Mary R. Wofford

Mary Sue Ridgway Wofford passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on January 13, 2016. Mary was born in Jackson, MS, January 16, 1927, the oldest daughter of Walter and Marion (Davis) Ridgway. She graduated from Central High School and then Millsaps College. She met her husband, Dr. Jesse L. “Bud” Wofford at Millsaps and they were married in 1952. After a few years in New Orleans during his medical training, they returned to Jackson and reared their four children in the Belhaven area. Mary was a life-long active member of the United Methodist Church, first at Capitol Street UMC and then at St. Luke’s UMC. She was a member of her Sunday school class and served faithfully in many church ministries.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband of 55 years. She is survived by her children James L. Wofford (Marcia and children: Claire, Madalyn, Luke) of Clemmons, NC; Marion R. Wofford (Robert Hester and children; Jacob and Jordan) of Jackson, MS; Richard S. Wofford (Linda and children: Scott, Kate, Julie) of Nashville, TN; and Edward R. Wofford (Marianne and children; Ruthie and Mary Davis) of Birmingham, AL. She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Ridgway Wofford of Jackson, MS and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

Mary will be missed by all and remembered for her humble and quiet way in which she served and gave to everyone. She was a faithful and devoted mother, wife and friend. In the words of our family friend, Fran McEwen:

“Your strong faith is lived out through selfless words and deeds; You stand ever ready to fulfill other’s needs”.

A graveside service will be held 9 a.m. at Lakewood Cemetery in Clinton, MS on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016. The family will then receive friends for visitation at 10 a.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church followed by a Celebration of Life at 11. a.m. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 621 Duling Ave. Jackson, MS 39216.