"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, From whence cometh my help." Psalm 121:1

Mary Louise Johnson Timmons, aged 81, transitioned peacefully from this life on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at her home in Effingham, SC. Born on October 25, 1943, in Effingham, she was the beloved daughter of the late Cleveland Johnson and Louise Echols Johnson.

Mary was a proud graduate of the Wilson High School Class of 1962. On December 14, 1968, she married the love of her life, the late Jake B. Timmons, also of Effingham. Together, they built a beautiful family, welcoming five children into the world: Cynthia, Yolanda (deceased), Kimberly, Jake, and Timothy. As a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Mary's family always remained at the center of her world.

Mary devoted more than 20 years of service to ESAB (formerly Union Carbide, L-Tec) in Florence. After her retirement from ESAB, she continued working at JCPenney for ten years, then at Belk. She was also a proud entrepreneur, owning and operating Timmons Beauty Salon.

Her commitment to her faith and community was evident through her active membership at Savannah Grove Baptist Church, where she served faithfully in various roles including choir member, trustee, usher, and Missionary Circle #4. She was also a member of Mary Perkins OES Chapter #292, participated in intercessory prayer, and was ordained as Community Pastor on August 9, 2025, after she was baptized and rededicated her life on June 28, 2025. Mary spoke at and attended women's fellowships and retreats, encouraging men and women. Pastor Mary's faith guided her life and inspired her service across South Carolina and North Carolina.

Mary's loving, empathetic, compassionate, and confident spirit touched  everyone she met. She found joy in life's simple but meaningful pleasures, ministering, gardening, cooking, and, most of all, spending time with her family. Her home was the heart of countless family gatherings, cookouts, and holiday celebrations. Known for her delicious cakes, Mary never missed an opportunity to bless and encourage others. A two-time cancer survivor, she bravely fought ovarian cancer and continued to battle leukemia with unwavering resilience.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory her four children: Cynthia Timmons, Kimberly Graham (Dandrea) Dyson, Jake (Stephanie) Timmons Jr., and Timothy (Sandra) Timmons; loving eleven grandchildren: LaShannon Herbert, Lavasia Franklin, John Graham V, Jalin Graham, Jakim Graham, Kayla Timmons, Alajah Timmons, Jacob Dyson, Joshua Dyson, Jake Timmons III, and Timothy Timmons, Jr.; one great-grandson, Zamir Saks; sisters, Eula Mae Muldrow of Effingham, SC, and Annie Meyers; her brother-in-law, LeGrande Timmons; sisters-in-law, Jessie Spears, DeLores Richardson, and Jeanette Johnson; as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many loving relatives and friends. Special friends and companions include the Golden Girls: Mary Bacote and Azalee Willoughby; special friends, Katherine Hamlin, Vernita Brown, and Apostle Janette Ingram; Jeanette Johnson loved and served Mary faithfully until her passing.

Mary's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.  Her faith, humor, and devotion are her enduring legacy.