Macon Woman's College, she majored in music (organ). She met Virginia Polytechnical Institute engineering student Elias Abu-Saba on Valentine's Day, 1959, at a reception for foreign students. They were smitten from the start.
Mary Edith put her Christian values into action when, on Dec. 14, 1960, just months before graduation, she joined a sit-in protest at the lunch counter of Patterson's Drug Store in Lynchburg, along with three other white students and two Black ones. While her parents supported her actions, the community did not. She lost her job as a church organist and spent 21 days in jail.
Mary Edith and Elias married June 6, 1961, moved to California for a year, had daughter Leila, and then moved to Elias' native village of Mia Mia, Lebanon. After Lebanon, they lived in Saudi Arabia, traveled across Europe in a VW Microbus purchased in Turkey, and then shipped the VW to California where they had son Khalil. A year later, the same VW took the family back to Blacksburg, VA and, over the years, back and forth across the USA. Photos from those dizzying years show the young couple gazing lovingly at one another, playing with the kids, and laughing with friends.
While raising children, Mary Edith and Elias also raised their voices for civil rights and against the Viet Nam War. By 1970, they had moved to Peoria, IL, for Elias' university job. Mary Edith assisted youth at an under-resourced elementary school and earned a master's and a PhD degree in psychology at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. After graduation, she directed the Parkview Shelter Care Home, Decatur, IL.
In 1975, the family moved to Greensboro, NC, for her job as a counseling psychologist at UNC-Greensboro and Elias' appointment to the engineering faculty at NC A&T State University. Originally a women's college, UNCG had become co-ed. When alumnae noticed a decline in female leadership on campus, the chancellor appointed Mary Edith chair of a committee to review the status of female students and faculty. The committee's report led the university to address some of the inequality found among faculty and to approve the formation of a women's center.
Lifetime friendships forged through university leadership led Mary and friends to found Avalon, a private professional practice center which included women counseling psychologists, family therapists, and nonprofit leaders. Mary Edith danced at Avalon on her 50th birthday, entertaining all with a sneak preview of the energy she gave to the next two decades of her peak career.
After years of involvement in progressive politics, in the 1980s Mary Edith ran as the Democratic candidate for NC House of Representatives in her district. She did not win, but she was never sorry she ran.
Mary Edith was a treasured family member among Elias' global village. When the Lebanese Civil War of the 1980s rendered many of Elias' relatives homeless, the Abu-Sabas welcomed them to Greensboro and helped them rebuild their lives. In 1994, Mary Edith accepted an appointment in the Education Psychology Department at the American University of Beirut. Mary and Elias adventured for six years around the Mediterranean and Middle East. They greeted the dawn together on New Year's Day 2000 in Aleppo, Syria after journeying up to the headwaters of the Euphrates in a trusty old Mercedes. In 2001 they moved, once again, to the Bay area of California to be near children and grandchildren.
Mary was a steady support to husband Elias (deceased 2006) and daughter Leila (deceased 2009) in their struggles with cancer. In 2011, she made her final move, back to Greensboro, NC. The family would like to express their gratitude to Friends Homes West for their care during her final decade of life. Mary and son Khalil had many laughs over many visits during her sunset years; he held her hand in her final hours, speaking to her and playing a recording of Elias' voice to guide her across the river.
Mary Edith was survived by son Khalil Elias Phelan Abusaba and his wife Sarah Phelan Abusaba; grandchildren Cyrus Abu-Saba, Jacob MacLeod, Joseph Macleod; step-grandchildren Rachel Kassem and Anthony Kassem; siblings Edward Bentley, Susan Bentley Creger (deceased 2021) and Bayne Bentley. Her older sister Susan Creger passed away 11 months later, on October 12, 2021. Sister Joan Hoelzer passed away on April 30, 2016.
Mary's life was celebrated in a virtual memorial service led by the Rev. Jeanette Stokes on November 15, 2020.
Forbis & Dick
5926 W. Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27410
The daughter of an itinerate Methodist minister, Mary Edith grew up in small Virginia towns, learning household skills from her mother and oratory from her father. At Randolph Macon Woman's College, she majored in music (organ). She met Virginia Polytechnical Institute engineering student Elias Abu-Saba on Valentine's Day, 1959, at a reception for foreign students. They were smitten from the start.
