Mary Nell Lindsey Vess

Mary Nell Lindsey Vess, 91, of Liberty, SC, passed away peacefully at the McCall Hospice House surrounded by her family on August 24, 2022. She was born in Jasper, AL, and was a graduate of Central Wesleyan College. She worked tirelessly alongside her husband as a faithful pastor’s wife in AL, FL and SC, while raising her family and caring for their aging parents. She also worked as a schoolteacher, secretary, and switchboard operator, retiring from Southern Wesleyan University. She was a member of Trinity Wesleyan Church, Central, SC. She was known for her jovial spirit, positive attitude, and great sense of humor. She spoke to women’s groups, was a mentor to many young pastors’ wives, and typically had sage advice for anyone in need. Being around her made you feel loved, and even in her final days as long as she could still communicate, she tried to make sure everyone else was okay.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Rev. John Willett Vess, Sr; her parents, John and Maudie Lindsey; siblings Carlton Lindsey, Jake Lindsey, Johnnie Brown, Maudie Gosa, Lib O’Barr and Irvon Roberson. The five Lindsey sisters shared a lifetime of remarkable closeness, and they are now reunited. Their times together, especially their famous annual sisters’ vacation, produced many hilarious stories, and we know they are all laughing together again in heaven.
She is survived by her children, Libby (David) Hall of Mechanicsburg, PA; Ronda (Dan) Whisner of Mt. Vernon, OH; Joy (Eddie) Beaver of Easley, SC; and John (Melissa) Vess of Easley, SC. She also leaves behind beloved grandchildren Jeremy (Christine) Hall, Danny (Melissa) Whisner, Jon (Kari) Whisner, Elizabeth (Dean) Rosencrans, Lindsey (Chad) Ford, Katie Crater, Michael Walker, Marci (Kevin) Nattinger, Will (Nicole) Vess, Jake (Emma) Vess, Michelle (Kevin) Stinehart and Janelle (Brian) Patterson. Mamaw Vess regularly prayed for all of her family, and on her last fully conscious night on earth, her ICU nurse said she called all of her great-grandchildren by name - Ethan Hall, Trey Whisner, Stephanie Hall, Grace Ford, Leah Rosencrans, Reagan Whisner, Valerie Hall, Bethany Rosencrans, Gibbs Whisner, Amber Walker, Ryland Whisner, Nolan Whisner, Cole Crater, Zane Ford, Beckett Whisner, Eisley Walker, Payton Nattinger, Luke Vess, Garrett Ford, Numora Stinehart, Bennett Patterson, Emerson Stinehart, and Bowen Patterson. When told about her newest great-grandson, Willett Micah Nattinger, born just days before her death, she whispered her last sentence, “I want to get him his first Bible.” Her greatest desire was for all her family to meet her in heaven.
At her request, a private family service will be held, officiated by her sons-in-law, Revs. David Hall, Dan Whisner and Eddie Beaver. The family will receive friends Saturday, August 27 from 12-1:30 p.m. at Robinson Powdersville Funeral Home, 1425 Powdersville Road, Easley, SC 29642.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Open Arms Hospice and the McCall Hospice House for their loving care. The family also wants to say thank you to all who have expressed sympathy during their loss. Your love and prayers have been a great comfort.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Wesleyan Church, 700 Issaqueena Trail, Central, SC 29630.