Tribute to my friend, Mary Mooney

Jeff and I consider Paul and Mary our longest adult "couples" friendship that has spanned over 54 years.  It started in 1972 when as a "dating" couple, we started going to church at Bethel Baptist Mission in Pittsburg, KS (later known as Meadowside Baptist Church).  As a teenager, I had met Paul and Mary at church meetings, etc., and just felt the Holy Spirit tug at my heart, to attend this new church plant that was just 7 miles from home.  It was one of the best decisions we would make as a young couple.  It was where Jeff truly grew in his walk with the Lord, was baptized, surrendered to the ministry (at church camp) but with Paul being the one who talked with him.  It was where Jeff would preach his first sermon, teach a young boys' S.S. class, serve and grow, etc.  We have so many fun memories of Sunday nights eating together after church, back in the 70's and 80's, as well as in the 2,000's and traveling to many an Associational Meeting and/or Missions Symposium; Church Camp (Mary and I shared a room for several years at Sagamount); Pastors' Oasis's, Senior Adult conferences, etc. Oh, the stories we cherish (and laugh about) of our travels and our friendship down thru the years. We are thankful we were able to say our "earthly" goodbyes to Mary a few days before she went to Heaven. We know, without a doubt, she is having the grandest time seeing all her family and so many friends in her heavenly home, with the greatest of all, her Savior whom she served over 65 years.

💓Memories to Last a Lifetime 💓

I wish I had pictures of so many of those early years of our friendship, but sadly do not.  But I have gathered an album of picture memories that I do have and am posting here as my tribute to Mary.

Thankfully, I have a few older ones.  This was 1977 of Mary, Paula and our firstborn, Josh.  I will always consider Paula as my "first" baby, as she was only 3 or 4 when we started going to the Mission and went home with us many a Sunday afternoon💞.

Mary and Josh when he was 1 year old💙

Then many years later, 2013, with my first 3 grandchildren

Jeff planted a church in Nevada in 1980.  

25 years later, Paul would pastor the church.  We were invited to their 25th Anniversary

in 2005 at Heritage Baptist Church, Nevada, Mo

With the Mooney Family down thru the latter years (after we moved back to Kansas in 2009)

In 2009, we came "full circle" when Jeff began as Pastor of FBC, GALENA.  Paul was the Associate Pastor.  It was wonderful to begin and end full time ministry with the Mooney's.

Mary and I were co-leaders for VBS for many years

Oct-Dec. Birthdays

SS Party

WITH FBC STAFF

Playing Psychiatrist😂

At Meadowside in 2011, where the FBC ladies served us, a delicious meal following Jeff's Mom's funeral.

AT WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDIES, BMA MEETINGS, WALK OF FAITH, CAMP, SR. ADULT CONFERENCES, DEAR FRIENDS, ETC.

Church Camp one year

Mary LOVED Fred and Red's in Joplin.  It was spitting snow this day and they were about to close their business.  I think it was my only time to eat there😊

My last time to see Mary before she was diagnosed with the brain tumor.  This was 2022 at my Aunt Freda's funeral at Meadowside in Pittsburg

Someday, we will be laughing together again!!💞

Obituary information for Mary Louise Mooney

Jeff was honored to be a part of the sweet funeral service for Mary on February 9th at First Baptist, Galena, KS.  The church was full which was a testimony of how many people Mary had touched over her 83 years of life!  We did enjoy the blessing of seeing all the Mooney family, many friends again from FBC, as well as many area churches, along with some of my extended family and friends along life's way.  Yes, he began his message telling many funny stories about Mary.😂 But then did share the gospel message that Mary believed and told many others about.  Jesus saves and we will live eternally with Him if we have Him in our hearts as our Savior!❤️

I am very sad that I didn't think to get a picture of Jeff and I with the family that day.😢

Please pray for Paul, Becky, Craig, Paula and all the family. They loved her well all their lives and especially cared for her so well these last few months during her health crisis. Mary leaves a big hole in all our hearts, but we are SO thankful that we have the assurance that there will be a grand reunion someday and that we will spend eternity together!!! ❤️🙏❤️  Praying for comfort, peace and wisdom for the Mooney family in the days ahead.

Mary was diagnosed with glioblastoma in June of 2025.  Such a difficult journey for anyone who has walked that path.  We, sadly, have known several.  We have a friend in our church today who is battling this same brain tumor/cancer.  Many of you will recall praying with us for our friend, Karen Meier, when she was diagnosed in 2010.  This is the post I wrote about Karen many years ago:

Swart Life: Karen's Story

I am so sorry for every person, every family who has had to walk this journey and/or any cancer journey/terminal illness💔

We have many friends who have recently lost their spouse in death.  Thankfully, for all of them, those spouses were believers and someday there will be a grand reunion🎉!  It does make me realize though that I need to be more grateful/thankful for each day Jeff and I have had together.  We never know when it may be the last day (here on Earth).  

Lord, I thank you for the treasured memories of Mary and the Mooney family.  Jeff will always consider Paul his "Father in the Ministry" and the contributing reason he has served the Lord all his adult life.  Thank you, Paul and thank you Mary for being my friend!!❤️