Mary Lee Andrews

Mary Lee Andrews, age 96, passed away on Saturday, June 21st, 2025 at her home on Mineral Springs Road.

A visitation will be held for her on Wednesday, June 25th at Belk Funeral Home in Darlington from 2 to 3pm, with her funeral service immediately following in the Belk Funeral Home Chapel at 3pm, with internment at Grove Hill Cemetery.

Mary Lee Hutchinson Andrews was born February 27, 1929, in Wadesboro, NC, the daughter of the late Maybelle Williamson Hutchinson and James Allen Hutchinson, Sr. She grew up in Darlington and with the exception of a short period in Aiken, SC, lived in Darlington her entire life.

Mary Lee attended public schools and graduated from St. John's High School in 1947. She began her work career as a high school student at a "dime store" on the Public Square in Darlington. Then she joined the former Clanton's Auto Auction where she worked for approximately 70 years.

Perhaps the major milestone/crowning achievement of her life—as well as the life of her sister, Maybelle Clanton–was their good fortune in joining the beginnings of Mr. J.C. Clanton's Auto Auction back in the late 1940's. The business grew to the level it enjoys today, and they had the determination and Stick-to-itiveness to support it throughout the total growth and development. It would be impossible to specify the contributions they made and the significance of that company to the economics of a large geographic area.

Mary Lee's life was defined by her love and caring for family members and special friends. She cherished her time spent with her brothers and sisters and enjoyed her nieces and nephews over the years.

Mary Lee was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Perry F. Andrews, and by her son, Jeffrey Bryan Andrews. Her sisters, Geneva (Bea), Maybelle (Sugarpie), Martha (Tinker) and brothers George and Bennie also predeceased her.

Surviving Ms. Andrews are a sister, Carrie Kirby (Mike) of Brevard, NC and a brother, James Allen Hutchinson, Jr. (Phyliss) of Grandy, NC  Also surviving are a number of nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Deserving very special attention because of their constant assistance through the last years of Mary Lee's life are her niece and namesake, Mary Lee Miles, and her deceased nephew, Bennie Hutchinson.

The family is also grateful for the love and support given to Mary Lee by her extended family and her faithful caregivers (Angela Solomon, Linda McCray, Rosa Robinson, Courtney Hodges, Karen Welch, Clara Wallace, Lazil Coward, Willie Dixon, and Estelle Smiling)