Mary Ellen Carey, Diamond State Telephone retiree

Mary Ellen Conaway Carey passed away peacefully at home Friday, July 4, 2025, with her family by her side. She was born Oct. 7, 1935.

Mary Ellen graduated from Georgetown High School Class of 1953. She retired from Diamond State Telephone Company, where she had begun working in high school. She was a member of Diamond State Telephone Company Pioneers.

Mary Ellen, as well as her husband, son, and grandson, was a longtime NASCAR and dirt racing fan; she loved traveling to Daytona for the races. She liked watching the Kentucky Derby and enjoyed birthday dinners with her siblings and in-laws. She also enjoyed trying out different restaurants and shopping for bargains, or as she said, “personal treasures.” Mary Ellen will be remembered by her family, friends, and all who knew her for her kindness and support.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Edna Lecates Conaway; her husband, Joseph W. Carey (son of Alton and Delema Carey); sister, Bertha Davis and husband William; brother, Franklin D. Conaway; nephew, Billy Davis; and niece, Charlene Davis.

Mary Ellen is survived by her son, Joseph A. Carey (Trina); grandson, Geoffery Carey; great-grandson, Caleb; great-granddaughter, Leia (fiancé Hunter); brother, William H. Conaway (Regina); sister-in-law, Sallie M. Conaway; nephews, Charles Conaway (Karen), Franklin D. Conaway Jr. (Becky), Bruce Conaway (Kippi) and Tommy Conaway; and nieces, Lori Conaway Hudson (Jim) and Kristina Conaway Houseal (Dave).

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, July 15, at Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown. Services and interment are private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org/donatetoday.