Ms. Mabel Inez Best

Goldsboro- Mabel Inez Lupton Best, age 81 passed away peacefully on December 3rd, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Mary Lupton, her brother James Stanley Lupton, her sons Jeff Lupton and James Best Jr. (Jay), and grandson Bryan Dingee. Mabel is survived by a son, Henry Lupton, and three daughters, Barbara Infanger, Ruth Hall and husband Billy Jr., and Becky Best. She is also survived by two sisters, Nancy Cooke and husband Roger, and Judy Hughes. Mabel is survived by nine grandchildren, Alexis Saunders, Danielle Lupton, Bailey Delvecchio and husband Nick, Bristee Dingee, Dusky Getzfreid, Billy Hall III, Caleb Hall, Dustin Herring, Sommer Herring, and ten great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Ariana, Katelyn, Zander, Xamyka, Xavier, Randy, Kurt, Kaylin, Vinny, and many beloved nephews and nieces. Mabel was one of the sweetest, most loving souls God has ever blessed the world with. She trusted God fully, and let her faith guide her through every season in her life. She loved with a gentle heart and a quiet strength that left anyone who encountered her feeling cherished. She truly had a servant’s heart, a quality that was evident throughout her life. Family has always been a priority for Mabel. As a wife and mother, she dedicated herself to her family’s care. In addition to the daily responsibilities, she attended every birthday, holiday, ball game, concert, graduation and special event where she was able. Her youngest child, Jay, had special needs. She cared for him tirelessly for his entire life. As a member of Harvest Fellowship Church, Mabel found many ways to serve. She worked tirelessly with her Manna House family to provide food and clothing to those in need. She cooked breakfast for about 100 people, 3 days a week for over 5 years. She was well-known for amazing homemade biscuits. Providing a great meal, especially for the hungry, was one of the many joys of Mabel’s life. Mabel cherished everyone at Harvest Fellowship, especially the youth. For 10 years, she attended summer camp with them. She would spend an entire week as a chaperone and a helper, but her legacy at youth camp can be described simply as “BINGO.” She spent the year buying things that would make great BINGO prizes. When camp week arrived, she would fill her car with prizes and snacks, and head to camp to run BINGO all week. Outside of home and church, Mabel continued to serve. She worked as a CNA at Howell’s Child Care. It was there that she shared her love with the clients and staff. Mabel was especially proud of her service to the Meals on Wheels program. She delivered meals herself for years and became a director for her part of the county.Mabel also volunteered for the Salvation Army during the holidays ringing the Kettle Bell and greeting shoppers with her special brand of love, uplifting everyone she met. Mabel was known by many names, but most recently known as “Granny” by so many. For family and strangers alike, there was never any doubt that she loved and cared for you. To be loved by Granny is to know what pure, unconditional love looks like. Although she often had a tough life, she loved anyway. And nearly everyone loved Granny. We hoped to hold on to Granny just a bit longer, for the fear we may never experience that kind of love again...except, we can. We are called to be providers of the same love, grace and care; to fill the space that Granny’s love once made complete. Although Granny has physically left this world, the life she lived does not have to. She can live on, and should. To all that are grieving in this difficult time, remember this: Grief is love with no place to go. The only thing to do is find new places for that love. Let it continue as love and service for others, just as Granny would have done. Mabel Inez Lupton Best was a blessing from the Lord. After sharing Christ’s love with the world, she has gone home to reside with Him, forever. Glory, at last. Thanks be to God! A Remembrance and Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at Harvest Fellowship Church. A time of visitation will begin at 6:00 pm and the funeral will follow at 7:00 pm. Mabel’s family would like to thank everyone who kept them in their thoughts and prayers. They are also very grateful for the many people who have donated their time, gifts, and talents during this difficult season of their lives. The Staff of Legacy Cremation Care extend our deepest condolences to the family and please keep the family in your prayers during their time of bereavement.

Ms. Mabel Inez Best

May 15, 1944 - December 3, 2025