Mary Louise Thigpen

Mary Louise Jones Thigpen, 97, of Spartanburg, died Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at RoseCrest of Inman. A native of Greenville, SC, she was born on January 28, 1928, a daughter of the late Dee C. and Lena Parker Jones. She was the widow of the late Ernest Thigpen and Quinton Batson.

After graduating from Parker High School in Greenville, Mary earned her undergraduate degrees from Spartanburg Methodist College and Mars Hill College. She later received her master’s in early childhood education from Nova University.

Along with her husband, Ernest, Mary was instrumental in the founding of Palmetto Bible Camp in Marietta, SC. For decades, she trained campers in lifeguarding and water safety. She was the owner and operator of Child Care Centers in SC and NC. Throughout her life, she was a devoted Christian woman. She served as a minister’s wife for over 50 years and was a member of the Central Church of Christ.

Survivors are her sons, Ernie Thigpen (Peggy) and Tim Thigpen; three grandchildren, Zachary Thigpen (Charlotte), Taylor Lena Abbasi (Andrew), and T. J. Thigpen (Hannah Grace); great-grandchildren, Aaron and Adalae Abbasi. She was predeceased by a brother, Dee C. Jones, Jr.

A memorial service conducted by her family will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 3:00 pm at Central Church of Christ, 2052 North Church Street Place, Spartanburg, SC 29303. The family will receive friends following the service in the church atrium. A private burial will be held in Woodlawn Memorial Park in Greenville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Palmetto Bible Camp, 140 Fall Creek Road, Marietta, SC 29661 http://www.pbc.camp/make-a-difference/http://www.pbc.camp/

Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel