Mary Jean Richey

Columbia, South Carolina—Our mother and grandmother, Mary Jean Richey, died peacefully and surrounded by love in her home on May 5, 2026. She fought her diagnoses bravely and with vigor. She was 86 years old.

Jean was born in Beaumont, TX on July 8, 1939, the daughter of Thomas Brackin and Mary Cathryn Wiggins. An only child, she grew up in Nederland, Texas, where she attended Nederland High School (Class of 1957). She went on to attend Lon Morris College (Jacksonville, Texas) and Lamar University (Beaumont, Texas). She was married to Dale Rienstra of Nederland, Texas, with whom she had her two beloved children, Rick and Cathy. She later married Johnny Richey of Nederland, Texas. He preceded her in death in 2008, and she remained devoted to him until her passing.

Jean was a remarkable woman of deep Christian faith. She was incredibly bright and excelled in her academic endeavors. She parlayed that skillset into teaching English—a career she loved dearly and was proud of.

She actively participated in her volunteer organizations and was devoted to her bible studies. She supported many loved ones’ sobriety and was a staunch advocate and comfort for them on their journeys. Jean had a sincere affinity for nature, and particularly loved butterflies, hummingbirds, owls, cardinals, and flowers of all kinds. She always believed that nature reflected God’s love and Creation, and it was a source of beauty and comfort to her.

Jean loved her family deeply and her family continues to love her deeply in return. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Brackin, and mother, Mary Cathryn Brackin (Wiggins), and her husband, Johnny Richey. Jean is survived by her children, Rick Rienstra (Sharon) of Leander, Texas; and Cathy Rienstra Ferguson (Jeff) of Columbia, South Carolina; and her grandchildren, Drew Rienstra, Lindsey Rienstra Cohen (Jack and great-grandson, Jack Jr.), Brianna Ferguson Barrineau (Patrick), Julie Rienstra, and Tyler Ferguson. Her love and legacy will continue to live on through all of them.

She will be remembered by her family and friends as a loving, proud, brave, independent woman who brought laughter and joy to our lives. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for her family and close friends at a future date.