Mary Edith put her Christian values into action when, on Dec. 14, 1960, just months before graduation, she joined a sit-in protest at the lunch counter of Patterson's Drug Store in Lynchburg, along with three other white students and two Black ones. While her parents supported her actions, the community did not. She lost her job as a church organist and spent 21 days in jail.
Mary Edith and Elias married June 6, 1961, moved to California for a year, had daughter Leila, and then moved to Elias' native village of Mia Mia, Lebanon. After Lebanon, they lived in Saudi Arabia, traveled across Europe in a VW Microbus purchased in Turkey, and then shipped the VW to California where they had son Khalil. A year later, the same VW took the family back to Blacksburg, VA and, over the years, back and forth across the USA. Photos from those dizzying years show the young couple gazing lovingly at one another, playing with the kids, and laughing with friends.
While raising children, Mary Edith and Elias also raised their voices for civil rights and against the Viet Nam War. By 1970, they had moved to Peoria, IL, for Elias' university job. Mary Edith assisted youth at an under-resourced elementary school and earned a master's and a PhD degree in psychology at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. After graduation, she directed the Parkview Shelter Care Home, Decatur, IL.
In 1975, the family moved to Greensboro, NC, for her job as a counseling psychologist at UNC-Greensboro and Elias' appointment to the engineering faculty at NC A&T State University. Originally a women's college, UNCG had become co-ed. When alumnae noticed a decline in female leadership on campus, the chancellor appointed Mary Edith chair of a committee to review the status of female students and faculty. The committee's report led the university to address some of the inequality found among faculty and to approve the formation of a women's center.
Lifetime friendships forged through university leadership led Mary and friends to found Avalon, a private professional practice center which included women counseling psychologists, family therapists, and nonprofit leaders. Mary Edith danced at Avalon on her 50th birthday, entertaining all with a sneak preview of the energy she gave to the next two decades of her peak career.
After years of involvement in progressive politics, in the 1980s Mary Edith ran as the Democratic candidate for NC House of Representatives in her district. She did not win, but she was never sorry she ran.
Mary Edith was a treasured family member among Elias' global village. When the Lebanese Civil War of the 1980s rendered many of Elias' relatives homeless, the Abu-Sabas welcomed them to Greensboro and helped them rebuild their lives. In 1994, Mary Edith accepted an appointment in the Education Psychology Department at the American University of Beirut. Mary and Elias adventured for six years around the Mediterranean and Middle East. They greeted the dawn together on New Year's Day 2000 in Aleppo, Syria after journeying up to the headwaters of the Euphrates in a trusty old Mercedes. In 2001 they moved, once again, to the Bay area of California to be near children and grandchildren.
Mary was a steady support to husband Elias (deceased 2006) and daughter Leila (deceased 2009) in their struggles with cancer. In 2011, she made her final move, back to Greensboro, NC. The family would like to express their gratitude to Friends Homes West for their care during her final decade of life. Mary and son Khalil had many laughs over many visits during her sunset years; he held her hand in her final hours, speaking to her and playing a recording of Elias' voice to guide her across the river.
Mary Edith was survived by son Khalil Elias Phelan Abusaba and his wife Sarah Phelan Abusaba; grandchildren Cyrus Abu-Saba, Jacob MacLeod, Joseph Macleod; step-grandchildren Rachel Kassem and Anthony Kassem; siblings Edward Bentley, Susan Bentley Creger (deceased 2021) and Bayne Bentley. Her older sister Susan Creger passed away 11 months later, on October 12, 2021. Sister Joan Hoelzer passed away on April 30, 2016.
Mary's life was celebrated in a virtual memorial service led by the Rev. Jeanette Stokes on November 15, 2020.
Forbis & Dick
5926 W. Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27410
Dr. Mary Edith Bentley Abu-Saba died October 30, 2020 at the age of 81 in NC. Born June 06, 1939, Richmond, VA, to the Reverend Floyd and Edith Bayne Bentley, she was the youngest of five. Treasured and teased by siblings who remained close through the years, she faithfully attended summertime "Sibling Sizzle" parties.
