Mary Katherine Ballenger

Mary Katherine Ballenger, of Richland, Mississippi, passed away at her home on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. She was born on July 31, 1943, in Goodman, Mississippi.

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, William Curtis Ballenger; her son, Danny Ballenger and his wife, Pamela; her granddaughter, Brandy Ballenger Jones; her grandson, Brandon Ballenger; her great-granddaughters, Kathryn Dotson and her husband, Isaac, and Lauryn Jones; her sister, Juanita Hayes; her niece, Crystal Clark and her husband, Chris; her great-niece and great-nephew, Avery Scott and Garrett Scott; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Inez McDaniel; her sister, Brenda McDaniel Gross; and her brothers, Billy Ray McDaniel and Wallace McDaniel.

Mary loved traveling with her husband, especially to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri. She enjoyed searching for the best bargains and was always ready for a trip to Dirt Cheap, no matter how far away it was. She loved to cook and was known for preparing wonderful home-cooked meals that brought comfort and joy to those gathered around her table. Mary was a member of First Baptist Church of Richland. Many years ago, she enjoyed participating in bowling and softball leagues, and she especially loved playing second base.

Lovingly known as Meme, Mary was deeply devoted to her family and found great joy in being present for the people she loved. One of the first things she would tell anyone was how blessed she was to have twin great-granddaughters, Kathryn and Lauryn. She was also proud of her beautiful black hair that never turned gray, a detail she loved to share with others. She never missed an opportunity to support Kathryn and Lauryn, and they could not have been more blessed to have her as their Meme.

Visitation will be held Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service begins at 11:00 a.m. at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence, Mississippi.

William and Brandy would like to extend a special thank-you to Brittney, Kristen, and Kay with Vital Caring Group for their exceptional care and patience over the past few weeks