Mary Carolyn Mendenhall

Mary Carolyn “Mimi” Mendenhall, 98, of Acworth, GA., formerly of Columbus, GA., passed away in Acworth on Saturday. She is survived by her sons David (Deen Louraine) Mendenhall, Puyallup, WA.; Mike (Tricia) Mendenhall, Bainbridge Island, WA.; Mark (Mary) Mendenhall, Williamson, GA; and her daughter, Julie (Bob) Barton, Acworth, GA. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Bryan (Lee Ann) Barton, Jasper, GA; Carolyn (Matt) Tripp, Missoula, MT.; Michael (Karah) Barton, Dallas, GA; Rachel (Ilya Nazarov) Barton, Acworth; Ashley Mendenhall, Redmond, WA; and Amber Mendenhall, Bainbridge Island, WA; great-grandchildren; Alice (Josh) Howard, Ball Ground, GA; Elijah, Evangeline, Merci, and Enoch Barton, Jasper, GA ; great-great grandchildren, Beny and Junie Howard, Ballground, GA; her best friend Teddy Donahue, Columbus, GA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mimi was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, George, whom she met in the seventh grade, sisters; Juanita Simpson and Edna Mobley, her brother Alfred Callahan and niece Carole Ann Simpson.

Born and raised in Columbus and Rutherford, NC, Mimi was the youngest of Samuel and Blanche Callahan’s children. Her first love was her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was saved at a tent revival in Rutherfordton as a child and was active member of First Baptist Church of Columbus: 1938-2015. As a teenager, she developed a keen interest in aviation, ultimately soloing a taildragger at the age of eighteen. She would pass her love of flying to two of her sons, who went on to have a career as Pilots and several of her grandchildren who earned their Pilots License and worked in aviation. In WWII, Mimi worked as a “Hello Girl” for Southern Bell, connecting soldiers to their families as a telephone operator.

After marrying her childhood sweetheart in 1947, Mimi raised her family in Columbus. Her home was a welcome one, open to anyone and everyone. Many neighborhood kids spent at least one night at Mimi’s house for one reason or another. Her hospitality and love extended to the animal kingdom as well. In addition to her ever-present orange tabby (invariably named some version of Tiger or Tigger). She loved and cared for a whole host of neighborhood felines.

The family would like to especially thank her caregivers; Michelle, Laura, Patty, Rebecca, and Sherry for the loving care they provided for our Mimi over the last several years.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon RD, Columbus, GA. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend.Memorial Donations in Mimi’s honor, may be made to; First Baptist Church of Columbus Television Ministry, PO Box 828 Columbus, GA 31902-0828.