Mary Lou Waggoner Mickey  of Lake Waccamaw passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at her home surrounded by family.

Mary was born in 1929 in Walkertown, NC, where she met and married her lifelong partner R. F. Mickey, Jr.  They enjoyed 59 years of marriage until RF's passing in 2008.  They were high school sweethearts, devoted parents, and committed community members together. In  her early years  Mary was an exceptional student, at  Mineral Springs High School, High Point College, and UNC-Charlotte.  She was  one of the inaugural teachers in 1975 for both the head start and home start programs in North Carolina. Mary and RF moved 17 times(as she proudly proclaimed) but settled happily in the Lake Waccamaw community for their later years. Mary was a member of Lake Waccamaw United Methodist church and held an unwavering and admirable faith that comforted her always.

Mary is survived by her son and daughter-in-law. Richard Franklin(Lin) Mickey III and Susan S. Mickey, and her two daughters, Susan E. Mickey and Patricia Lyerly. She had five grandchildren: Brynn Lyerly, and husband, Timo Autio, Chris Lyerly and wife, Kaylee Lyerly, Jonathan Mickey and wife, Daniela Mickey, Ben Mickey and wife, Britt Mickey, and Daniel Mickey and wife, Aubrey Mickey. Her legacy lives on in nine beautiful great grandchildren from the above families; Lumi, Alexander, Georgia, James, Reid, Cora, Margot, Matilda, and Ava.  Mary lived a full, independent and joyful life reminding us of the precious nature of our time together with family, community, and faith.

At her request, there will be a private graveside service with family only. Mary was a proponent of education and an avid reader always valuing the presence of the library in the community. In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to support the Rube McCray Library at 301 Flemington Drive Lake Waccamaw, N.C.  28450

Burial will be in the Lake Waccamaw Hillcrest Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockfuneralhome.net