Mary Jennings Hallberg

Born in Eureka, California, on August 30, 1924, Mary Louise Hallberg lived a life of service to the Lord. Her early years were spent on the Hoopa Indian Reservation on the Klamath River where her parents served as missionaries to the Hoopa Indians. Life was interesting for Mary, her sister and her three brothers, living in a one-room cabin with no electricity or running water. In 1935, the family moved to more civilized arrangements in Denair, California, where Mary graduated from high school. Later, she attended Modesto Junior College, where she met her future husband, Chester Hallberg. After his service as a fighter pilot in WWII, they married in 1945.Their son Wayne was born in 1946 and Dean in 1950. After Chet graduated from Bob Jones University in 1956, the family moved back to California to begin their life of ministry together. While her husband pastored several churches, Mary served as church pianist for many years, was secretary for the church and its Christian school ministry, led music in Sunday School, taught Bible lessons, helped students with reading difficulties, headed up the church ladies’ ministry, and organized Christmas programs. In addition, she worked as a sales associate to help her sons with the cost of their college education at BJU. Mary’s kind and humble spirit characterized her entire life, even extending to her two years living at National Health Care. The staff constantly reminded the family of her grateful and uncomplaining demeanor. Their faithful care will always be remembered. Dr. Thomas Kendall and his wife Jan had a medical and spiritual ministry to Mary and Chet that will always be appreciated. The selfless provision of caregivers Leslie Higgs, Sarah Doherty, Tabitha Gambrell, and Susan Adams was invaluable in Mary’s later years at her home. Surviving to cherish her memory are: sons Wayne Hallberg and his wife Margie of Travelers Rest, SC, and Dean Hallberg and his wife Suzi of Taylors, SC; brother Paul Jennings of Modesto, CA; 7 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Along with her husband, Mary was predeceased by granddaughter Pamela Corinne Hallberg, sister Elizabeth Conroy, and brothers Ben and Mark Jennings. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at The Howze Mortuary Chapel. Memorials may be made to Hampton Park Baptist Church, 875 State Park Rd., Greenville, SC 29609. The service will be live streamed starting at 10:50 a.m. at www.facebook.com/thehowzemortuary To God be all honor, glory, and praise. I Corinthians 15:51-57 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Mary Jennings Hallberg

August 30, 1924 - November 16, 2021