On January 6, 2020, surrounded by her family, Mary Grace Whitten Bozeman passed away after having waged a courageous battle against ovarian cancer for eighteen months. Her life was remarkable not for deeds, which were many, but for the way she loved and was loved. Her life was a reflection of God love.Mary Grace was born on February 5, 1959, to R.C. and Dorothy Dillon Whitten in Monroe, Louisiana. Mary Grace was named for her grandmothers, Mary Elizabeth (Mae) McKoin Dillon of Jones, Louisiana and Gracie Dunn Whitten of Grayson, Louisiana, both whom she dearly loved. While her name was a unique connection to her heritage, it also described her nature which was ever gracious.During her illness, Mary Grace exhibited amazing courage and resilience in the face of an incurable disease. From the day of her diagnosis until her passing, she enjoyed an internal peace that surpasses the world understanding. Her faith in Christ never wavered despite undergoing numerous surgeries, experimental treatment, and countless rounds of chemotherapy. Though cancer claimed Mary Grace physical body, it never touched her spirit which remained undaunted.Mary Grace was blessed to have been born into a loving and supportive family. From an early age, she was independent and strong-willed. These qualities served her well throughout her life, but for those who knew her, she would best be described as loving, caring, and kind. Her childhood and youth were filled with accomplishments in every endeavor she pursued. From academic honors, to winning awards in 4-H for sewing, cooking, and even showing livestock, to being a drum majorette for the Neville High School Band, Mary Grace achieved excellence in all aspects of her life. The role, however, she enjoyed most in her growing years and which she continued to embrace until she entered Heaven was being a big sister to her beloved siblings Connie Whitten Chelette and Conrad Whitten.Mary Grace was an honor graduate of Neville High School. She received her bachelor degree from Northeast Louisiana University (now University of Louisiana at Monroe), and her master degree in social work from Louisiana State University.For over thirty years, Mary Grace worked as a licensed clinical social worker. Her career began at E.A. Conway Hospital in Monroe, continued on at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas, and with the Franklin Parish School System. Lastly, for almost twenty-five years she worked as an independent medical social worker for home health agencies in North Louisiana. Mary Grace devotion to her work was best exemplified by routinely caring for patients in between her receiving rounds of chemotherapy. The joy she experienced from helping others during her cancer battle was often the most effective treatment she received. Countless lives were positively impacted by Mary Grace skillful and compassionate care.Mary Grace professional success was secondary to her commitment to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her family. For thirty-nine years, Mary Grace and her husband Bob, whom she lovingly called Robert J., enjoyed a life together filled with love and was marked by a lasting devotion to one another. Mary Grace captivated Bob heart with her external and internal beauty which was never diminished. As Bob acknowledges, he overachieved in having Mary Grace as his wife. Of their marriage, two precious daughters were born: Heather Katherine Bozeman Lensing of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Molly Louise Bozeman of Greenville, South Carolina. They were her joy. She thanked God every day for them, loved them unconditionally, and was pleased beyond measure to see them become women who are wholly devoted to Christ. Words are inadequate to describe the depth of love and admiration Bob, Heather, and Molly have for their Mary Grace. Mary Grace spirit will live with each of them for eternity.Mary Grace involvement within her church, North Monroe Baptist Church (NMBC), and participation in other charitable and social organizations was extensive. She was actively involved in NMBC Women Ministry. She served on numerous committees at NMBC, taught Sunday School, served as a Life Group leader, and participated in mission trips to Ukraine. Beyond NMBC, she was a participant in Bible Study Fellowship and the Northeast Louisiana Cancer Prayer Support Group. Mary Grace served for many years as a mentor at Jack Hayes Elementary School in Monroe as part of the Kids Hope USA initiative and she was actively engaged in the Louisiana Baptist Children Home ministry. She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, the Junior League of Monroe, and the Monroe Garden Club. She was a supporter of MedCamps of Louisiana, an honorary alum of Baylor University, co-founder of the Baylor Parents League of Northeast Louisiana, and a Kappa Delta Sorority (Delta Zeta Chapter) alum.Mary Grace was preceded in death by her parents and by Bob parents, Charlie and Katherine Bozeman. She leaves her husband, Bob, her daughter Heather Bozeman Lensing (John), daughter Molly Bozeman, her sister Connie Chelette (Benny), her brother Conrad Whitten, her niece Morgan Chelette Bristo (Braden), her uncle Jimmy Dillon, cousins Harold Blue (Jean), Steve Dillon (Catherine), Melanie Dillon Long (Lenny), Melinda Dillon Gorman (Cecil), her sister-in-law, Caroline Bozeman Phillips, her nephews Brad Phillips (Audrey) and Chad Phillips, numerous other cousins, and many friends.A celebration of Mary Grace life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2020, at North Monroe Baptist Church with Dr. Bill Dye and Rev. Terry Hughes officiating. Burial will follow at Kilpatrick Serenity Gardens Cemetery in West Monroe. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 9, 2020, from 5 to 7 p.m. at North Monroe Baptist Church. Honoring Mary Grace as pallbearers will be members of her NMBC Life Group Class. Honorary pallbearers are Conrad Whitten, Benny Chelette, John Lensing, Taylor Goodwin, Harold Blue, Steve Dillon, Lenny Long, John Long, Brad Phillips, Chad Phillips, Dr. Tom Gullatt, Steve Gullatt, Mike Breard, and Cam Smith.Thanks are extended to Drs. Kerry Anders, Scott Barron, Tom Gullatt, and P. Gary Jones for the guidance and care they provided our beloved Mary Grace during her cancer battle. Special thanks go to the nurses and staff at Monroe Surgical Hospital for the care they provided during the days preceding Mary Grace entry into Heaven.Memorial donations may be made to North Monroe Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, Louisiana Baptist Children Home, or MedCamps of Louisiana.
