Mary Jane Garner

Appling, GA – Entered into rest on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Mary Jane Garner, 80, wife of James T. Garner, Jr.

Mary Jane was born in Leesville, LA. She lived for extended periods in Memphis, TN, where she met her husband while they both worked for Sears (she on the 8th floor, he in the basement). Together they also spent 16 years in West Palm Beach, FL where they adopted their daughter, Jessica, in 1983. She lived in the Augusta, GA area for 30 years. Mary Jane dedicated her life to being a true helpmate to her husband, an involved and supportive mother to her daughter, and a steadfast caretaker to her special needs sister for 32 years, who lovingly referred to Mary Jane as BooBoo. 

Mary Jane accepted Christ as her savior as a teenager and rededicated her life in 1986. While in Florida, she was an involved member of Belvedere Baptist Church. Most recently, Mary Jane was a member of West Acres Baptist Church family where she served in many capacities and attended Faith Sunday School Class. Mary Jane was the personification of the Proverbs 31 woman:

10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 

11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value

12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 

13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

14 She is like merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 

15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 

16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 

17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 

18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 

19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 

20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 

22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 

24 She makes linen garments and sells them and supplies the merchants with sashes. 

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 

26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue

27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 

28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 

29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 

31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Family members in addition to her husband Jim, include her daughter Jessica Marie Garner and sister Paulette Hampton and many extended family members.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at West Acres Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Harmon, Rev. Malone Morris and Rev. Roscoe Perry officiating. Interment will follow in Westover Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Marty Nicholas, Buddy Klein, Tracy Faglier, Josh Todd, Ray Standefer, Buddy Tucker, and Sonny Walker.

Memorial contributions may be made to West Acres Baptist Church, 555 Gibbs Road, Evans, GA 30809 or to Belvedere Baptist Church, 301 Cherry Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33409. 

The family will receive friends Tuesday, prior to the service from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M at the church. Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484.