Mamie Elizabeth Lynah

The life of Mamie Elizabeth Simmons Lynah cannot be summarized in written words. Throughout her life, Sis. Lynah left her mark on many people’s hearts and on their civic and religious endeavors. The faith, hope and love she exhibited in her service to God and mankind are flames that will glow through eternity.

Mamie Elizabeth Simmons Lynah, daughter of the late Phillip Simmons and Felicia Williams Simmons, born July 4, 1937, departed this life April 17, 2025 surrounded by her children and other family members.

EDUCATION

Mamie graduated from the Colleton Training School in Walterboro, South Carolina and received an associate degree in mathematics from Mather Junior College in Beaufort, South Carolina. She expanded her education pursuit by completing continuing education programs at Charleston Southern University, the College of Charleston, and South Carolina State University.

LIFE AND SERVICE TO GOD AND COMMUNITY

Sis. Lynah was dedicated, dynamic, and very talented. Countless persons have been touched and shaped by her devotion and service. She was an outstanding member in her church and community. Actually, she was a community icon. If you needed your Taxes prepared, something notarized, forms filled out, or clarity on something you did not understand, -“J-C-M” -  Just Call Mamie.

Mamie was employed with the Lowcountry Community Action Agency Head Start Program since its inception in the 1960’s. She became the  Disability/Mental Health Coordinator with the Head Start Program and held numerous other positions with the Head Start Program including bus driver, nutrition coordinator, social service coordinator and health coordinator.

A Senate Resolution, sponsored by Senator McKinley Washington, was presented to Mrs. Lynah on April 19, 1997, to recognize and commend her for outstanding service to the Head Start Program.

Mamie was very active in numerous community organizations of Colleton County. She held leadership positions on the Board of Voter Registration and Elections, Community Action Advisory Board, First Steps, Sea Island Health Care Advisory Board, National Council of Negro Women, the American Red Cross, the NAACP, and the Democratic Party where she organized many voter registration drives, and served as financial director for Senate District 45.

A Christian testimony was evident in the life of Sis. Lynah. At an early age she joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Walterboro, South Carolina. After her marriage and move to Cottageville, South Carolina, she became a member of Jericho United Methodist Church. Her leadership skills were impeccable. She held numerous positions of leadership  in her church, locally, district and conference level. She was a Certified Lay Servant, Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher, President of Jericho Women in Faith, served as chairperson of Worship, the Pastor Parish Relations Committee, the  Older Adult Ministry, the Nomination committee, the Nurture Committee, Finance committee and the Gold Cross committee. Sis. Lynah was especially proud of her position as Worthy Matron of the Pride of Walterboro Eastern Stars, Chapter #189.

Mamie was preceded in death by her husband Christopher Lynah, Jr.; a son Gregory Lynah; a daughter, Darlene Denease Lynah; three brothers, Tommy Simmons, Lee Williams and Freddie Williams; two sisters, Barbara Ann Folk and Lutricia Moore.

Mamie leaves to cherish fond and loving memories, her children, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Phillip Lynah, Sr. (Jacqualine), of Clinton, Maryland, Christine Lynah-Golden (Clifton), of Cottageville, South Carolina, Douglas Lynah (Donna) of Ridgeland, South Carolina, Hillie Lynah, Sr. (Latoya) of Walterboro, South Carolina; Granddaughters, Felicia Golden, Ashley Lynah, Chavaughn Geathers (Frankie), Alexis Lynah, and Moire Grimes; Grandsons, Phillip Lynah, Jr., Gregory Lynah, Sterling Grimes, Clifton Golden, Jr., Ray Gaskins (Shontay), Christopher Lynah, Sr. (Tyra), Antonio Lynah, Christopher D. Lynah, Nicholas Lynah, Hillie Magwood, Samuel Lynah, and Hillie Lynah, Jr.; seventeen Great-Grandchildren; one aunt, Clara Williams of Walterboro, South Carolina; Sisters-in-law, Lottie Mae Coleman, of Athens, Georgia and Margie Williams of Savannah, Georgia and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Special to her heart, LaRue Lynah Johnson, Angela Lynah Capers, David Williams, Latisha Gethers, Tevin Pelzer, Kimberly White-Footman, and Laquinn Singleton and Eartha Pinkney.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mamie Elizabeth Lynah, please visit our floral store.