Mary Jean Higginbotham Ginn

Mrs. Mary Jean Higginbotham Ginn, 95, of Elberton, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday evening, May 31, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Mary Jean was born in the Cokesbury Community of Hart County on October 14, 1929, daughter of the late Paul Bartow McCurley, Sr. and Irma Hulme McCurley. Her mother passed away when Mary Jean was only 18 months old, and she was reared by her father and grandparents, Sanford and Laura McCurley. She was a graduate of Elberton High School.

She married her first husband, Dewey Stevison Higginbotham, in 1949 and they enjoyed 38 years of marriage before his untimely death in 1987. They were blessed with three children: Debra Ann, Connie Lee, and Dewey Stevison, Jr. “Steve”. Their love story has grown to include ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and more memories than can be shared. In 1990, Mary Jean married Jack Gaines Ginn, whom she met while square dancing, and they were blessed with 15 years of marriage before his death in 2005. She gained two additional children: Gena and Mitch.

Her faith was instilled in her at an early age. She began her relationship with Jesus in the Pentecostal church and was a longtime member of Calvary Presbyterian Church where her children were raised. Mary Jean later joined First Baptist Church of Elberton where she was a member of the Alpha Louree Sunday School Class.

Mary Jean worked in the medical office of Dr. John B. O’Neal and Dr. Jack B. Hanks for many years. She filled the office of the Elbert County Tax Commissioner in 1982 when Dewey’s health required him to retire. She ran unopposed in 1984 and served the citizens of Elbert County as their Tax Commissioner until her retirement in 2000.

After retirement, she continued to serve the citizens of Elbert County. Mary Jean was an ardent supporter of T.J. & Friends Foundation, Inc., where she served as a board member for many years. Additionally, she served on the Banquet Committee of the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce, volunteered with the American Cancer Society, and was a Savannah Valley Shrinette. Mary Jean found joy in helping families during their time of bereavement at Hicks Funeral Home, where she worked as a hostess from August 2010 until November 2023.

She was never one to stay idle, always wanting to be on the go and in the know. Mary Jean relished her time spent with the SAMS Club at First Baptist Church, playing BINGO, and socializing each morning with her McDonald’s breakfast club. She loved shopping, eating out, and fellowshipping with her Beta Sigma Phi sisters, of which she was a member for many years.

Out of all of the things that can be said about Mary Jean, the most important for anyone to know is that her family was her most prized possession. Her most favorite title was “Mimi”, a name that she was known as not only by her family but to almost everyone. Her legacy of faith, family, and unconditional love will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many acquaintances forever.

Mimi is survived by her children: Debra H. Robertson, Connie H. Andrews (Don), and Steve Higginbotham (Lorrie); grandchildren: Shane (Brenda), Keith (Kelly), Brad (Madelyn), Kandice (Robert), Trey (Jessica), Katie (Zach), and Mark; great-grandchildren: Aleigh (Kyle), Chloe, Owen, Lake, Ever, Lincoln, Landry, Slate, Laremie, and Ryder; sister, Lillian M. Cherry (Robert); step-children: Mitch Ginn (Mary Jane) and Gena Spears (Mike); and a host of other relatives and friends.

Along with her parents and husband, Mary Jean has been reunited in Heaven with her son-in-law, Mike Robertson; grandsons: Scott Robertson, Kyle, and Kale Andrews; step-mother, Eunice Whitehead McCurley; and brothers: Paul and Eugene.

Her family is at the home on Sutton Way and will receive friends on Tuesday, June 3, from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home.

Mimi’s life will be celebrated during a funeral service on Wednesday, June 4, at 2:00p.m. at First Baptist Church of Elberton, officiated by the Revs. Tim Adams and Gary Purvis, and Mr. Shane Robertson. Burial will follow in Elmhurst Cemetery with her grandsons serving as pallbearers. The Alpha Louree Sunday School class and her Beta Sigma Phi sisters will serve as honorary escort.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in her memory to T.J. & Friends Foundation, PO Box 6161, Elberton, GA 30635, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, 1575 Northeast Expressway NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, or Ronald McDonald House Charities Inc., P.O. Box 117715, Atlanta, GA 30368-7715.

The family wishes to extend their sincerest appreciation to Mary Jean’s faithful caregivers, Delores and Yolanda, both of whom she loved as family. 

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Mary Jean Higginbotham Ginn.