Mary Ellen Hariel Wentworth, age 87, of Prosperity, died Wednesday October 5, 2022 at the Columbia Community Hospice House.

Born May 1, 1935 in Sellers, MS, Mary was the third child of the late John Thornton and Mattie Seal Hariel. She was married for 69 years to Charles I. Wentworth.

The daughter of a farmer, whose concord grape nursery supplied vineyards in rural Mississippi, Mary grew up near the land and spent much time playing in the South Mississippi forests. In later years, she would guide friends and family through woods, identifying every plant by its common and scientific name. This fascination with plants led to lush gardens, known throughout her area. Her pole beans and tomatoes in particular were widely craved and generously shared.

In her early adult years of devotion to her faith, Mary taught Sunday School to elementary children and was much beloved for her contributions to her church. As a child of 6, she learned to sew and began making clothing when her feet could barely reach the pedals to pump the sewing machine. She used this skill for the rest of her life, creating clothing for herself and loved ones. Her natural talents as a cook, gardener, teacher and seamstress provided a wonderful home for her husband and children.

Mary is survived by her husband; a daughter, Ellen Hille of North Carolina; a son, Charles L. Wentworth of Columbia, SC, and 4 grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Smith and a brother John Leslie Hariel.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 9, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Whitaker Funeral Home in Newberry. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. A private burial will follow at Newberry Memorial Garden.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Memories and messages of condolence may be shared with the family at whitakerfuneralhome.com Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Wentworth Family.