Born on December 4, 1953, in a small community in Baker, Louisiana, to Robert Hives, Jr., and Mary Doretha Hunter, they would name their daughter Mary Magdalene, and that quickly turned into the nickname "Mag." As a young child, Mag attended St. Paul Baptist Church where she sang in the choir. Mag was educated in the Baker school system and graduated from Baker High School. It was during her senior year of high school that she met Wilbert Kemp, Jr. She was baptized at the North 32nd Street Church of Christ in 1972 by Brother Johnny C. Parks. Shortly after baptism, she married Wilbert Kemp, Jr., From this union, five children were born.

Mag and Wilbert ensured that their children knew they were loved and provided every opportunity for them to become the best that they could be, teaching them the importance of their Christian faith, family, and community. Recognizing their musical talent and the presence of the Holy Spirit, Mag was an encouraging force behind her children forming the Recording Gospel Acapella Group "New Testament. "Holy Spirit, Mag was an encouraging force behind her children forming the Recording Gospel Acapella Group "New Testament."

Mag was outgoing and creative. Because of her talent for coordinating her family's apparel, Mag and Wilbert were known as the best dressed couple around. Mag was a loving and humble person who did not mind sharing all that she had. She often hosted gatherings at her home. She supported the Youth Ministry and the Kitchen Ministry at both the North 32nd Street Church of Christ and the Hollywood Street Church of Christ.

After her retirement from Southern Belle Sandwich Company, she helped raise and nurture her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mag was an exceptional cook and would always receive special requests from family and friends.

Some of the dishes included finger sandwiches (especially tuna), peach cobbler, potato salad, cornbread dressing, red beans, and spaghetti and meat sauce. Mag was truly a Proverbs 31 woman. Her life embodied the essence of God. She was faithful, hardworking, loving, wise, and courageous. She loved her family and friends and was a dedicated keeper of her home.

Mag will be deeply missed and her memory will be forever cherished by her husband, Wilbert Kemp, Jr.; children, Karmice K. Hawk (Joseph), Wilbert Cardell Kemp, Sr. (LaTishia), Katrice K. Johnson, Kaprice L. Kemp, and Carnell L. Kemp (Mahoganee), all of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; grandchildren, Kaisaia L. Chelise, Warren, Wheylon, Gabriel, Gabrielle, Caiden, Kanan, and Krews Lennox Kemp, all of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Wilbert C. Kemp, Jr., (Anajae) and Chelsie S. Barnett (Christopher Sr.) of Dallas, Texas; great-grandchildren, Damyria and Quardrell "QJ" Clark, Christopher Jr., Christian and Channon Barnett, and Arya Kemp; sisters, Pricilla Clark, Della Marshall, and Olevia Tolbert (Leo); brother, Benjamin Williams, all of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; mother-in-law, Daisey B. Kemp; brothers-in-law, Henry (Clara), Willie B., Michael, Harmon (Mary), and W. O. (Ruth) Kemp, and La Keith Howard, all of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Clyde Kemp of Fredericksburg, Virginia; sisters-in-law, Clara and Ora Lee Kemp, Almesta Scott (Sherman), and Sarah Henderson, all of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended relatives.

Mag was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Geraldine Johnson, Deloris Hunter, and Dorothy James; brothers, Donald, Charles, and Leroy Williams; father-in-law, Wilbert Kemp, Sr.; four sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law; and one granddaughter, Chelbrie' Kemp.