Mamie Lee Jinwright

Mamie Lee Jinwright was born on January 28, 1923, to the late Ezekiel Powell and Essie Kinsey Powell. She was educated in f Washington County, Georgia school system. As an only child, she carried within her a deep desire to build a large family and leave a meaningful legacy in the world. Through God's grace, that desire was fulfilled, as she became the proud mother of eight, four sons and four daughters.

On May 31, 1947, she was united in holy matrimony to Governor Jinwright, and together they established a marriage that set the foundation for a loving home and family. They shared a lifelong bond and mutual respect that endured until his passing on February 20, 1996.

Mama Jinwright, aka "Big Ma" will be remembered as a devoted and disciplined mother who believed deeply in raising her children with structure, respect, and godly instruction. She was known for "teaching children to mind," instilling in them the values of obedience, honor, and responsibility. She lived by the principle of "training up a child in the way they should go", ensuring that her children were not only grounded in faith, but rooted in character and accountability.

She spent her life serving the Bibb County community with dedication. She worked in the kitchens of several local schools, including McEvoy Middle School, and later continued her calling as a cook at the Youth Development Center (YDC). Her heart for service extended far beyond her jobs. For many years, she volunteered as a Foster Grandparent at the Medical Center Children's Hospital, lovingly caring for newborns and young children. She continued this work until age 80, a true reflection of her compassion and steady devotion to others.

Her commitment to service extended deeply into her faith and church life. Mamie Lee was a devoted member of Community Church of God, where she faithfully served on the Usher Board. She later continued her service at Outreach Mission Church of God, where she again served on the Usher Board and rose to become President of the Mothers Board. In that role, she provided spiritual leadership, mentorship, and a godly example to generations of women.

When asked about the keys to her longevity, Mamie Lee often pointed not to luck, but to discipline and faith. She believed in putting God first, living right, and seeking forgiveness when one falls short. Her simple yet profound wisdom echoed in her words: "Do right-that's all you can do." She also valued her health, avoided unnecessary stress, maintained healthy eating habits, and believed strongly in proper rest, often reminding others, "When you rest well, you do well. " Above all, she instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of faith, encouraging them to "learn how to lean on Jesus." It was this steadfast faith that sustained her through every season of life.

Mamie Lee Jinwright was preceded in death by her parents, Ezekiel Powell and Essie Kinsey Powell; her beloved sons, Marvin "Punkin" Mitcham Jr. and Melvin Mitcham; a grandson Gregory D. Adams and her husband, Governor Jinwright.

Her loving memory will be cherished by her children, Maxine Brown, Theresa Hugley, Essie Arline, Alfred Jinwright (Pat), Joyce Jinwright Petties, and Rickey Taylor; a host of loving grandchildren, Marvin Mitcham III and Mark Mitcham, Wanda Anderson, Conchita B. Dunn (late Vernon III), Janet Brown, and Gidget Denmark (William),Trena Williams (Kendall), Brenda Hugley Hill (Wanzie), Oscar Hugley III (Paulette), and James Hugley (Vanessa, Mark Arline (Nicole), Lisa Carter (Mario), Rene McCluskey (late David, Brutetta Williams (Jarrett), Charlene Arline, Hilliard Calvin Arline IV (Charlotte), Quiana Jackson, Roslyn Monique Brown (late Sorrell), Hilliary Whipple (Jesse Jr.), Jarvis Arline (Isha), Alfred Hill Jr., LoTasha Brooks-Cotten (Teeo), Rosemary Stanley (Eric), Earnest Wright Jr., Jason Williams, Johna-Qae Jinwright, Tamia Taylor, Ricardo Bond, Anthony Taylor, Jerel Taylor, and Jasmine Taylor, and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, cousins, and friends, including a devoted & beloved friend, Debbie Dove, and her longtime Pastor Emeritus, Reverend James P. Jackson.

Mamie Lee Jinwright lived a life that reflected service, strength, and surrender to God. Her legacy is not only found in her years, but in the generations she shaped, the lives she touched, and the faith she passed down.

Today, we honor and celebrate her life, giving God thanks for her enduring impact, her unwavering love, and her powerful example of resilience and faith.

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