On January 6, 2020, surrounded by her family, Mary Grace Whitten Bozeman passed away after having waged a courageous battle against ovarian cancer for eighteen months. Her life was remarkable not for deeds, which were many, but for the way she loved and was loved. Her life was a reflection of God love.Mary Grace wasContinue Reading
On January 6, 2020, surrounded by her family, Mary Grace Whitten Bozeman passed away after having waged a courageous battle against ovarian cancer for eighteen months. Her life was remarkable not for deeds, which were many, but for the way she loved and was loved. Her life was a reflection of God love.Mary Grace was born on February 5, 1959, to R.C. and Dorothy Dillon Whitten in Monroe, Louisiana. Mary Grace was named for her grandmothers, Mary Elizabeth (Mae) McKoin Dillon of Jones, Louisiana and Gracie Dunn Whitten of Grayson, Louisiana, both whom she dearly loved. While her name was a unique connection to her heritage, it also described her nature which was ever gracious.During her illness, Mary Grace exhibited amazing courage and resilience in the face of an incurable disease. From the day of her diagnosis until her passing, she enjoyed an internal peace that surpasses the world understanding. Her faith in Christ never wavered despite undergoing numerous surgeries, experimental treatment, and countless rounds of chemotherapy. Though cancer claimed Mary Grace physical body, it never touched her spirit which remained undaunted.Mary Grace was blessed to have been born into a loving and supportive family. From an early age, she was independent and strong-willed. These qualities served her well throughout her life, but for those who knew her, she would best be described as loving, caring, and kind. Her childhood and youth were filled with accomplishments in every endeavor she pursued. From academic honors, to winning awards in 4-H for sewing, cooking, and even showing livestock, to being a drum majorette for the Neville High School Band, Mary Grace achieved excellence in all aspects of her life. The role, however, she enjoyed most in her growing years and which she continued to embrace until she entered Heaven was being a big sister to her beloved siblings Connie Whitten Chelette and Conrad Whitten.Mary Grace was an honor graduate of Neville High School. She received her bachelor degree from Northeast Louisiana University (now University of Louisiana at Monroe), and her master degree in social work from Louisiana State University.For over thirty years, Mary Grace worked as a licensed clinical social worker. Her career began at E.A. Conway Hospital in Monroe, continued on at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas, and with the Franklin Parish School System. Lastly, for almost twenty-five years she worked as an independent medical social worker for home health agencies in North Louisiana. Mary Grace devotion to her work was best exemplified by routinely caring for patients in between her receiving rounds of chemotherapy. The joy she experienced from helping others during her cancer battle was often the most effective treatment she received. Countless lives were positively impacted by Mary Grace skillful and compassionate care.Mary Grace professional success was secondary to her commitment to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her family. For thirty-nine years, Mary Grace and her husband Bob, whom she lovingly called Robert J., enjoyed a life together filled with love and was marked by a lasting devotion to one another. Mary Grace captivated Bob heart with her external and internal beauty which was never diminished. As Bob acknowledges, he overachieved in having Mary Grace as his wife. Of their marriage, two precious daughters were born: Heather Katherine Bozeman Lensing of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Molly Louise Bozeman of Greenville, South Carolina. They were her joy. She thanked God every day for them, loved them unconditionally, and was pleased beyond measure to see them become women who are wholly devoted to Christ. Words are inadequate to describe the depth of love and admiration Bob, Heather, and Molly have for their Mary Grace. Mary Grace spirit will live with each of them for eternity.Mary Grace involvement within her church, North Monroe Baptist Church (NMBC), and participation in other charitable and social organizations was extensive. She was actively involved in NMBC Women Ministry. She served on numerous committees at NMBC, taught Sunday School, served as a Life Group leader, and participated in mission trips to