Mary Jean Ponts Lentz, 98, of Stony Point, North Carolina, died on Easter Sunday April 17, 2022 at her home after a brief illness. She was born in Heath Springs, SC on November 11, 1923, and was the daughter of the late John Marion Bridges Sr. and Eugenia Beckham Bridges.

Ms. Lentz was a graduate of Winthrop College in Rock Hill, SC She proudly served in our nation’s war effort during World War II as an employee of the Charlotte plant of the United States Rubber Company, working with other brave women to place detonators in the fight against – aircraft shells. She was a dedicated teacher in public schools in South Carolina and North Carolina and was a life member of Stony Point United Methodist Church. She was a talented artist, an avid reader, and a generous donor, supporting her children and many grandchildren in pursuing their degrees and careers. Her love for a plate of fried oysters was only surpassed by her love for her family, and she was cherished by all who knew her.

Mrs. Lentz was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Fred Woodrow Lentz; his brother, John Marion Bridges Jr.; and his son, Danny Charles Lentz.

She is survived by two sons, Dr. Tony Lentz and his wife Alicia Bergey Lentz of State College, Pa., and Clark Lentz and his wife Doris Bennett Lentz of Blacksburg, Va.; two daughters, Jean Lentz of Statesville, North Carolina, and Mary Lentz Steudle and her husband James Steudle of St. Simons Island, Georgia; daughter-in-law Janice Queen Lentz of North Myrtle Beach, SC; and 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Judy Ball and all of the other dedicated caregivers for their love and support.

Funeral mass will be held at Stony Point United Methodist Church, Stony Point, NC on Friday, April 22, 2022 at 10 a.m. Reverend Mickey Moree will officiate. The family will receive friends after the church service.

A funeral service will be held at Salem Cemetery in Heath Springs, SC on Friday, April 22, 2022 at 4 p.m.

A Celebration of Life rocket launch will take place this summer in Stony Point, North Carolina for extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stony Point United Methodist Women‘s United Methodist Church, PO Box 120, Stony Point, NC 28678.

Chapman Funeral Home serves the Lentz family.