Mary Hooper Gold

Mary Boyd Hooper Gold, 80, of Greensboro passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6,
2026, at Moses Cone Hospital.
A native North Carolinian, Mary Boyd was born and raised in Reidsville. She was the daughter
of the late William Winchester and Dorothy Pettigrew Hooper.
Throughout her high school years, Mary Boyd worked part-time at the Reidsville Public Library.
Upon graduating, she received the prestigious Katharine Smith Reynolds Scholarship, a full 4-
year academic scholarship, to attend Woman's College of the University of North Carolina (now
UNC-G). Mary Boyd received both her BA Degree in English and her Master of Library
Science Degree from UNC-G. After college, she spent the rest of her life living and working in
Guilford County.
Mary Boyd loved wildlife, nature, and all animals. She was past president of the Humane Society
of Guilford County, past treasurer of the SPCA of the Triad, and a board member of the NC
Network of Animals. A North Carolina licensed wildlife rehabilitator, she was also a life-long
member of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. It was at a PETA Conference 37
years ago where she first met Howard, her future husband. Mary Boyd was also an avid
supporter of and long-time volunteer for Planned Parenthood.
Mary Boyd was a gifted knitter and quilter, taught at an early age by her grandmother. Her
exquisitely handmade shawls, sweaters, and quilts are enduring works of beauty and cherished
family treasures. A voracious reader all her life, she loved to curl up with a good book, her
beloved dogs and cats by her side. Mary Boyd and Howard were also passionate travelers,
exploring everywhere from the coasts of Ireland and Scotland to the villages of France and Italy,
the Greek Isles, the vast landscapes of Russia, and the remarkable wildlife of the Galápagos
Islands. Closer to home, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and the Blue Ridge Mountains
along the Meadows-of-Dan held a special place in their hearts.
Mary Boyd never met a stranger. She made friends easily and was adored by all who knew her.
She was a loyal, loving, and supportive wife, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, and friend.
Her consistently strong opinions, sage advice, and clear-eyed view of any situation, no matter
how dire or how trivial, were always laced with razor-sharp wit. Mary Boyd left the world a
better place. She will be missed.
She is survived by her husband, Howard Gold, of the home; her sisters, Dottie Fennell (Richard)
of Grassy Creek and Diana Bloomfield (Peter) of Raleigh; her nieces, Katie Fennell of Whitsett
and Annalee Bloomfield (Ian Halpern) of Southwest Harbor, Maine; her great-nephews, Arch
and Kit Halpern of Southwest Harbor, Maine; and her aunt and uncle, David and Emma Sue
Hooper of Reidsville.
We wish to thank the people at Camden Place Health & Rehab in Greensboro for their consistent
love and kindness to Mary in her final year.
Citty Funeral Home is assisting the Gold family. At her request, Mary Boyd will be laid to rest
beside her grandmother, Mattie Pettigrew, at Greenview Cemetery in Reidsville. There will be no
formal service at this time.

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