Marie Chesser Lawrence Rightmire, age 92, passed away peacefully at her home in Hollister on Saturday, July 2, 2022.
She was preceded in death by her three sons, Larry, Kelly, and Kevin Lawrence, and her late husband, John Edward Rightmire. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Marie is also survived by her beloved friend Doug Lewis, who was by her side in her later years, and was a constant source of love and support.
Marie was a native of Hollister. She gave her heart to Jesus at age 12 in the Sardis Baptist Church of Hollister, and served Him faithfully her entire life. She was a woman of great faith, a mother and friend to all who knew her.
After graduating from Mellon High School in 1946, she graduated from Massey Business College with both Accounting and Executive Secretary degrees. She married, and worked for the Social Security Administration for 6 years before starting her family. She then worked for 12 years for Hudson Pulp & Paper and Georgia Pacific. She ended her work career at St. Johns River Water Management District, where she worked for 11 years, before retiring at the age of 63.
Marie endured terrible heartbreak after suffering the loss of her 3 sons, all at early ages. Her advice for surviving and overcoming life’s trials is to read God’s word faithfully every day for nourishment, just as you eat food to survive.
Services celebrating Marie’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka with Dr. L.D. Osteen officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 AM until time of services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Interlachen, 115 N County Road 315, Interlachen, FL 32148.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Marie’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.