Mary Jane (Bookman) Hair

MARY’S JOURNEY

Mary Jane Bookman Hair’s journey began on May 22, 1935, in Prosperity, South Carolina, when she was born to the late Lemuel Bookman, Sr. and the late Janet Lindsay Bookman.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Raymond Hair; three (3) brothers, Fred Bookman, Lemuel Bookman, Jr. and Rev. Larry Bookman; three (3) sisters, Dorothy Mae Bookman Wheeler, Myrtle Bookman Holman, and Bessie Mae Chandler-Williamson.

Mary joined Mt. Moriah A.M.E. Church in Prosperity, South Carolina at an early age. 

Mary was educated in the public schools of Newberry County.  She began her career working in the fields where she would pick over 500 lbs. of cotton like there was nothing to it.  She later became a housekeeper where she cleaned houses.

Mary was kind, loyal, humble, family woman, a loving sister and the best aunt, and friend.  She treated her younger brother James as if he was her son whom she had a close relationship with.  She would not hesitate to feed anyone who was hungry.  Mary loved fishing, cooking on the grill, gardening where she grew her own vegetables, canning, selling items at the local Jockey Lot, traveling with her late companion, and cooking homemade meals.  She loved dressing up and her favorite color was red.  Mary married later in life at the age of 65 and on June 14, 2019, at the age of 84 said she loved being married and that she would not hesitate to do it again.    

Mary Jane Bookman Hair’s journey ended peacefully on the morning of July 28, 2025, at Prisma Health Richland Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina with God right by her side.  Her memory will be cherished by her sisters whom she loved dearly, Annette Bookman Abney, and Betty Joe Bookman Wilson all of Prosperity, South Carolina; a loving and devoted brother James Edward Bookman (Ada) of Newberry, South Carolina; one sister-in-law Reverend Tina Bookman of Newberry, South Carolina, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Visitation will be held 1-5pm Saturday August 2, 2025, Wilson Funeral Home Newberry, SC.

Funeral Service will be held 1pm Sunday August 3, 2025, Mt. Moriah AME Church Prosperity, SC.

Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday - Friday from 4pm-8pm and Saturday from 1pm-8pm at the home 738 S Main St, Prosperity, SC 29127

Wilson Funeral Home is honored to assist the Hair family.

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