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Obituary for Mary J. Mackey
Mary Brenda Johnson Mackey, age 78, died peacefully on October 22, 2018, at home after a brief struggle with cancer. Mary was born, May 3, 1940, in Heath Springs, South Carolina, the daughter of the late Walter Hazel and Bernice Helms Johnson. She was a graduate of Heath Springs High School and worked for 44 years at Springs Industries as a sewing machine operator.
Mary developed a love of reading early in her life and passed on this habit to both of her children. She volunteered with the children’s ministry at Heath Springs Baptist Church where she enjoyed planning and participating with Vacation Bible School. Later in her life, she volunteered with the food pantry at the Kershaw Area Resource Exchange. In 1963, she married Donnie Ray Mackey and raised two children together. They attended Heath Springs Baptist Church their entire marriage and demonstrated a strong faith in God. Mary was her husband’s primary caregiver to his death in 2006 and was a two-time breast cancer survivor.
For those that knew Mary well, they will remember her humorous and caring nature. Her siblings will remember her gentle bossiness, in all the best ways that count. Mary’s children will remember a mother that was an advocate for them, encouraged education, and sacrificed to help them achieve. All will remember how much she loved her husband through sickness and health.
Mary is survived by her son, Brent Mackey and his wife Aggie of York, South Carolina; daughter, Donna M. Gibson and her husband Ted of Midlothian, VA; sisters, Eva Lee Rose, Elizabeth Piercy, and Frances Oleson; brothers, Mike Johnson, Lawrence Johnson and Bruce Johnson; five grandchildren, Denton, Jordan, Lauren, Xander, and Liam; two great grandchildren; Levi and Conrad and numerous nieces, nephews, loving relatives and friends.
A gathering and reception to celebrate her life will be held Saturday, October 27, 2018, from 2:00 to 4:00 o’clock pm at Baker Conference Center, 105 N. Minor St., Kershaw, South Carolina. Memorials may be made to Heath Springs Baptist Church, P.O. Box 400, Heath Springs, South Carolina 29058 or a local hospice of choice.
Baker Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Mackey.
