In Loving Memory of Rebecca Gail McMahan

February 3, 1947 – July 19, 2025 Iva, South Carolina

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rebecca Gail McMahan, a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, who left this world peacefully in Iva, South Carolina on July 19, 2025

Rebecca was born on February 3, 1947, in Anderson, SC, to the late Samuel Wallace McMahan and the late Mabel Leora McKee McMahan. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Mark Machen; her cherished companion, Phillip Brown; her brothers Jerome McMahan, Tommy McMahan, and Harold McMahan; and her sisters, Marguerite Gray, Joyce Johnson, and Edith Ann Bates.

Rebecca was a strong, determined woman with a heart full of love and a faith that never wavered. She was a fighter through and through meeting life's hardships with quiet courage and endless devotion to her family. Her children and grandchildren were her world, and she poured her heart into every moment she spent with them. Rebecca's warmth and kindness were felt by everyone who knew her. She had a way of making you feel safe, loved, and welcome, just by being herself. Her strength carried her through, and her love lives on in all of us. She was a member of Good Hope Presbyterian Church in Iva, SC, where her faith was an important part of her life. She also shared laughter and friendship as a proud member of the Burger King Queens, a close-knit group of ladies who gathered regularly and brought joy to one another's lives. Rebecca also acted as a notary public for her community.

She is survived by her sons, Danny Machen and Joseph Machen (Patty), her daughter, Rhonda Mielke (Brad), her beloved sister, Sara Yandell, and her dear friend and caregiver, Carolyn Rish, and her special friend Jimmy "Red" Farmer". She will also be missed by her loyal dog, Angel, who was a constant companion and source of comfort and joy in her later years.

Her memory will be carried on by her grandchildren, Amanda Woody (David), Brenda Machen, Amanda Carroll, Joseph N. Machen (Jordan), Ashley Moon (Ethan), Erica Martin (Steve), Kellie Broome (Israel), Tony Machen (Kayla), John Machen (Stephanie), Melissa Breeding (Jared), Daniel Tilley, Hope Mielke, and Chris Kay (Kayla).

Rebecca was also blessed with 32 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren, each precious part of the legacy she leaves behind.

She will be remembered for her tender heart, gentle spirit, and unconditional love. Whether you were family by blood or by bond, Rebecca made sure you felt loved, seen, and cared for. Her legacy will continue in the lives of those she touched.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 10:00 am – 11:45 am at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 12:00 pm in The McDougald Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Shane Elrod officiating. Burial will follow at Iva City Cemetery.

Rebecca's grandsons, Dalton Machen, Ethan Moon, Jonathan Martin, Hendrix McCormick, David Mitchell and John Foster will serve as pallbearers, a final tribute from those she loved so deeply and who brought her so much pride and joy throughout her life.

The family will be at the home, 166 Pine Ridge Drive, Iva, SC 29655.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621