The daughter of an itinerate Methodist minister, Mary Edith grew up in small Virginia towns, learning household skills from her mother and oratory from her father. At Randolph Macon Woman's College, she majored in music (organ). She met Virginia Polytechnical Institute engineering student Elias Abu-Saba on Valentine's Day, 1959, at a reception for foreign students. They were smitten from the start.
Mary Edith put her Christian values into action when, on Dec. 14, 1960, just months before graduation, she joined a sit-in protest at the lunch counter of Patterson's Drug Store in Lynchburg, along with three other white students and two Black ones. While her parents supported her actions, the community did not. She lost her job as a church organist and spent 21 days in jail.
Mary Edith and Elias married June 6, 1961, moved to California for a year, had daughter Leila, and then moved to Elias' native village of Mia Mia, Lebanon. After Lebanon, they lived in Saudi Arabia, traveled across Europe in a VW Microbus purchased in Turkey, and then shipped the VW to California where they had son Khalil. A year later, the same VW took the family back to Blacksburg, VA and, over the years, back and forth across the USA. Photos from those dizzying years show the young couple gazing lovingly at one another, playing with the kids, and laughing with friends.
While raising children, Mary Edith and Elias also raised their voices for civil rights and against the Viet Nam War. By 1970, they had moved to Peoria, IL, for Elias' university job. Mary Edith assisted youth at an under-resourced elementary school and earned a master's and a PhD degree in psychology at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. After graduation, she directed the Parkview Shelter Care Home, Decatur, IL.
In 1975, the family moved to Greensboro, NC, for her job as a counseling psychologist at UNC-Greensboro and Elias' appointment to the engineering faculty at NC A&T State University. Originally a women's college, UNCG had become co-ed. When alumnae noticed a decline in female leadership on campus, the chancellor appointed Mary Edith chair of a committee to review the status of female students and faculty. The committee's report led the university to address some of the inequality found among faculty and to approve the formation of a women's center.
Lifetime friendships forged through university leadership led Mary and friends to found Avalon, a private professional practice center which included women counseling psychologists, family therapists, and nonprofit leaders. Mary Edith danced at Avalon on her 50th birthday, entertaining all with a sneak preview of the energy she gave to the next two decades of her peak career.
After years of involvement in progressive politics, in the 1980s Mary Edith ran as the Democratic candidate for NC House of Representatives in her district. She did not win, but she was never sorry she ran.
Mary Edith was a treasured family member among Elias' global village. When the Lebanese Civil War of the 1980s rendered many of Elias' relatives homeless, the Abu-Sabas welcomed them to Greensboro and helped them rebuild their lives. In 1994, Mary Edith accepted an appointment in the Education Psychology Department at the American University of Beirut. Mary and Elias adventured for six years around the Mediterranean and Middle East. They greeted the dawn together on New Year's Day 2000 in Aleppo, Syria after journeying up to the headwaters of the Euphrates in a trusty old Mercedes. In 2001 they moved, once again, to the Bay area of California to be near children and grandchildren.
Mary was a steady support to husband Elias (deceased 2006) and daughter Leila (deceased 2009) in their struggles with cancer. In 2011, she made her final move, back to Greensboro, NC. The family would like to express their gratitude to Friends Homes West for their care during her final decade of life. Mary and son Khalil had many laughs over many visits during her sunset years; he held her hand in her final hours, speaking to her and playing a recording of Elias' voice to guide her across the river.
Mary Edith was survived by son Khalil Elias Phelan Abusaba and his wife Sarah Phelan Abusaba; grandchildren Cyrus Abu-Saba, Jacob MacLeod, Joseph Macleod; step-grandchildren Rachel Kassem and Anthony Kassem; siblings Edward Bentley, Susan Bentley Creger (deceased 2021) and Bayne Bentley. Her older sister Susan Creger passed away 11 months later, on October 12, 2021. Sister Joan Hoelzer passed away on April 30, 2016.
Mary's life was celebrated in a virtual memorial service led by the Rev. Jeanette Stokes on November 15, 2020.
