Mary Ann Hampton Kinsey 92, of Otto, NC, entered the arms of Jesus July 18th, 2025 - Five years to the day July 18th, 2020, when she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, James Preston Kinsey. He was also her best friend for 79 years. They met when they were only 8 years old.


Mary Ann graduated with her Masters of Education degree from the University of Central Florida. She taught middle school English and Remedial Reading in Seminole county, Florida until she retired in 2001 and moved to Otto in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.

She believed in always putting God first in every area of her life. She never met a stranger. Her great grandson Diesel was 6 years old when he informed his dad that he was going to be a chatterbox just like Grandma! She did love to talk! So she looked for any and every opportunity to share the love of Christ with all, in hope that they might experience true and lasting Peace when they gave their hearts to the Lord.

Mary Ann spent her last 26 day journey on this earth with all who entered her room sharing Christ love with everyone.
One night she wanted to call as many friends and family to say good bye as she could before she was no longer able. She had me dial numbers and hold her cell phone as it took all her strength just to talk by that time. She told each one how much she loved them and then she wanted them to know she would be waiting on them in Heaven and to be assured they were ready to meet Jesus. Many calls were her strong Christian friends and family members and the calls were of rejoicing together one last time here on earth. It was midnight but she had one more call to make. I tried to explain how late it was and her friend was surely asleep. But she insisted she had to talk to her dear friend. So I called and it went to voicemail, I told Mom she was sleeping. Mom was determined and told me to call right back and Jan would answer because she would know it was important. Sure enough her friend answered on the first ring. They talked, laughed, cried and prayed then said goodbye until they meet again in Heaven. Mom relaxed and went to sleep. She had a few more days on earth but she was not able to make anymore calls.

Her story is shared of when you allow Jesus into your heart and allow God to direct your paths, He will give you Courage to share Christ with everyone you meet. He will give you Strength to walk through the trials in your life knowing God is holding you in his arms, but Joy comes in the mornings. God is genuine and generous with His care and blessings for His children.

Our family's desire is that we all live out the rest of our lives using the gifts and talents God has given us whatever they are, for we are all different and yet when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior we become brothers and sisters - Ambassadors for Christ and are given our own race to run. We live to hear our name called with "well done my good and faithful servant".

Mary Ann is survived by 34 blessings from God: 2 children, her son Jim, who gave her 4 grandchildren - Kyle (Carolina) Kinsey, Destiny (Antony) Lopez, Levi (Evelyn) Kinsey, Devon Kinsey; 9 great grandchildren - Landin, Aubriegh & Diesel Kinsey; River, Rowan, & Laken Lopez; Brentley, Lexi & Maverick Kinsey. Mary Anns' daughter Karyl gave her - 3 granddaughters - Jeanine (Larry) Thomas, Kristie (Gilbert) Rivera, Karrie Ramirez; 10 great grandchildren - Lauren (Michael) Erickson, David & Wyatt Resmondo, Alex (Sarah) Gudelanis, Elijah, Giovanni & Arianna Rivera, Nathan (Courtney) Ramirez, Miguel, Sammy Ramirez; 6 great-great grandchildren - Coraline, Madeline, & Emmaline Erickson; Aleia & Jeriah Gudelanis, and Rayleigh Ramirez. Mary Ann is also survived by her many nieces & nephews - all more blessings from God! Charles(Jane), Glenda (Ron), Carlos, Mitzi, Joyce, Janice, Diane (Rick), Laurel (Al), Barbara, Karen, Michael, Jimmy, Hoppy, Randy, Skippy, Daisy, & many great nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday August 23rd, 2025 at 1:00 pm, Otto Community Center, 60 Firehouse Road
Otto, NC. All are welcome!

Service will be held in September at Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, GA.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.