On June 9th, the Duggar family announced that their matriarch, Jim Bob's mother Mary, had passed away. Grandma Duggar was a staple on the family's show, and was well loved by the family. The Duggars announced Mary's death on their Facebook page, but did not reveal a cause of death.
We are so sad to share that Grandma Duggar (Mary) passed away Sunday afternoon, June 9th, 2019. 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.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.
She 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.
Now, there is more information surrounding the death of Mary Duggar, and police are investigating the sudden death. That Sunday, the family was preparing for Jason and James, two of the boys, to return home after a Christian boot camp. Mary Duggar allegedly fell into the pool, which was the cause of death according to the Washington County Coroner Roger W. Morris.
The 911 call placed from the Duggar family home was released, and it was revealed that Mary was unconscious before the paramedics arrived.
“Call came in of a possible drowning at [address redacted]..that’s [address redacted]. Big house in the back…older woman, 14 echo — unconscious. Medics are responding," the call said.
Jana Duggar, the eldest daughter of Jim Bob and Michelle, said that on the morning of her death, Mary was doing what she loved - worshipping.
"On her last morning spent here on earth I drove Grandma to church where she worshiped her Savior," Jana wrote on Instagram. "Later that afternoon, she went to meet Him face to face! I’d say that’s probably how she would’ve chosen to finish out the day if she got to pick. 😊"
It's so sad that Mary's death was a preventable accident, and I'm sure the family wishes there was more they could do.