Mary Lynne Kimsey

Mary Lynne Kimsey passed away on May 28, 2026 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Mary Lynne was born in Murphy, North Carolina, on October 5, 1946, the daughter of James L. Hooper, Jr., and Mary Richardson Hooper. She married Larry Charles Kimsey on August 18, 1967. She happily lived most of her life in Hiawassee, Ga.

Mary Lynne served her community for many years as a social worker, including as the director of the Department of Family and Children Services for Towns, Union, and Rabun Counties. She also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and served on the Towns County Board of Health. She was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church.

Surviving Mary Lynne are her husband, Larry Kimsey of Hiawassee; daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and James Stewart of Birmingham, Al.; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Megan Kimsey of Blairsville; four grandchildren, Kimsey Stewart and Eva Stewart of Birmingham, Al., and Lawsen Kimsey and Piper Kimsey of Blairsville; brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy and Regina Hooper of Auburn; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and other extended family both official and unofficial, all of whom she dearly loved.

The funeral service was held Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Macedonia Baptist Church of Hiawassee. Officiating were Reverend Ron Sweatt and Reverend Danny Burch. Music was provided by Tommy Townsend.

The following gentlemen served as pallbearers: James Stewart, Jimmy Hooper, Rickey Mathis, Doug Davenport, Doug Kendall, and Dwight Wilson. Honorary pallbearers were: John Carswell, Charles Nicholson, and Jerry Moore. Interment was in Lower Bell Creek Cemetery in Hiawassee. Cochran McDaniel Funeral Homes in Hiawassee was in charge of arrangements.

The family wishes to express its gratitude to everyone at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, from the doctors to the hospitality staff, who cared for Mary Lynne, with especial thanks to the nurses in neurology ICU and in hospice care.