Garner – Mary Ann Wilken Dauster, age 76, passed away on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, in the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield. Born February 20, 1945, in St. Louis Missouri, she was a daughter of the late Herbert and Eleanora Kramer Wilken. She is preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Portmann.

Mary Ann was a very kind and loving person, she showed love to everyone she met. Her door was always open to anyone who might be in need.  She was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend. Most of all she valued her family.  Mary Ann was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Smithfield and dedicated a lot of her time volunteering with the church's outreach programs. She was the owner and director of the Rainbow Pre-School which later became a private school, Kensington Academy. She was a very accomplished author, having written and published a series of children's books. Her pastimes were:  enjoying nature, listening to classical music, watching Jeopardy and caring for her home and pets.

Mary Ann had a special love for the holiday seasons, especially Christmas. She took great joy in decorating for the Christmas holiday.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church in Smithfield.

She leaves behind her daughter, Jeri Denise Sears of Garner; son Joseph Logan Newell of FL; grandchildren, Andria Sears and Brenner Newell; many nieces and nephews; her church family and all her wonderful friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SECU Hospice House at 426 Hospital Road, Smithfield, NC 27577, or to Centenary United Methodist Church at 140 E. Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577.