Mary Nelson Rawlinson

Mrs. Mary Nelson Rawlinson, 80, of 225 Roddey St. Rock Hill, Suth Carolina departed this life on October 28, 2025, at Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House. Mary was born on November 9, 1944, in Rock Hill, SC to the late Willie and Edna Mae Nelson.

Mary attended Emmett Scott High School and Friendship College. She worked in the New Born Nursery at York General Hospital and Piedmont Medical Center for 30 years. Mary also owned and operated an in-home daycare for 25 years. She had a special gift with children, and she impacted the lives of many. Resilient, courageous, determined, unbreakable, fearless, loving, and purposeful are just a few words to explain the qualities and traits of Mary Nelson Rawlinson. After retirement, Mary traveled and spent quality time with family and friends. “She loved to GO!”

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Rawlinson, Sr., four brothers, Willie Jackson, Hugh Nelson, Willie Nelson, Jr., and Robert Nelson; one sister, Carrie Foster, two granddaughters, Tykia Nelson, and Jayla Nelson.

She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory, one daughter, Teresa Nichols of Rock Hill, SC; seven sons; Melvin (Michelle) Nelson of York, SC, Joey Nelson of Charlotte, NC, Aries Nelson, Vernon Nelson both of Rock Hill, SC, Tony Nelson of Hawaii, blessed by marriage; Eddie (Djuano) Rawlinson and Thomas (Gwen) Rawlinson, Jr.; twenty-four grandchildren, thirty-four great-grandchildren; one brother, Eddie Woods of Spartanburg, SC; two sisters, Elizabeth (MacArthur) Feaster of Chester, SC, Ilene Woods of Spartanburg, SC’ two sisters-in-law, Wanda Sirmirel and Ethel J. Rawlinson both of York, SC; one brother-in-law, John Rawlinson of York, SC; a special friend/caregiver, Nancy Glenn; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.