Mary Pearline Hegwood

On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, Mary Pearline Hegwood, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, left from this earth into her savior's arms at the age of 93.

Pearline was born on October 23,1929 in Lena, MS, to William and Carrie Pope. She graduated from Forest High school and continued her education at Draughon’s Business College of Jackson, MS and LSU School of Banking.

Throughout her life, she demonstrated an unparalleled work ethic. Whether it was working as a Senior Vice President of Deposit Guaranty National Bank or taking care of her family, she handled every task with determination and responsibility. Her strong work ethic and dedication to her family taught us life lessons that will forever shape our lives. We are grateful for the values she passed on and the legacy of hard work she leaves behind.

If you knew Pearline, then you knew how much she loved her husband, Hershel. They met in 1951, were married for 69 years, and had one daughter. Their love was a shining example of commitment and companionship. Her eyes lit up whenever she spoke of him, and her devotion to him was evident in how she took care of him throughout their lives. We are comforted knowing she has joined him in God’s presence.

Pearline was passionate about serving her church. She was a longtime member of Van Winkle Baptist Church where she was a Sunday School teacher and served on many church committees. After Van Winkle Baptist Church closed she became a faithful member of Country Woods Baptist Church and loved regular fellowship with the ladies of her Sunday school class.

Her faith was a source of inspiration to all who knew her. She had a profound impact on the lives of her family and friends. She consistently supported her family and invested her time teaching her grandchildren and great- grandchildren life skills like cooking and sewing. She unselfishly gave to help provide for them her entire life. When God presented a need, she was always willing to share what He had given her.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharron (Barry) Willoughby; two grandchildren, Matt (Ginny) Willoughby and Maribeth (David) McMillan; and six great grandchildren, Harper, Clayton, Hayes, and Lewis Willoughby and Jake and Brett McMillan, who were blessed to have shared their lives with her.

We will gather to remember her strong spirit, her love for Christ, and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.  A memorial service to celebrate the life of Pearline Hegwood will be held on August 6, 2023 at Country Woods Baptist Church, 6737 Siwell Road in Byram, at 3pm. A brief visitation will be held from 2pm until the hour of service.  No graveside service will be held.

We find comfort in knowing that Pearline is now resting in the arms of our Savior, free from pain and suffering. As we mourn her physical absence, we are filled with gratitude for the time we had with her and the lasting impact she had on our lives.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Cash Baptist Church at 1716 Cash Road, Lena, MS, 39094.