Mary Ann Peeples Heape

Mrs. Mary Ann Peeples Heape, devoted wife of Gilbert Hayne Heape, resident of Ram Horn Road in Varnville, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Trident Medical Center.

Born December 20, 1946, in Ridgeland, SC, Mrs. Heape was the daughter of the late Henry Ouzie Peeples Sr. and Mittie Allene DeLoach Peeples. She worked her entire life, retiring from Scotsman Ice Systems in Fairfax after many years of service and continuing to work as a caregiver for various people throughout the area. The oldest of her siblings, Mary Ann was raised in Hampton County and always knew the value of family, friends, and most importantly a relationship with Christ.  She reflected her love for others through her devotion to her husband of 60 years, the adoration she showed for her children and grandchildren, the dedication she showed to her church, and her many efforts to never miss a chance to surround herself with family by never missing a family reunion.

She was a devoted member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Early Branch and was involved in many activities in the church.

Mrs. Heape is survived by her husband of 60 years, Gilbert H. Heape of the home; her children: Melinda Morris (Kenny) of San Antonio, Texas, Janet Edwards of Varnville, Benjie Heape (Miesha) of Varnville, and Donna Harper (Brad) of Middleburg, Florida; her adored grandchildren: Phillip Morris, Christopher Morris (Katherine), Adrienne Nettles (Larry), Casey Anderson (Taylor), Erik Heape (Olivia), Allison Heape (Jake), Georgia Henninger (Austin), Hunter Cook, Taylor Cook (Bryce) and Seth Harper. There are 14 beloved great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers: Henry Peeples, Wilson Peeples (Susanne), Dan Peeples (Dicie); her sisters, Wanda Guas (Pablo) and Shirley Chesser, and a sister-in-law, Wilson James.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Heape was predeceased by her son-in-law, Marc Edwards, a brother, Charles E. Peeples, Sr., a sister-in-law, Jackie Peeples, and a brother-in-law, Jesse James.

Graveside Services will be 4 PM Saturday May 16, 2026, in the Heape Family Cemetery near Varnville.

Visitation will be from 2 PM – 3:30 PM Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home, Hampton Chapel located at 300 Mulberry St. W., Hampton, SC 29924.

The family requests that those who wish send memorials to the Mt. Olive Baptist Church for mission efforts.

Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home is assisting the Heape family during this time.