Ukraine. Beyond NMBC, she was a participant in Bible Study Fellowship and the Northeast Louisiana Cancer Prayer Support Group. Mary Grace served for many years as a mentor at Jack Hayes Elementary School in Monroe as part of the Kids Hope USA initiative and she was actively engaged in the Louisiana Baptist Children Home ministry. She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, the Junior League of Monroe, and the Monroe Garden Club. She was a supporter of MedCamps of Louisiana, an honorary alum of Baylor University, co-founder of the Baylor Parents League of Northeast Louisiana, and a Kappa Delta Sorority (Delta Zeta Chapter) alum.Mary Grace was preceded in death by her parents and by Bob parents, Charlie and Katherine Bozeman. She leaves her husband, Bob, her daughter Heather Bozeman Lensing (John), daughter Molly Bozeman, her sister Connie Chelette (Benny), her brother Conrad Whitten, her niece Morgan Chelette Bristo (Braden), her uncle Jimmy Dillon, cousins Harold Blue (Jean), Steve Dillon (Catherine), Melanie Dillon Long (Lenny), Melinda Dillon Gorman (Cecil), her sister-in-law, Caroline Bozeman Phillips, her nephews Brad Phillips (Audrey) and Chad Phillips, numerous other cousins, and many friends.A celebration of Mary Grace life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2020, at North Monroe Baptist Church with Dr. Bill Dye and Rev. Terry Hughes officiating. Burial will follow at Kilpatrick Serenity Gardens Cemetery in West Monroe. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 9, 2020, from 5 to 7 p.m. at North Monroe Baptist Church. Honoring Mary Grace as pallbearers will be members of her NMBC Life Group Class. Honorary pallbearers are Conrad Whitten, Benny Chelette, John Lensing, Taylor Goodwin, Harold Blue, Steve Dillon, Lenny Long, John Long, Brad Phillips, Chad Phillips, Dr. Tom Gullatt, Steve Gullatt, Mike Breard, and Cam Smith.Thanks are extended to Drs. Kerry Anders, Scott Barron, Tom Gullatt, and P. Gary Jones for the guidance and care they provided our beloved Mary Grace during her cancer battle. Special thanks go to the nurses and staff at Monroe Surgical Hospital for the care they provided during the days preceding Mary Grace entry into Heaven.Memorial donations may be made to North Monroe Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, Louisiana Baptist Children Home, or MedCamps of Louisiana.
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Steve Mintz left a message on January 17, 2020:
My condolences.
Donna Barham left a message on January 10, 2020:
Prayers for Mary Grace's family. She was such a sweet and caring person and made a impact on everyone she met. She was An angel on earth and is now in her Heavenly home
Susan Johnson Reeks left a message on January 10, 2020:
I was a freshman in the Neville Band when Mary Grace was drum major. She was a wonderful leader and a really sweet person. In fact the whole family was so kind to me. Connie, I am so sorry to hear this. My husband Stuart and his brothers actually went to school with Bobby. We are all so connected in this world. You are all in my prayers. -- Susan Johnson Reeks, Class of '80
Nancy Mack left a message on January 10, 2020:
I was so saddened to hear about the homegoing of Mary Grace. I worked with her at E. A. Conway Hospital and will always remember her sweet sweet spirit when caring for her patient's needs. Early in her Social Service career she blessed so many. Years later when I met her daughter I saw that same spirit exhibited. Let the Words of God comfort you at this time. "To be absent from the Lord is to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8.
margaret minette burt left a message on January 9, 2020:
I am so sorry for your loss. Mary Grace was such a sweet and gracious lady.My prayers go out to you all.
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Jamie Lynch left a message on January 9, 2020:
Bob, I'm so sorry to hear about Mary Grace's passing. I know she was loved deeply by you. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Linda Hart-Berkemeyer left a message on January 9, 2020:
Bob, I was so sorry to hear about Mary Grace. She was always a perfect example of her name- full of grace- during the years I knew her through the law firm. I pray for peace for you and your daughters.
Reba ONeal left a message on January 9, 2020:
I am so sorry to hear about Mary Grace, but I know heaven received another angel. She was always so sweet and gracious to our children from the Childrens Home. Such patience and understanding and love. Prayers for you Bob and the girls!!!!
