Mrs. Mary Alice (Watkins) Pauling

Mrs. Mary Alice Watkins Pauling, daughter of the late Mr. James and Mrs. Cora Jeter Watkins, and the step-daughter of Mrs. Fannie Mabry Watkins was born on February 14, 1920 in Fairfield County, South Carolina. She fell asleep in death, at 101 years of age, on Friday, July 9, 2021 at Prisma Richland Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina.

She was affectionately known as “Mae” to her sisters: Mrs. Ida W. Grier, Mrs. Maggie W. Brown, Mrs. Mattie W. Ellison, Mrs. Alberta Mabry, and her brothers: Mr. Willie Watkins, Mr. Johnnie Watkins, and Mr. Saul Mabry, all of whom predeceased her.

Mary Alice Watkins was married to the late Mr. Ira “Sang” Pauling on July 1, 1940. From this union they successfully raised eleven children. She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Mr. Joseph (Christabell) Pauling of Winnsboro, SC; Mr. James (Brenda) Pauling of Columbia, SC; Mrs. Corrine Simon of Upper Marlboro, MD; Mrs. Mary (Bernard) Jackson of Winnsboro, SC; Mr. Leroy (Mamie) Pauling of Winnsboro, SC; Mr. Heyward (Angela) Pauling of Hopkins, SC; Mrs. Carolyn (Richard) Turner of Columbia, SC; Mrs. Gale (Steven) Frank of Winnsboro, SC ; Mrs. Brenda (Anthony) Young of Houston, TX. Her two sons, Mr. Arthur (Willie Mae) Pauling and Mr. Ira (Lizzie) Pauling, preceded her in death. She leaves 40 grandchildren, 94 great-grandchildren, and 47 great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, as well as a grand host of relatives and friends.

When she learned from the Bible that Jehovah was God's name, she shared what she knew to be the truth with her family, friends and all that would listen. Sister Pauling was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on May 23, 1964. She flew to Durham, NC to attend her first assembly along with Sister Cohens, her Bible teacher. Even though she never obtained her driver's license, nor owned a car, she faithfully attended meetings at the Kingdom Hall and on Zoom, went from door-to-door, and served as a pioneer since September 1, 1996, spending 70 hours and more per month preaching the good news up until her death. Often when preaching with her sister, Maggie, she would quote or read her favorite scripture: Isaiah 56:10.

Mrs. Mary Alice “Shag” Pauling, (a nickname that was known to family and dear friends) was an elegant, well-dressed lady, known for her lovely hats. She was even better known for her wonderful cooking, especially her famous sweet potatoes and stickers. An invitation to her table was a never to be forgotten treat. She loved feeding people and not being either “trifling” or “lazy,” she often got up early to cook breakfast for her son, Leroy, and nephew, Faye when they called, even into her nineties. May it be said of you as it was of Sister Mary Alice Pauling, “Grandmama served Jehovah faithfully
all her days.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Family of Mrs. Mary Alice Watkins Pauling is deeply grateful for the many loving kindnesses, prayers, calls, and visits during this time of bereavement. May Jehovah richly bless each of you.

A private graveside service will be 10am Tuesday July 13, 2021 @ Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 pm to 7 pm Monday July 12, 2021 @Russell-McCutchen Funeral Home, 324 S. Vanderhorst St. Winnsboro SC 29180.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mrs. Mary Alice (Watkins) Pauling, please visit our floral store.