Nearly 100 people were on hand as Apex Bank of Camden honored the late Mary Teague with a dedication ceremony on Saturday at the newly named Mary Teague Community Center, honoring the longtime employee of Apex Bank of Camden that lost her battle with cancer on September 20.
Teague started at the court square office working in bookkeeping and lending then retired as vice president in 2018.
Community Banking President Marcus Vine said during opening statements, “Mary was the nucleus that held everything together. She was a leader who led by example, serving others with amazing and fierce determination. Her humility and team work was with the most selfless attitude. She never wanted any recognition for anything that she helped accomplish, she’d rather someone else have it other than herself. She was satisfied with a job-well-done. That is a quality that I admired in Mary and a quality that is rare indeed.”
He continued, “Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan said there is no limit to what you can accomplish or how far you can go when you don’t mind who gets the credit. As I think about that, I think that sums up Mary’s service to our community and to our bank. She accomplished a tremendous amount, but never wanted the attention.”
Vine said, “In this building, there is not an event held that doesn’t bring back memories of Mary to our minds. I can’t think of a more deserving and fitting way to honor her dedicated service than renaming this facility in honor of her. From this day, April 27, for all of those who come on these grounds and walk into this facility, it will be known as Mary Teague Community Center.”
Kim Norwood worked many years with Teague and added, “I am honored to stand here and just share just a small part of Mary’s giving heart. She was always a giving person.”
Norwood said, “A wise man once told me that it was not about us, it’s about going to others and that’s truly what Mary did.”
Norwood went on to describe all Teague did on behalf of Apex for United Way each October during the Good Neighbor Radio Auction. She smiled, “We would always listen to hear how much Mary’s cakes would raise for the event. Renaming the community room for Mary is so fitting. She spent many hours working for others in here…this building is Mary.”
Events Coordinator Gary Greer spoke of his friendship with Teague. He shared event memories and Teague’s ability to make a lasting footprint in people’s hearts. Greer said, “When you have a circle of friends, remember it has no beginning and no end. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift, that’s why it is called the present. Enjoy your friends while you can.”
Teague’s husband Roger Teague and daughter Cressie Teague Lewis were on hand for the dedication. Lewis said, “My mom was a proponent of this building and she wanted the community to have a building for gatherings of every kind. Having her name in it is so special. It is hard to be in this building because she would be in that kitchen. She loved feeding the community and loved everyone having fun. That was her expression of love.”
Soon after, the crowd gathered as the plaque honoring Teague was unveiled by Vine, Norwood, Greer, Nancy Arnold and Melinda Hastings. There was a ribbon-cutting, and a reception inside the newly named facility followed.
Vine wrapped up the event by saying, “It was truly an honor and a privilege to serve beside Mary Teague. Her attitude and determination was contagious and she will be dearly missed.”
Teague served the Apex Bank of Camden and its customers for 47 years.
