Mary Duggar, mother to Jim Bob Duggar of TLC’s reality show “Counting On,” has died at 78.
“We are so sad to share that Grandma Duggar (Mary) passed away Sunday afternoon, June 9th, 2019,” the family wrote in a statement on the Duggar Family Official Facebook page.
“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,” it continued.
The statement finished with a nod to the family legacy — 21 grandchildren, 19 who are Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar’s — which was documented in their TLC reality series, “17 Kids and Counting.”
“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!”
The show was canceled in 2015 on account of the Duggar’s eldest son, Josh Duggar, being accused of sexual assault. The spinoff, “Counting On,” was introduced later in 2015.
Some of the Duggar children took to social media to remember their grandmother.
“My heart breaks. My grandma died suddenly today! She was an amazing woman of God and such a great example to so many!” said Jill Dillard (nee Duggar).
https://www.instagram.com/p/Byg-K7vAnxn/?utm_source=ig_embed
https://www.instagram.com/p/Byg-S2TnrdP/?utm_source=ig_embed