Mary “Lucy” Louola Orbison, 79, of Statesville, N.C., passed away peacefully on May 29, 2021, at her home. She was born November 12, 1941, in Iredell County, N.C., the daughter of the late James Glenn Orbison and Cora McCoy Orbison. She was also preceded in death by her brother, James Orbison; and sister, Barbara Davidson.

Lucy graduated from Celeste Henkel High School in Statesville and while in attendance enjoyed and excelled at playing basketball. For many years, one of her favorite pastimes was horseback riding. She loved all animals dearly, especially her dogs, cats and horses. She adopted many stray dogs and cats over the years.

She had a passion for helping others and this showed in her career as a counselor at Tri County Mental Health and later at Kelly Home of Statesville until her retirement. Lucy was a member of Diamond Hill Baptist Church and a lady of faith.

Left to cherish her memory are her nephews, Michael Smith and Kenneth Orbison (Charlotte); nieces, Jane Morrow (Roger) and Sherry Nicholson (Kent); sister-in-law, Nancy Orbison; grandnieces, Jessie Marshall (Caleb) and Amber Morrow; great grandniece and nephew, Lyla and Everett Marshall; feline companion, Squeaky; and numerous other loving family and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at Iredell Memorial Gardens in Statesville, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Diamond Hill Baptist Church, 2320 E Broad Street, Statesville, NC 28625 or Iredell County Animal Services, 430 Bristol Drive, Statesville, NC 28677

Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.