In Memory of Mary Duggar

Grandma Duggar and Ivy Seewald

It is with heavy hearts that we pass along a devastating piece of news that the Duggars have just shared. Grandma Mary Duggar passed away this afternoon. We (blog authors Lily and Ellie) were blessed to meet her several years ago and see her again multiple times thereafter. She radiated with the love of Christ and was very kind and welcoming. The first time we met her, she introduced herself as "Grandma," which shows just how much she valued her role as a grandmother.

Mary passed away exactly two weeks after the arrival of her 13th great-grandchild, Ivy Seewald, who was born on her 78th birthday. Below is a tribute that the family wrote for their beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother.


We are so sad to share that Grandma Duggar (Mary) passed away Sunday afternoon, June 9th, 2019. Mary Lester Duggar grew up in Farmington, Arkansas and was married almost 50 years to J.L. (Jimmy Lee) Duggar who preceded her in death.
 
Mary found great joy in sharing her love for Jesus and her own story of how at age 15 she asked Christ to forgive her for her sins. It was at that time she committed the rest of her life to live for Him, a commitment she kept with devotion. She loved to share with others how they too could be forgiven of their sins, live a fulfilling life as a Christian, and one day spend eternity in heaven.

She is survived by her daughter Deanna Duggar and her son Jim Bob Duggar, 21 grandchildren* 13 great-grandchildren, with several more great-grandchildren on the way!
 
Mary Duggar was also a successful real estate broker who owned Good Neighbor Realty and was noted in Northwest Arkansas for being the broker who put together the property sale for the John Q. Hammons Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Springdale. 

Grandma Mary Duggar has been on the TLC shows, "19 Kids & Counting" and "Counting On" with her family for over 15 years. She is greatly loved and will be missed so very much! She lived a tremendous life as a follower of Christ, a wife, a devoted mother, a loving mother-in-law, and a much-loved grandmother. Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the virtuous woman, indeed she personified these beautiful verses with her life.

We deeply appreciate your prayers for our family and all who loved Mary during this time.

*The 21 grandchildren include Jim Bob and Michelle's 19 biological children plus nephew Tyler Huchins, as well as Deanna's daughter, Amy King.

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, jingerandjeremy.com
Italicized tribute courtesy duggarfamily.com