Mary Jane (Ridgell) Milhouse

Mrs. Mary Jane Ridgell Milhouse, 77, daughter of the late Allen and Mary Alice Thomas Ridgell was born January 10, 1944 in Lexington County, South Carolina.  She transitioned to Glory on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at home surrounded by her loved ones.  She was married to the love of her life, Johnnie L. Milhouse.  Two daughters were born from this loving union, Tracey and Terri.

Mary graduated from Twin City High School in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina Class of 1963.  She is most remembered for her game-winning basketball shot for the mighty Lady Hornets.

Mary joined the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina at an early age where she was a lifelong member.  She served faithfully on the Prayer Band, Gospel Musical Choir, Deaconess Ministry, Pastor Aide and Sanctuary Choir until her health began to fail.  She was a faithful member of Electa Chapter Number 11, Order of Eastern Star where she was past Treasurer and held numerous positions over the years.  She was also a member of Freewill Court Number 522, Heroines of Jericho.

Mary and Johnnie opened their home to many family members, friends and loved ones over the years.  Some of you can remember that in the morning before she called you to the kitchen, you could already smell the food she had prepared.  Her grands, nieces and nephews can remember those delicious, giant pancakes!  Others often requested her potato salad and macaroni and cheese.  Everyone knew her for her smile and her quiet, sweet, caring spirit.  A Touch of Faith Community Choir was organized in her home and rehearsed there for over two years.  When the choir grew too large to meet there, they had to move to another location, but the love shared remains to this day. 

Mary was employed by Burlington Industries in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina until the plant’s closing.  She was a talented seamstress and has sewn clothing for many family and choir members.  Mary was the Proverbs 31 Woman, never idle, never ceasing to care for her family, the sick and the confined.  Even as her legs grew weak, she made nursing home visits and calls to the homebound.  She was affectionately called “Aunt Mae” and “Grandma” by not just her biological but also the many “adopted” children.  We love her and miss her, but we will forever cherish the memories of her smile and the unconditional love she has shared with so many of us.

Those left to cherish her memory include:  her beloved husband, Johnnie L. Milhouse; two daughters – Tracey Milhouse (Darrin) Williams and Terri A. Milhouse (Samuel Hiller); nine grandchildren – Clarissa Park (Jamal) Black, Jarrett C. (Cassondra) Williams, Shayna D. Williams, Terrance M. Hiller, Kendra Hiller, Samuel Hiller, Sherrie Faison, Shamequa Hiller and Samantha Hiller; twelve great-grandchildren – Ja’Myla Black, Saniyah Johnson, Samara Gilchrist, Elijah Black, Arianna Johnson, Kaysean Johnson, Gianna Rose Williams, Imani Leakes, Lyric Washington, London Cook, Jaquan Hiller and Jadence Day; four sisters – Viola R. Miller, Nancy R. (John Sr.) McKie, Ella R. Gary and Anna R. Kinard; two brothers – Eugene (Frances) Ridgell and Clinton T. Ridgell; three sisters-in-law – Clayvene M. Horton, Barbara (Bobby) Butler and Delois (Loman) Stroman; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends who will miss her dearly.

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