Obituaries

Mary Elizabeth McCrary

Photo of Mary  Elizabeth  McCrary
Mary Elizabeth Bryant McCrary, 92, of Hot Springs, passed away Wednesday, March 12, 2014. Born August 30, 1921 in Baltimore Maryland, "Deets" was the daughter of Rudolpha Mary (Sommerwerck) and Lt. Col. Raymond William Bryant. The oldest of five siblings, her early childhood was spent as an ‘army brat' living around the world including the Philippine Islands. In 1934 her father accepted assignment as Quartermaster to the Army and Navy General Hospital in Hot Springs, the first joint services hospital in the nation. She graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1938. She attended both Dodd College and the University of Arkansas. At Fayetteville, she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority, Mortar Board, and was a Razorback beauty and cheerleader. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and later with her Master's Degree in Library Sciences. She taught in both the Hot Springs and Tulsa, Oklahoma public schools. She was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. At an early age she embraced Catholicism and her deep faith and love of the Catholic Church defined her. She was past president of the Hot Springs Classroom Teachers Association, Garland County Medical Auxiliary, Hot Springs Junior Auxiliary, and past board member of the Garland County Cancer Society, Good Shepherd Center, and St. John's School. She was predeceased by son, William Donald McCrary, granddaughter, Courtney Leigh McCrary and son-in-law, Jefferson Scott Gray, as well as brothers,Richard T. Bryant, Raymond W. Bryant, John T. Bryant and Robert M. Bryant. Survivors include her daughter, Mary Elizabeth Gray of Austin, Texas and her sons, Dr. Robert F. McCrary, Jr. (Stella) and Michael S. McCrary (Ann Shedelbower) of Hot Springs, Dr. R. Bryant McCrary (Margaret) of Gulfport, Mississippi, and J. Thomas McCrary (Valerie) of Dallas, Texas. She is additionally survived by 21 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, 10 nieces and nephews, including Natalie Bryant and Beth Ann Horner whom she regarded as her own, as well as sisters-in-law, Betty Bryant, Nancy June Bryant and Diane Bryant Null. A friend to many and stranger to none, Deets will be remembered for her gracious kindness and compassion to all, believing that "those who receive the most out of life, are those who lose themselves in serving others." Deets lived a life rich in family and friendships. Serving as pallbearers are her grandsons: Scott Gray, Matthew McCrary, Stephen McCrary, Jeff McCrary, Sean McCrary, Jordan McCrary, Bryant McCrary, Michael McCrary, John David McCrary, Colin McCrary, Chris McCrary, Jonathon McCrary and Nathan McCrary. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Martin Eisele, Edward Douglas, Dr. George Fotioo, Cecil Cupp and Walter Ebel. The family would like to express their appreciation for the wonderful care received from Brookfield Assisted Living, Quapaw Nursing & Rehab, Gentiva Home Health and Gentiva Hospice with special thanks to Erica and Jessica. The Rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. with visitation to follow from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2014 at Gross Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday March 15, 2014, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, followed by a burial at Hollywood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John's Catholic School, 583 W. Grand Avenue, Hot Springs, Ark. 71901 or a charity of one's choice. Guest register at www.grossfuneralhome.com.

Published March 14, 2014

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