It was with a heavy heart that the Duggar family revealed the news that their beloved Grandma had passed. The cause of death is unclear and it's unknown if she suffered from any ailments, but the family seems to be in shock. She often appeared on '19 Kids' and the TLC spin-off show "Counting On."
“Mary Lester Duggar grew up in Farmington, Arkansas and was married almost 50 years to J.L. (Jimmy Lee) Duggar who preceded her in death,” the Duggar family announced in a statement on Facebook. “Mary found great joy in sharing her love for Jesus and her own story of how at age 15 she asked Christ to forgive her for her sins. It was at that time she committed the rest of her life to live for Him, a commitment she kept with devotion. She loved to share with others how they too could be forgiven of their sins, live a fulfilling life as a Christian, and one day spend eternity in heaven.”
The statement continues: "Mary Duggar is survived by her daughter Deanna and her son Jim Bob, 21 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, with several more great-grandchildren on the way!
Mary Duggar was also a successful real estate broker who owned Good Neighbor Realty and was noted in Northwest Arkansas for being the broker who put together the property sale for the John Q. Hammons Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Springdale.
Grandma Mary Duggar has been on the TLC shows, "19 Kids & Counting" and "Counting On" with her family for over 15 years. She is greatly loved and will be missed so very much!
She lived a tremendous life as a follower of Christ, a wife, a devoted mother, a loving mother-in-law, and a much-loved grandmother. Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the virtuous woman, indeed she personified these beautiful verses with her life.
We deeply appreciate your prayers for our family and all who loved Mary during this time.
The family reactions:
Anna Duggar: "Great-Grandma Duggar went to heaven today to be with Jesus! 😭 What an awesome woman of faith and such a loving example of God’s love. She was a true soul-winner and loved everyone she met, telling them to turn from sin and trust Jesus for salvation! Miss her soooo much and we cherish each moment we were blessed to spend together! Lots of tears being shed here — grateful for all the prayers! 💕😭"
Austin & Joy Forsyth: "Grandma Duggar...She was a strong woman, role model, godly counselor... and my favorite person to watch “The Price is Right” show with. She is GREATLY loved & missed!💖 Thank you all for your kind words and prayers for our family!"
Jill Dillard: "My heart breaks 💔 My grandma died suddenly today! She was an amazing woman of God and such a great example to so many! 🌸 Grandma, you are greatly missed by all who knew you! 💕 She was a feisty, incredible woman who always took the time to talk about Jesus with everyone she knew! I know she was ready to check outta here and get her new body in heaven before the old one started giving her too much trouble! 😉 We miss you so much!! "
Josiah and Lauren Duggar: "Yesterday, our precious Grandma Duggar went to be with Lord. What amazing and godly woman-she has left quite an amazing legacy. It’s so sweet to know that not only is she with Jesus, but also she is with our sweet baby, Asa in heaven!"