Mary Lynne Mahaffey

Mary Lynne Mahaffey, 79, of Elon, NC, passed away peacefully at home on February 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 20, 1945, in Spartanburg, SC, to the late Johnathan and Julia Lancaster. 

Mary Lynne’s life was marked by love, faith, and service. She was a devoted member of Kerr’s Chapel Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years and served in various areas of ministry. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she cherished her church family deeply.

She is survived by her husband, Larry B. Mahaffey, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage. Together, they built a family that was her pride and joy. Mary Lynne is survived by her daughter, Laura Mahaffey Horton of Washington, NC, her son, Mark Boleman Mahaffey and wife, Lisa of Burlington, NC; grandchildren, Meghan Horton Seago and husband, Peyton, Hunter Mahaffey, Mason Horton, Emma Horton, Cody Mahaffey, and Hollie Mahaffey; sister Nancy Lancaster McDaniel of Spartanburg, SC. She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnathan and Julia Lancaster, and her sister, Judy Lancaster Sill of Spartanburg, SC.

Mary Lynne’s professional life was as diverse as it was meaningful. She worked for many years at LabCorp in Burlington before returning to school to become a nurse. She dedicated herself to hospice care and Visiting Angels where she touched the lives of countless families, offering compassion, comfort, and support. Mary Lynne devoted several years to serving others at Liberty Commons Nursing & Rehab Center of Alamance County where she made a meaningful impact on the lives of residents and colleagues alike. A survivor of cancer, she faced her long battle with Parkinson’s disease with grace, strength, and unwavering courage.

Mary Lynne’s passions were many—she was a die-hard Clemson Tiger fan who loved watching football, relaxing on the beach, and listening to online sermons from First Baptist Church of Spartanburg and Dr. David Jeremiah. She also had a special fondness for peach Chick-fil-A milkshakes and solving jigsaw puzzles. She loved her furbabies, Brandy and Abby and treasured spending time with her family and friends.

The family wishes to express special thanks to AuthoraCare staff and volunteers for their compassionate care and the love they showed during her final days. 

Mary Lynne’s life was a testament to faith, family, and love. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, and she will be dearly missed by all.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Kerr’s Chapel Baptist Church officiated by Rev.Paul Traywick. The family will receive friends from 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM, prior to the service and other times at the home. Burial will immediately follow at the church cemetery.

 Memorial contributions may be made to Kerr’s Chapel Baptist Church in Elon, NC.