Mary Lillian Oakley Reagan

Mary Lillian Oakley Reagan, 89, a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, November 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving and devoted family. She was born on July 7, 1936 in Caswell County, to the late Dewey Clarence "D.C." Oakley and Ella Kimbro Oakley.

Mary dedicated much of her professional life to the textile industry, retiring from Annedean Hosiery after a long and fulfilling career. In her later years, she shared her experience and knowledge by working part-time at Carolina Biological for thirteen years, showcasing her unwavering work ethic and dedication.

An avid supporter of the Atlanta Braves and the UNC Tar Heels, Mary also found joy in baking throughout her earlier years, but it was cooking for family gatherings that truly brought her happiness. These moments of togetherness were cherished as she loved nothing more than spending quality time with her family. Her warmth and nurturing nature made her a loving, caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Family meant the world to Mary, and her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the sparkle in her eyes, her proudest accomplishments and the heart of her legacy.

Mary was a member of Bush Arbor Primitive Baptist Church but found her spiritual home attending Shallow Ford Christian Church. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life, shaping her caring and loving nature.

She is survived by her beloved children, Vanessa Whitman, Sharon Madden and her husband Jerry, Dawn Rich and her husband Barry and Tara Jones and her husband Richard. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Nikki Guilliams and her husband Earl, Blake Whitman and his wife Dorie, Stephanie Gordon and her husband Jonathan, Hannah Mireles and her husband Cristian, Connor Rich and special friend Makenzie Laster, Bradley Poteat, Todd Poteat and his wife Jocelynne, Tanner Poteat and his wife Morgan, and Hayleigh Shadowens and her husband Cody; and her great grandchildren that she adored, Owen Guilliams, Leah Guilliams, Regan Whitman, Skylar Whitman, Paxtyn Gordon, Bryton Gordon, Luka Mireles, Makenleigh Poteat, Hunter Hall, Paisley Baughn, and Mason Poteat; her sisters-in-law, Betty Glovier and Brenda Oakley, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews who will also miss her dearly.

Mary will also be missed by her devoted neighbor and friend, Gayle Farlow, who always watched over her through the years, and her special friend and hair stylist, Dazel Oakley who they shared so many stories and gave each other advise and support over the years.

Mary has now been reunited with her parents, her loving husband of 39 years, Kenny Duke Reagan, who passed away in 1995 and her siblings, Sonny Oakley, William Oakley, Jeanette Talley, Donnie Leon Oakley and Richard “Buck” Oakley, Sr.

Her loving stories will echo through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, forever reminding us of the light she brought into our lives. In our cherished memories, she will continue to live on, her spirit as vibrant as ever, much like the recipes she so lovingly passed down—a comforting presence that will warm our hearts.

The family would like to express their gratitude to AuthoraCare Hospice nurses and staff for all their compassion, loving care and support that was shown to their mother and to their family during Mary’s illness.

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mary Lillian will be held at 2:00pm Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Steve Ragan with the burial to follow at Bush Arbor Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service Sunday from 12:30pm to 1:45pm at the funeral home and other times at the residence.

Memorials may be made to AuthoraCare, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215 or to Shallow Ford Christian Church, 1263 Shallowford Church Road, Elon, NC 27244. You may send condolences or watch the service online at www.lowefuneralhome.com