Mary Alice Kemp

Mary Alice Kemp died in the care of hospice on July 30, 2026. A remarkable woman whose life reflected her genuine commitment to serving others and bringing people together, Mary Alice had a heart for unity, compassion, good government, and community, leaving a far-reaching impact. She loved well and was well loved.

Born in Acworth, Georgia, to Mary V. Orr Kemp and Edward H. Kemp, Mary Alice was the youngest of four Kemp siblings. She left Acworth at 16 to attend Maryville College, and transferred to Agnes Scott College, graduating with a BA in 1955. Mary Alice married Bill Henning, and their adventures took them from Georgia to Texas, to California, back to Texas; and finally they returned to Georgia with their four daughters, Mary, Alicia, Nancy, and Rachel. Mary Alice was a loving mother and a teacher for her daughters throughout their lives with her.

After ending her marriage, Mary Alice was determined to find satisfying work that would help her support her family. She found success in residential real estate and helped many people find homes in metro Atlanta. From there, she joined the Resolution Trust Corporation as an Affordable Housing Specialist, and she retired from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. In “retirement”, Mary Alice served two terms on the Decatur City Commission and on the boards of nonprofits - Initiative for Affordable Housing, Our House, and Green Bough House of Prayer.

Mary Alice had an enduring faith in God, inspiring many. She was a faithful, active, and beloved member of North Decatur Presbyterian Church for 53 years and served as a respected leader there and in the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta. She found great peace and spiritual nurturing at Green Bough House of Prayer in Scott, Georgia, where she was an associate. She also held a lifelong heartfelt connection with her home church, Mars Hill Presbyterian in Acworth.

Mary Alice is survived by her daughters: Mary Clare, Alicia Henning, Nancy Jones, and Rachel Henning; sons-in-law: Gerry, Scott, and Gary; grandchildren: Sara, LuciMac, Megan, Reed, Mary, and Alice; great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter Jenna.

In addition to great gratitude for all of the communities that have loved and supported Mary Alice, her family is grateful to the wonderful people at Arbor Terrace of Decatur, Fountainview Center, and Hospice Atlanta for the care and support they provided in the last years and months.

A service in celebration of Mary Alice’s life will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, August 8, at North Decatur Presbyterian Church, 611 Medlock Rd., Decatur 30033. For those who are unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed on Facebook and the church's website. In lieu of flowers, contributions honoring Mary Alice can be made to one of the organizations she served, including Common Cause of Georgia and those mentioned above.