Mary Joyce Dobbins, 83, transitioned from this life on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at her residence. She was born on July 18, 1942, in Marietta, Georgia to the late John E. Brown and Frances Nelson Knott. Mary was a faithful member of the Jehovah’s Witness Congregation. Her goal in life was to reach as many people as she could and tell them about Jehovah’s Kingdom.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Nathaniel Dobbins Sr.; parents, John E. Brown and Frances Nelson Brown Knott; and her son, Derrick Carnell Dobbins.

She was educated in the Lincoln County School System. Mary later went on to become a local school bus driver as well as a domestic worker. She enjoyed mowing her lawn and planting various types of flowers. Mary was a loving wife, neighbor, and a good friend to all who knew her.

On July 19, 1962, she was united in holy matrimony to Nathaniel Dobbins Sr. and to this union were born two children, Nathaniel (Wendy) Dobbins Jr. and Derrick Carnell (Dorothy) Dobbins.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Nathaniel (Windy) Dobbins Jr. of Fayetteville, Tennessee; sister, Linda Faye Washington of Meridianville, Alabama; bonus daughters, Anita High of Fayetteville, Tennessee, and Sarah Ann (McCloud) Luper of Texas; five grandchildren;10 great-grandchildren; very special friends, Jackie Smith, Connie Buchanan and Mattie Edmiston; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Homegoing services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in the chapel of Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home with eulogy by Elisha Kusen.

Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mary Joyce Dobbins.