Forbis & Dick
5926 W. Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27410
The daughter of an itinerate Methodist minister, Mary Edith grew up in small Virginia towns, learning household skills from her mother and oratory from her father. At Randolph Macon Woman's College, she majored in music (organ). She met Virginia Polytechnical Institute engineering student Elias Abu-Saba on Valentine's Day, 1959, at a reception for foreign students. They were smitten from the start.
Mary Edith put her Christian values into action when, on Dec. 14, 1960, just months before graduation, she joined a sit-in protest at the lunch counter of Patterson's Drug Store in Lynchburg, along with three other white students and two Black ones. While her parents supported her actions, the community did not. She lost her job as a church organist and spent 21 days in jail.
Mary Edith and Elias married June 6, 1961, moved to California for a year, had daughter Leila, and then moved to Elias' native village of Mia Mia, Lebanon. After Lebanon, they lived in Saudi Arabia, traveled across Europe in a VW Microbus purchased in Turkey, and then shipped the VW to California where they had son Khalil. A year later, the same VW took the family back to Blacksburg, VA and, over the years, back and forth across the USA. Photos from those dizzying years show the young couple gazing lovingly at one another, playing with the kids, and laughing with friends.
While raising children, Mary Edith and Elias also raised their voices for civil rights and against the Viet Nam War. By 1970, they had moved to Peoria, IL, for Elias' university job. Mary Edith assisted youth at an under-resourced elementary school and earned a master's and a PhD degree in psychology at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. After graduation, she directed the Parkview Shelter Care Home, Decatur, IL.
In 1975, the family moved to Greensboro, NC, for her job as a counseling psychologist at UNC-Greensboro and Elias' appointment to the engineering faculty at NC A&T State University. Originally a women's college, UNCG had become co-ed. When alumnae noticed a decline in female leadership on campus, the chancellor appointed Mary Edith chair of a committee to review the status of female students and faculty. The committee's report led the university to address some of the inequality found among faculty and to approve the formation of a women's center.
Lifetime friendships forged through university leadership led Mary and friends to found Avalon, a private professional practice center which included women counseling psychologists, family therapists, and nonprofit leaders. Mary Edith danced at Avalon on her 50th birthday, entertaining all with a sneak preview of the energy she gave to the next two decades of her peak career.
After years of involvement in progressive politics, in the 1980s Mary Edith ran as the Democratic candidate for NC House of Representatives in her district. She did not win, but she was never sorry she ran.
Mary Edith was a treasured family member among Elias' global village. When the Lebanese Civil War of the 1980s rendered many of Elias' relatives homeless, the Abu-Sabas welcomed them to Greensboro and helped them rebuild their lives. In 1994, Mary Edith accepted an appointment in the Education Psychology Department at the American University of Beirut. Mary and Elias adventured for six years around the Mediterranean and Middle East. They greeted the dawn together on New Year's Day 2000 in Aleppo, Syria after journeying up to the headwaters of the Euphrates in a trusty old Mercedes. In 2001 they moved, once again, to the Bay area of California to be near children and grandchildren.
Mary was a steady support to husband Elias (deceased 2006) and daughter Leila (deceased 2009) in their struggles with cancer. In 2011, she made her final move, back to Greensboro, NC. The family would like to express their gratitude to Friends Homes West for their care during her final decade of life. Mary and son Khalil had many laughs over many visits during her sunset years; he held her hand in her final hours, speaking to her and playing a recording of Elias' voice to guide her across the river.
Mary Edith was survived by son Khalil Elias Phelan Abusaba and his wife Sarah Phelan Abusaba; grandchildren Cyrus Abu-Saba, Jacob MacLeod, Joseph Macleod; step-grandchildren Rachel Kassem and Anthony Kassem; siblings Edward Bentley, Susan Bentley Creger (deceased 2021) and Bayne Bentley. Her older sister Susan Creger passed away 11 months later, on October 12, 2021. Sister Joan Hoelzer passed away on April 30, 2016.
Mary's life was celebrated in a virtual memorial service led by the Rev. Jeanette Stokes on November 15, 2020.
Forbis & Dick
5926 W. Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27410
Sponsored by Ancestry
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