Obituaries

Mary Bryant

Mary Alexander Bryant passed away after a year-long battle with cancer on August 8, 2016 in Austin, Arkansas at the age of 69. Mary is survived by her daughters, Ashley (Kirk) McDonald and Allison Ketcher both of Austin; four grandsons, Ian, Riley, Carson McDonald andLane Ketcher; two granddaughters, Kennedy McDonald and Peyton Ketcher; and Jeroen Kortelandof Hoofddorp, Netherlands. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Alexander; her grandparents, Edgar and Harriet Borum of Blytheville, Ark.; and sister, Harriet Alexander of Memphis, Tennessee. Mary was born on January 28,1947 in Memphis to Mary Alexander. She graduated from Blytheville High School in 1965 and Arkansas State University in 1969 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She taught social studies in the Cabot Public School System, where she devoted her career to teaching tolerance. She was also involved with Community Bible Study in Cabot, where she taught in the home school division. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and celebrated the accomplishments of her family frequently. Mary also enjoyed the company of friends and activities such as her "Strong Women" exercise group, crafting with friends and attending her grandchildren's events. A celebratory memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2016 at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Lonoke, Ark., with a visitation with family to follow. Carolyn Staley will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mary's life. Flowers and condolences may be sent to Smith - Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 West Dewitt Henry Drive, Beebe, Arkansas 72012, or donations to CARTI may be sent to CARTI Foundation, P.O. Box 55011, Little Rock, Ark. 72215 in memory of Mary A. Bryant. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, a Certified Veterans Funeral Care Provider. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

Published August 11, 2016

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