Mary Louise Mooney, 83, of Joplin, Mo., passed away Feb. 4. She was the wife of Paul Mooney, longtime BMA pastor, and a member of First Baptist Church in Galena, Kan.
She graduated from Galena High School and, on June 25, 1960, married her high school sweetheart, Paul Olin Mooney.
Following her husband’s surrender to the gospel ministry in 1970, Mary faithfully served alongside him throughout his years of pastoral and missionary service within the BMA of America. During their ministry together, they served churches and mission works in Kansas, Mississippi, and Missouri, including years of interstate missionary service with the BMA of America, during which Bethel Baptist Church in Pittsburg, Kansas, was established and later organized as Meadowside Baptist Church in 1976. He also pastored Lebanon Baptist Church in Laurel, Miss., Heritage Baptist Church in Nevada, Mo., and First Baptist Church in Galena.
Mary was a steady and faithful presence in the life of the local church, supporting her husband’s ministry through hospitality, encouragement, and consistent service, and teaching Sunday school, particularly to young children. Her quiet faithfulness reflected a lifelong commitment to Christ and to His churches.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Paul Mooney; two daughters, Rebecca Polok of Galena and Paula (Lee) Harwell of Joplin; one son, Craig (Angela) Mooney of Orlando, Fla.; a sister, Joyce (Deryl) Herren; a brother, Dean Keyser; 10 grandchildren, including Aaron (Jenae) Polok, the current pastor of First Baptist Church in Galena, and editor of the Baptist Herald; and 15 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life was held Feb. 9 at First Baptist Church in Galena with burial at Hillcrest Cemetery in Galena. Arrangements by Derfelt Funeral Homes (derfeltfuneralhomes.com).
The family requests that memorials be made to First Baptist Church, Galena.
