Mrs. Mary Kay Hennecy

Mary Kay “Katie” Huggins Hennecy, 83, passed away on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Born in Mullins, SC, she was the daughter of the late Ansel Lee Huggins and the late Mary Smith Huggins. Katie attended Coker College and upon achieving her degree in Education, she married Frank, her high school sweetheart. She taught elementary school in Columbia while Frank pursued educational endeavors at the University of South Carolina. She cherished her family and chose to step away from her teaching career once Frank graduated and devoted her time to raising her two young children. In her later years, Katie devoted herself to over a decade of caring for her precious mother who moved to Columbia to live with her and Frank. In June 2021, Katie and Frank celebrated their achievement of 62 years of marriage, devotion and friendship. Katie was a lovely and delightful soul, a joy to all she met; always sharing and placing a smile on everyone who crossed her path with her warmth and kindness. She loved the unity of her extended family as well as all her dear friends and the close friendship they shared over the years. She lived her life in service to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She loved her church and wanted to lead others to God. When she was a young mother at Covenant Presbyterian Church, she led Vacation Bible School and after her children left home, she and Frank taught 3rd grade Sunday School for several years at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia. They started a practice of giving each Sunday School child a personalized Bible with their name inscribed on the front. First Presbyterian Church adopted this tradition which continues today. Katie was a true patriot who loved her country. She sought to bear Biblical principals in her community service, contributing her time and efforts to improve her city and neighborhood. She was active in the political process and enjoyed greeting all her neighbors as she served faithfully in voting polls for elections. Katie cherished her friends and had many wonderful fellowship groups, from the Coker College classmates to Covenant Friends Forever, Eagle Forum and numerous Sunday School classes, Bible Studies and Circles. Katie’s strength, through many health battles, came from her Lord. Her joy and light shined bright to reveal the true beauty of her soul. Her life was a living example of the Bible verse in which she took solace. Job 23:10-12 But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His path; I have kept His way and not turned aside. I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. Those left to cherish Katie’s memory are her beloved husband, Frank M. Hennecy Jr; son, Frank M. Hennecy, III, PHR; daughter, Julie K. Hennecy, CPA; brother, Lt. Col. A. Lee Huggins, Jr., US Army (Ret.) (Penney); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Katie will be held at 3pm Sunday, July 25, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church. The family extends an invitation to join them prior to the service for a celebration of Katie’s life at 2pm in Jackson Hall at the church. Burial will follow the service in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

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Mrs. Mary Kay Hennecy

August 20, 1937 - July 20, 2021