Mary Wainwright

Mary Frances Manning Wainwright of Folkston, Georgia passed away on June 5, 2021 at Lifecare Center in Hilliard, Florida. Mary Frances was born on July 9, 1938 in Homerville, Georgia to Naomi Lake Manning and Leland Madison Manning. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years Kenneth Timothy Wainwright. She was also preceded in death by her brother-in-law Floyd Johns.

She graduated with honors from Brantley County High School in 1956 and immediately began working at The Citizens Bank of Folkston. Throughout the years she worked in a variety of roles, bookkeeping at Passieu Chevrolet and Ken’s Chainsaw Shop and as a paraprofessional in the Charlton County School System. She returned to banking in 1981 at the Hilliard branch of Nassau State Bank, currently Southeastern Bank. She retired from banking after 24 years and then went to work part time at Hilliard Pharmacy.

Mary Frances loved the Lord and was a faithful member of Grace Chapel Baptist Church for over 60 years.  She taught Sunday School, was a member of the choir, and was the church treasurer for many years.

Mary Frances had a true servant’s heart.  She was happiest when preparing large, delicious meals, sewing for her children and grandchildren, and doing for others.  She was an avid gardener and loved feeding the birds and watching them every day.

Mary Frances is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law; Karen and Terry Thigpen, Folkston, Georgia and Kathy and Clint Colley, Metter, Georgia; grandchildren Katie and David Chapman, Athens, Georgia, Ashley Thigpen, Folkston, Georgia and Wyatt Colley, Metter, Georgia; sisters and brothers-in-law; Mila Dean Johns, Hilda and John Zierjack, Nahunta, Georgia, and Freida and Gary Jacobs, Waycross, Georgia; as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Also, her very special friend Mr. Vernon Crews.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of the Lifecare Center of Hilliard, Dr. Richard (Buck) Taylor, Dr. Talha Badar, the staff of Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and Amanda West and the staff of St. Vincent’s Primary Care in Hilliard for their love and care throughout her illness. They also wish to say a thank you to the City of Folkston Police Department for their concern throughout her illness.

The family will have a visitation Tuesday, June 8th from 6:00-8:00pm at Shepard Roberson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 9th at 11:00am at Grace Chapel Baptist Church with Reverend John Boatwright and Reverend Marvin Lee officiating. Burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that remembrances be made in her memory to the Grace Chapel Building Fund at P.O. Box 425 Folkston, GA 31537.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home, 526 Oakwood Street, Folkston, Georgia 31537.