LINCOLNTON, N.C.—Marilyn “Beth” Hudson Saine, age 79, of Lincolnton, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, in the Warlick Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Elizabeth Tester and Rev. Bob Wise officiating.  Burial will follow in the Church of our Saviour (Woodside) Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.

Beth has lived a life defined by quiet strength, public service, deep community roots, and artistic passion. As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and lifelong Lincoln County resident, she has touched countless lives through her leadership, her hands-on involvement in her church and community, and her creative pursuits. In her final days, her family and friends celebrate a legacy of dedication that made her a trailblazer in local government and a beloved figure in her hometown.

A pioneering public servant, Beth made history in 1996 as the first woman ever elected to the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners. She won reelection in 2000 to complete a two-year term, serving actively from the late 1990s into the early 2000s. During her tenure, she participated in key decisions on zoning, water and sewer district expansions, historic preservation (including support for sites like Ramsour’s Mill), education funding, and community proclamations. She served as Vice Chairman at times and was known for thoughtful motions and advocacy on issues affecting everyday Lincoln County residents.

In recognition of her decades of service to North Carolina and her community, Beth received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2016 from Governor Pat McCrory, which is one of the state’s highest civilian honors. The award was arranged by State Representative Mitchell Setzer of Catawba.

Beyond public office, Beth built a long professional career in real estate. For more than 40 years, she worked as a licensed real estate agent (associated with Gilleland Realty Inc. in Lincolnton) and as the owner of Beth H. Saine Appraisal Services. She attended Catawba Valley Community College and earned a reputation for professionalism, local knowledge, and hard work in property valuation and transactions across the area. Beth truly loved her work and was passionate about her career. She especially enjoyed meeting and helping people, and she treasured the relationships she built along the way.

Beth never met a stranger and had a genuine gift for connecting with people. She cherished all of her relationships—both professional and personal—and valued deeply the many friendships she built throughout her life.

Her creative talents have brought beauty and joy to many. Beth was one of the first majorettes in the West Lincoln Marching Band and later opened her own school of baton to share her talents with many young girls called the Lincolnton Bluedettes.  She was also a seamstress, sewing her own wardrobe as well as sewing for the public.  Beth is an accomplished painter and a studio potter specializing in Catawba Valley-style pieces. Her wheel-thrown art pottery, which she always signed “Beth H. Saine”, has been collected and appreciated locally and beyond, including functional pieces with distinctive glazes featured in art events such as the Lincolnton Art Crawl. Writing has also been a meaningful hobby, allowing her to express her thoughts and stories.

Faith has been the cornerstone of Beth’s life. She has been a lifetime member of the Church of Our Saviour (Woodside) in Lincolnton, an Episcopal congregation with profound family significance. The church was built by her great-grandfather, and her grandmother and mother were also dedicated members across generations. Beth served the church in many capacities: as a member of the Altar Guild, as a lay reader, clerk, treasurer and for many years as coordinator of the acolyte program, helping guide young people in worship. She and her husband, Larry, have remained active supporters of the parish and its community.

Beth was born in Cleveland County, to the late Summie and Grace Peeler Hudson.  A devoted family woman, Beth was married to Larry Saine and would have celebrated 59 years together this June. Together they raised two children in Lincolnton: son Jason Saine (married to Kathryn; they have a son, (Jackson) and daughter Janet Saine Griffin (married to Anthony Griffin; they have two daughters, (Anna and Ava Griffin). All live in Lincolnton.

Beth also cherished her younger brother, Kenneth “Ken” Hudson, and his family in Lincolnton. Ken was married to Sandy Hudson (deceased), and together they raised two children: their son Kevin Hudson of Lincolnton, and their daughter Melissa Hudson Clark (married to Wes Clark), who live in Greenville, South Carolina, with their son Grayson.

Above all, Beth was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother who made it a priority to be actively involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren. From everyday moments to life’s milestones, she was a constant and steady presence, offering guidance, support, and unwavering love.

Together, Beth and Larry built a family grounded in love, faith, and commitment. Their example of devoted parenting and grandparenting continues to shape the lives of those who know and love them. Larry remains a steady source of strength and love for his family, carrying forward the legacy they created together—one that will be cherished always.

Beth Saine’s life reflects the best of small-town North Carolina values: service to others, love of family and faith, and the joy of creating beauty with one’s hands. Whether guiding county policy, shaping clay into pottery, reading scripture at the altar her family helped build, or simply being the steady heart of her household and extended family, she has left an indelible mark.

Memorials may be made to Woodside Church of Our Savior, PO Box 203 (1128 Highway 182), Lincolnton, NC  28092.

Warlick Funeral Home of Lincolnton, N.C. is serving the Saine family.