Mary Ann Cogburn, 75, born on November 15, 1950, in Haywood County, North Carolina, passed away on January 22, 2026, at Mission Hospital. 

Mary dedicated a significant portion of her life to her career, working for Ball Corporation for a great part of her life. She then served as a Host at Harrah's Casino for eight years. In her later years, she became a familiar face at the Ingles in Canton, North Carolina, where her dedication and spirited demeanor left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She was not only hardworking but also personable; there was hardly anyone she encountered that she didn’t know, earning her the affection and respect of many.

Mary cherished her time spent at the lake, where she enjoyed fishing with her husband, Austin Cogburn Jr., “Junior.” Together, they shared 58 years of companionship. She also leaves behind her daughter, Michelle McGunness, and her two great-grandchildren, Mason Jeremy Clark and Clayton Austin Clark.

Mary is reunited in death with her parents, James Everette Smith and Willse Rabb Smith, and her brothers, Johnny Smith, Danny Smith, and Jimmy Smith. Additionally, her granddaughter, Megan James, who also predeceased her.

A visitation in honor of Mary Ann will take place on January 30, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Wells Funeral Home in Canton, N.C., followed by a funeral service beginning at 1:00 PM. The burial will follow at Cruso United Methodist Church at 2:00 PM.

The care of Mary Ann Cogburn has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton.