Mary Conelia Troxler

Atlanta, GA — Mary Conelia Troxler, 80, passed peacefully on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, in the comfort of home. She was surrounded by family—Martha Brown, twin sister; Jennifer Brown, niece; Taylor Hendrickson, family friend turned adopted niece; and beloved family mini-goldendoodle, Bella Donna Brown.

Mary was born in Spartanburg, SC to Daniel Wayne and Katherene Greene Troxler. They moved 27 times across the South and East Coast, before retiring to Stuart, FL, where they lived for 20+ years. After the death of her father, Mary, along with her twin sister, Martha, and mother Katherene moved home to Spartanburg, SC where they lived again for 16 years. In 2021, Mary and Martha, moved to Atlanta, GA to be near Jennifer and Bella.

Mary was a special needs individual, with emphasis on the special! Despite having a number of challenges present since birth, Mary was an awesome, inspiring, and capable angel who continually overcame the hand she was dealt. Despite not being allowed to go to normal school back in the day, Mary was incredibly smart and would copy her sister’s homework to teach herself. She never learned to read, but would help prepare grocery lists, and later in life learned how to do word searches by matching up the letters.

Mary was a blessing to all who had the pleasure of knowing her and a gift from Jesus to her family. She loved with all of her heart and taught others how to laugh at themselves and show their love affectionately, making others want to be a better person.

Mary enjoyed food but was picky and not afraid to tell you if she didn’t like something! Ever a meticulous lover of order and schedules, she kept everyone on their toes with reminders of clothes in the washing machine, blinds to close and lights to turn off / on. She loved working puzzles, watching Disney and Peanuts (which she called Snoopy Doo) cartoons, playing “marbles” aka Chinese Checkers, going to the beach in Hilton Head, SC, and swimming.

Mary was a fighter, especially in recent years, struggling with mobility issues after undergoing three different hip surgeries, debilitating pain due to arthritis and fibromyalgia, and several digestive issues. Despite it all, she kept on going—smiling through it all—and encouraging her family to do the same and enjoy every moment together.

A visitation with family will be held on Friday, March 1st at 1pm at Petty Funeral Home in Landrum, SC, with a service honoring Mary’s extraordinary life to follow. All guests are asked to wear pink or purple—Mary’s favorite colors—in honor of her. Mary will be buried at Green Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, near her parents and surrounded by many generations of extended family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s name to any of the following organizations:

Your favorite local animal shelter; The Special Olympics; Capstone Hospice of Atlanta’s Fragile First Foundation.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Conelia Troxler, please visit our floral store.