Oneida Mahaffey

Easley, SC

Mary Oneida Mahaffey, age 91, passed away on September 8, 2024. Oneida was born on December 21, 1932, in Six Mile, South Carolina to William Lester Dodson and Inez Dodson. Oneida married Jack Mahaffey on May 16, 1953, in Liberty, South Carolina. The couple had three sons: Phillip, Mark, and Stephen. In 1966, the family moved to Thailand where Jack and Oneida served as Southern Baptist missionaries. They were stationed in Bangkok, Pattalung, and Hat Yai. Jack worked as an evangelist and a pastor while Oneida, an equal partner in the mission cause, worked as a homemaker, taught English as a second language, and home schooled their two younger sons.

Oneida was a woman of deep religious faith, a loving and caring nature, and a strong sense of fairness. She was an excellent cook who learned to make many Thai dishes, including massaman curry and beef with oyster sauce. She baked her own bread for many years. She loved to read, especially romance novels. One of her favorite music groups was the Tijuana Brass. One of her favorite films was Gone with the Wind. She enjoyed watching Clemson University football games, especially when the Tigers won.

She was preceded in death by William Lester Dodson (father), Inez Dodson (mother), Lera Davis (aunt), Ray Dodson (brother), and Stephen Mahaffey (son).

She is survived by Jack Mahaffey (husband), Fred Dodson (brother), Phillip Mahaffey (son), Mark Mahaffey (son), Karen Weber Mahaffey (daughter-in-law), Rebecca Mahaffey (granddaughter), Destinee Mahaffey Merritt (granddaughter), and Ryan Merritt (grandson-in-law).

A private graveside service will be held for the family at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Pickens, South Carolina.

A memorial service for Oneida will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 12 noon at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, 4174 Dacusville Highway, Easley, South Carolina. The Reverend Gerald Martin will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the International Mission Board’s Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. (www.imb.org, “Give Now”)

You may share a memory and send condolences to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

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