Mary Rainey, born July 13, 1943, jitterbugged into heaven on May 9, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Mary was the daughter of the late E. Ray Jensen and Louise Brotherson Jensen. She was known for her joyful spirit, warm heart, and the way she could light up a room with her smile and energy. She lived life with humor and a love for family and friends that never wavered.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Larry W. “Buck” Wheeler, and her second husband, Charles F. (Charlie) Rainey, Jr.
Mary is survived by her sister, Anna Jensen Massey (Paul); her daughter, Angie Rainey Willis (Erick); her son, Chip Rainey; and her daughter, Meg Rainey Hale. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Rick Willis, Mitch Willis, Jensen Rainey (Karoline), Joyanna Rainey, Alek Rainey, Jake Hale, Chloe Hale, her great-grandson, Maddox Cooper, the best SIL ever, Cindy Guillebeau (Watson), and her dear friends, Mac Wilder, Dr. Lorraine Sumner, and Travis Williams.
Mary graduated from Tifton High School in 1961 and furthered her education at ABAC earning a degree in Secretarial Science. Mary was an active member of Tifton's First Baptist Church and also enjoyed gardening and needlepoint. Mary loved supporting her children and grandchildren in their many activities rarely missing a chorus concert, baseball game, golf tournament, tennis tournament, or basketball game. Known as "Gimot" and "Turtle" to her grandchildren, Mary lavished affection on each of them.
Mary's graveside celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 2:00 at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Tifton, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society or Called to Care, Inc. P.O. Box 2396, Tifton, GA 31793, https://iamcalledtocare.com/donate.