Mary Ellen Arthur

Mary Ellen O'Connor Arthur (“Mick”, “Shug”) beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, and a dedicated servant to her community, peacefully passed away Sunday November 26 at home with her family at the age of 104. She was born and raised in Chicago, IL and later moved to Augusta GA, making it her home for the next 80 years.  

Mary Ellen’s life was a testament to resilience and unwavering devotion. For thirty years she served as the heart and soul for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where her tireless dedication and organizational prowess as an administrator left an incredible mark on the congregation and the community at large. During these work years, she enjoyed daily lunches at the Town Tavern with family, coworkers, and friends.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Mary Ellen was the cornerstone of her family. Her wisdom and love were the guiding light for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She created a legacy of compassion, integrity, and unconditional love that will continue to resonate for generations to come. 

Her life journey was marked by profound loss and unwavering strength. Mary Ellen endured the tragic loss of her first husband, John Thurmon Warner, who bravely gave his life in combat defending his country. Despite the sorrow, she remained resolute, raising her first born, Lynn, with unwavering love and fortitude. 

Mary Ellen’s spirit was bright. Her laughter was as infectious as the sound of Irish Fiddles. She loved her family. She spent many hours volunteering at Sacred Heart, where her children attended school, working in the classrooms and lunchroom.  She loved to shop, especially for shoes! She was a huge Atlanta Braves fan. Her passion for baseball came from growing up in Chicago where her father would take her to the Cubs games.  She lived for Fridays. She had a standing hair appointment every Friday and would follow up with a burger from the Village Deli. 

Christmas was magical for years at 1732 Drexel Avenue. Family and friends were for days coming and going. She also loved the beach and spent many vacations at Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach. She loved her friends and spent countless hours playing canasta. Her legacy extends far beyond the years she spent on this earth, etched into the lives she touched with her kindness, generosity, and unyielding spirit.

In honoring her memory, let us cherish the lessons she imparted, the love she shared, and the kindness she showed to all. She leaves behind a family, community, and a church profoundly touched by her enduring love and dedication. “Jesus, Mary and Joseph!” as Shug would say. It’s not the end, only the beginning. 

Holy Moly, what a life and what a beautiful soul. Mary Ellen was a woman of faith. She cherished the blessed mother and prayed the rosary daily. Though she may have departed this world, Mary Ellen’s legacy lives in the countless lives she influenced and the love she generously bestowed upon us all. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.

Mary Ellen is proceeded in death by her second husband John Henry Arthur; her parents, Mary Long O'Connor and Patrick O'Connor; daughter, Margaret Claire Williams; grandchildren, John Thurmon Ward, Laurence Patrick Ward; and her best friend Elizabeth Mehegan Park.

Surviving family members are daughter, Lynn Ann Arthur Ward; son, John Patrick Arthur; grandchildren, Melinda Ward Dansby (Jamey), Megan Arthur Mask (Trey), Kelsey Arthur Davis (Kyle), Patrick Brian Arthur, John Jeffrey Williams (Katie); great grandchildren,  Lauren Dansby Henthorn, James Brey Dansby, Greggory Laurence Ward, Alexandra Ward Mannino (Philip), Rosalie Claire Williams, Jeffrey Arthur Williams, John William Mask, Oliver Patrick Mask, Madeleine Ann Mask; great great grandchildren, Matthew Wells Henthorn, James Andrew Henthorn, and Ava Blair Ward.

Pallbearers will be Jeffrey Williams, Rhett Mahoney, Patrick Arthur, Kyle Davis, Trey Mask, and Jamey Dansby.

A funeral Mass will be held Friday, December 1st, 11:00 at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church with Father Mark Ross and Father Solomon Kanaan as celebrant. Family will receive friends 45 minutes before. Interment will follow at Westover Memorial Park.