Mary Frances Blount

Missionary, minister, wife, and mother, Mary Frances Baity Blount, age 95, entered the presence of her Savior on January 18, 2024.

Born in Walhalla, South Carolina to the late Frank and Pearl Baity on March 19, 1928, she grew up in Greenville, SC, and met her husband, Joseph Edward Blount, as students at Southeastern Bible Institute (now Southeastern University) in Lakeland, Florida. After graduation, she became Edward’s bride and “Honeyheart” as they planted, pastored, and served Assemblies of God ministries in Virginia, Florida, the Philippines, and the Carolinas. Frances, an accomplished accordion musician, often provided music and sang with Edward not only in safe, stateside churches, but also in remote primitive villages in the Philippines. Her husband of 74 years was second only to Jesus Christ, whom she served from her youth.

Always a lady of strong character, Frances was gracious, kind, and fun-loving. She loved to play games and enjoyed nothing more than winning. Her grandchildren and all loved ones’ fondest memories are sitting at her kitchen table late into the night playing “just one more game.”

She clothed her daughters, Joy, Jaque, Jan, and herself in beautiful creations born of her exceptional seamstress skills. Even into her 90’s she designed gorgeous little girl dresses, delighting her grand and great granddaughters.

All who entered her home encountered hospitality and impressive decor. The furniture and fixtures were often the result of her frugal efforts in finding and “fixing up” treasures. A meal prepared by Frances was always deliciously and tastefully served in a complementary atmosphere complete with music and manners of fine dining. Having lived in the Philippines for 10 years, she developed a love for Asian food and mastered the culinary art of international cuisine. But, true to her southern roots, she also charmed all with her down home dishes. Edward loved to garden, she loved to cook and can, and they often generously shared the fruits of their labors.

The living, in the legacy of Mary Frances Baity Blount, includes her husband, Edward; a sister, Betty Gosnell (Weldon) of Travelers Rest, SC; brother, David Baity (Rena) of Simpsonville, SC, her daughters, Joy Painter (Ralph) of Greenville, SC, Jaque Sweet (Alan) of Liberty, SC and Jan Benton (Randy) of Columbia, SC. Frances and Edward have sixteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren, Jonathan Painter (Sharon); Jacki Lollar (Jason) and their children, Josiah, Jude, and Juliana; Jinjer Haskett (Daniel) and their children, Julia, Josephine, and Jack; Jana Jones and her son, Liam Jones; Jaremy Sweet (Kimberly) and their daughters, Linden and Nola; Jenifer Patton (Adam) and their children, Savanah, Cosette, Joseph, Penelopy, and Amelia; Justin Sweet (Gretchen) and their children, Campbell and Curry; Jayme Benton; and Joseph Benton (Lauren) who all honor her with cherished memories of her life well lived.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 26, 2024, from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown, followed by the funeral service to celebrate her life at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Livestream by clicking on the “WATCH LIVESTREAM” button located on the main obituary page.

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