CML left a message on January 8, 2020:
I’ve met some tough cookies in my life but MG was one of the toughest! She was toughest of all when in came to her devotion and love for Jesus Christ and Bob, Heather and Mollie. Nobody handled adversity with the strength and faith that she did. May the perpetual light always shine upon her.
Marie Carr Fox left a message on January 8, 2020:
I have been away for many years but have such beautiful memories of Mary Grace and her friendship. Her Christian example was truly a testimony of her love for God and how she lived her life. She has made a positive impact on the lives she has touched. My prayers for Bob, the girls, and all of her family as they go forward in this life learning how to live without her earthly presence but holding strong to her spiritual presence in your hearts.❤️
Carol Thomas Phillips left a message on January 8, 2020:
A beautiful, classy lady. She loved life and her family. We were neighbors growing up and I would keep Mary Grace, Connie and Conrad on occasion. My heartfelt prayers to all her family.
Mike McInnis left a message on January 8, 2020:
I knew Mary Grace for only a short while through the Northeast Louisiana Cancer Prayer Support Group. She had a sweet smile and was such a good friend to my wife Margaret who passed away last Friday after a 7-year battle with ovarian cancer. They drew strength from each other, and I have no doubt they are rejoicing together in the presence of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! I feel blessed to have known her.
Jenifer Schaye left a message on January 8, 2020:
Mary Grace witnessed to what Life really is! May she continue to lift all of us so that we can follow the Lord Jesus as she did.
Betty Jo Harris left a message on January 8, 2020:
I am so very sorry. Mary Grace was a lovely lady
Bonnie Criwe left a message on January 8, 2020:
Mary Grace was a very special person to all of us. She will be missed especially by her friends, coworkers and family. She was a great influence in so many young Christians lives. A real friend to me and I will surely miss her
Wende Bruce left a message on January 8, 2020:
Mary Grace was a remarkable lady that will truly be missed! My life and the lives of our patients at Haven Home Health are better because we knew her. I know our creator welcomed her into His arms and said, “Well done thy good and faithful servant”. Her husband, daughters, and all the family are in our prayers.
Sara Carr left a message on January 8, 2020:
Mrs. Mary Grace was a guiding force in my life as a young Christian. She was always a true example of what it meant to walk in the way of the Lord. Her influence and kindness is one that truly exuded her love of Christ. I know she was welcomed into heaven by our creator. Praying dearly for the family. I am better because I knew her.
Marilyn Duke left a message on January 7, 2020:
This news breaks my heart! Mrs. Mary was absolutely one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met! I am so sorry for the loss of this precious lady!!! You all will be in my prayers for God’s peace and comfort! I’m just so sorry!!!
Debbie Matheny Ward left a message on January 7, 2020:
I have such sweet memories of Mary Grace when she came up to Jones to see her grandparents. We played together some when she was up there. Such a warm and friendly lady. Heaven has gained a special lady.
Donna Lensing left a message on January 7, 2020:
What a lady!!!thank you for loving my son like he was one of your own. What a brave battle you fought. May the angels lead you into Paradise and may you have Eternal Rest. Love you, MG
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Tammy Esswein left a message on January 7, 2020:
Praying for the family. What a beautiful person Mary Grace was, inside and out. Blessed to have met her.
Sandra Hogan left a message on January 7, 2020:
My deepest condolences on the death of your loved one. Mary Grace was a remarkable woman and will be sorely missed.
Rosemarie Lewis left a message on January 7, 2020:
You’re in my thoughts, my heart, and my prayers. May God’s love make you grief bearable.
Kilpatrick Funeral Homes left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Steve Mintz left a message on January 17, 2020:
My condolences.
Donna Barham left a message on January 10, 2020:
Prayers for Mary Grace's family. She was such a sweet and caring person and made a impact on everyone she met. She was An angel on earth and is now in her Heavenly home
Susan Johnson Reeks left a message on January 10, 2020:
I was a freshman in the Neville Band when Mary Grace was drum major. She was a wonderful leader and a really sweet person. In fact the whole family was so kind to me. Connie, I am so sorry to hear this. My husband Stuart and his brothers actually went to school with Bobby. We are all so connected in this world. You are all in my prayers. -- Susan Johnson Reeks, Class of '80
Nancy Mack left a message on January 10, 2020:
I was so saddened to hear about the homegoing of Mary Grace. I worked with her at E. A. Conway Hospital and will always remember her sweet sweet spirit when caring for her patient's needs. Early in her Social Service career she blessed so many. Years later when I met her daughter I saw that same spirit exhibited. Let the Words of God comfort you at this time. "To be absent from the Lord is to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8.
margaret minette burt left a message on January 9, 2020:
I am so sorry for your loss. Mary Grace was such a sweet and gracious lady.My prayers go out to you all.
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Jamie Lynch left a message on January 9, 2020:
Bob, I'm so sorry to hear about Mary Grace's passing. I know she was loved deeply by you. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Linda Hart-Berkemeyer left a message on January 9, 2020:
Bob, I was so sorry to hear about Mary Grace. She was always a perfect example of her name- full of grace- during the years I knew her through the law firm. I pray for peace for you and your daughters.
Reba ONeal left a message on January 9, 2020:
I am so sorry to hear about Mary Grace, but I know heaven received another angel. She was always so sweet and gracious to our children from the Childrens Home. Such patience and understanding and love. Prayers for you Bob and the girls!!!!
CML left a message on January 8, 2020:
I’ve met some tough cookies in my life but MG was one of the toughest! She was toughest of all when in came to her devotion and love for Jesus Christ and Bob, Heather and Mollie. Nobody handled adversity with the strength and faith that she did. May the perpetual light always shine upon her.
Marie Carr Fox left a message on January 8, 2020:
I have been away for many years but have such beautiful memories of Mary Grace and her friendship. Her Christian example was truly a testimony of her love for God and how she lived her life. She has made a positive impact on the lives she has touched. My prayers for Bob, the girls, and all of her family as they go forward in this life learning how to live without her earthly presence but holding strong to her spiritual presence in your hearts.❤️
Carol Thomas Phillips left a message on January 8, 2020:
A beautiful, classy lady. She loved life and her family. We were neighbors growing up and I would keep Mary Grace, Connie and Conrad on occasion. My heartfelt prayers to all her family.
Mike McInnis left a message on January 8, 2020:
I knew Mary Grace for only a short while through the Northeast Louisiana Cancer Prayer Support Group. She had a sweet smile and was such a good friend to my wife Margaret who passed away last Friday after a 7-year battle with ovarian cancer. They drew strength from each other, and I have no doubt they are rejoicing together in the presence of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! I feel blessed to have known her.
Jenifer Schaye left a message on January 8, 2020:
Mary Grace witnessed to what Life really is! May she continue to lift all of us so that we can follow the Lord Jesus as she did.
Betty Jo Harris left a message on January 8, 2020:
I am so very sorry. Mary Grace was a lovely lady
Bonnie Criwe left a message on January 8, 2020:
Mary Grace was a very special person to all of us. She will be missed especially by her friends, coworkers and family. She was a great influence in so many young Christians lives. A real friend to me and I will surely miss her
Wende Bruce left a message on January 8, 2020:
Mary Grace was a remarkable lady that will truly be missed! My life and the lives of our patients at Haven Home Health are better because we knew her. I know our creator welcomed her into His arms and said, “Well done thy good and faithful servant”. Her husband, daughters, and all the family are in our prayers.
Sara Carr left a message on January 8, 2020:
Mrs. Mary Grace was a guiding force in my life as a young Christian. She was always a true example of what it meant to walk in the way of the Lord. Her influence and kindness is one that truly exuded her love of Christ. I know she was welcomed into heaven by our creator. Praying dearly for the family. I am better because I knew her.
Marilyn Duke left a message on January 7, 2020:
This news breaks my heart! Mrs. Mary was absolutely one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met! I am so sorry for the loss of this precious lady!!! You all will be in my prayers for God’s peace and comfort! I’m just so sorry!!!
Debbie Matheny Ward left a message on January 7, 2020:
I have such sweet memories of Mary Grace when she came up to Jones to see her grandparents. We played together some when she was up there. Such a warm and friendly lady. Heaven has gained a special lady.
Donna Lensing left a message on January 7, 2020:
What a lady!!!thank you for loving my son like he was one of your own. What a brave battle you fought. May the angels lead you into Paradise and may you have Eternal Rest. Love you, MG
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Tammy Esswein left a message on January 7, 2020:
Praying for the family. What a beautiful person Mary Grace was, inside and out. Blessed to have met her.
Sandra Hogan left a message on January 7, 2020:
My deepest condolences on the death of your loved one. Mary Grace was a remarkable woman and will be sorely missed.
Rosemarie Lewis left a message on January 7, 2020:
You’re in my thoughts, my heart, and my prayers. May God’s love make you grief bearable.
Kilpatrick Funeral Homes left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.