Mary Helen Bedenbaugh

Mary Helen Bedenbaugh, 86, of Easley, South Carolina, wife of the late Rev. Eugene “Gene” Holland Bedenbaugh, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. 

Born on August 19, 1938 in Columbia, South Carolina, she was a daughter of the late Samuel and Ruth “Winnie” Jackson. Mary Helen lived a life rich with love, laughter, and service to others, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she met. 

Mary Helen's educational journey began at the University of South Carolina, where she earned her associate degree, setting the foundation for a life dedicated to lifelong learning and growth. Together with her husband, she owned Memory Shop Antiques, a cherished business that reflected her passion for preserving history and sharing it with others. Her personality was a blend of nurturing care and infectious wit, enveloping those fortunate enough to know her in a cocoon of love and support. Mary Helen firmly believed in leaving every place better than she found it, a motto she lived by fully. Through her actions, she embodied this principle, ensuring that her life was a testament to goodness and compassion. 

Mary Helen held a deep love for gardening, finding joy in nurturing not only the plants in her garden but also the birds that frequented her outdoor sanctuary. She cherished traveling, leading the traveling group her husband started, journeying across the vast tapestry of the United States, forging new memories and friendships along the way. The vacations spent in Maggie Valley, and Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, were often filled with laughter and family, a precious escape that underscored her commitment to making lasting memories with loved ones.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Raised attending Main Street United Methodist Church in Columbia, South Carolina, she remained devoted to her church communities, transferring her membership to Trinity United Methodist Church and later becoming an integral part of Laurens Road Methodist Church, where her husband served as pastor. Mary Helen embraced her church roles wholeheartedly; whether singing in the choir, or teaching Sunday School, her contributions enriched the spiritual lives of many.

Mary Helen Bedenbaugh leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, and unwavering support, encapsulated in her motto and evidenced by the lives she touched so profoundly. She was more than a mother and grandmother; she was a friend, a mentor, and a guiding light in the lives of all who knew her. Her spirit will forever be celebrated in the hearts and memories of those who had the privilege of being loved by her. Though she has departed from this world, the impact of her kindness and nurturing spirit will continue to resonate in the hearts of her family and friends, reminding all of the beauty of a life well lived.

Mary Helen is survived by three daughters, Debbie Dawkins (Van), Nancy Hughes (Chuck), and Janet Keen (Paul), all of Powdersville, South Carolina; one brother, John L. Jackson, of Hopkins, South Carolina; six grandchildren, Jeff Dawkins, Tori Hughes, Jake Dawkins (Emily Gaudet), Hayli Hughes Bostic (Logan), Devyn Keen, and Ryan Hughes; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. 

In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by two grandchildren, Lauren Hughes, and Michael Keen; three brothers; and four sisters. 

The family will host a memorial service at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 15, 2025 in the chapel of Foothills Presbyterian Home, 205 Bud Nalley Drive, Easley, South Carolina 29642. The family will receive friends immediately following the memorial service. 

Mary Helen will be laid to rest on Saturday, February 15, 2025 in Robinson Memorial Gardens. 

The family would like to share their gratitude and appreciation to the AMAZING staff of the Palmetto Wing at Foothills Presbyterian Home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Concerned Citizens for Animals, www.ccaweb.org, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory - Powdersville Road, Easley, SC.