Aug. 9, 2024
Mary Jane Lindsey, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, dedicated educator and nurse, passed away peacefully, Friday morning, August 9, 2024, at Alexander IV Senior Living. A celebration of her life was held Sunday, August 11, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Gray Memorial with a visitation for family and friends at 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Rev. John Haney officiated with interment following in Cedar Ridge Cemetery, Greene Settlement Road, Gray, Georgia.
Mary Jane was born to the late Chevis A. Garrett and Helen Eve Garrett.
She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Lindsey; sisters, Phyllis Garrett Burnette, Sarah Garrett Cockrill and her beloved and constant companion Shih Tzu, Sophie.
Mary Jane is survived by her two daughters, Dr. Shannon Lindsey Blanton (Dr. Robert Blanton) and their children; Austin Blanton and Cullen Michael Blanton, of Hoover, Alabama, and Karen Lindsey Britt of Guyton, Georgia, and her children; Kristen Sands (Ryan Sands) and Katie Britt (fiancé William Stevick), and great-grandchildren; Lindsey and Paige Sands.
Mary Jane was a retired high school teacher and registered nurse who dedicated her life to the education and well-being of others. She served the Jones County Board of Education from 1991 to 2006, where she made a lasting impact as a teacher and mentor. She was actively involved in numerous community organizations, including the Gray Garden Club, The Compassionate Friends, and the Circle of Friends Book Club. Mary Jane was a devoted volunteer, serving as an American Red Cross CPR and First Aid instructor for many years and coordinating the annual American Red Cross Blood Drive at Jones County High School for over a decade.
In addition to her professional achievements, Mary Jane was deeply involved in her community. She was an active member of the Gray United Methodist Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher for five years, a nominating committee member, a youth coordinator, a member of the pastor-parish relations committee, a council on ministries member, an administrative board member, and the intermediate activities chairperson. Her faith and commitment to her church were integral parts of her life.
Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom as she advised the Skills USA VICA Chapter at JCHS for 15 years and served on the Jones County Scouting Committee for approximately six years. Mary Jane was recognized for her excellence in teaching, being listed in the “Who’s Who Among American High School Teachers” for several years.
Mary Jane made Jones County her home since 1971, where she touched the lives of countless students, friends, and community members.
Her passion for teaching, nurturing spirit, and unwavering dedication to her family and community will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Methodist Children’s Home and Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia battered women and children’s shelters.
Gray Memorial Chapel is honored to be entrusted with the care of the Mary Jane Lindsey family. You may register your condolences at graymemorialchapel. com.
