Mary Emma Lensing

Mary Emma Rainwater Lensing, age timeless, died June 14, 2016 in North Little Rock. She was born in Paris, Arkansas to Maymie and Dugan Rainwater and was a loving sister to her proud big brother, Art. She met her husband Ronnie while on a blind date with his best friend. They were married nearly 49 years. Anyone that ever met Mary and Ron were immediately changed. The radiating love they had for each other infected all those around them. Ron was her constant care giver and she really was "carried around on a silk pillow". He held her in his arms until her final breath. They loved each other the way God loves – unconditionally. They are the proud parents of three children and five amazing grandchildren, who thought she was the greatest MiMi in the world. Mary gave her heart, soul, blood and tears to educating the youth of our community. She was a wonderful teacher and principal to hundreds of students over the years at Immaculate Conception Catholic School and Immaculate Heart of Mary School, both in North Little Rock. She then turned her sharp mind and generous heart to the building of St. Josephs High School in Pine Bluff. She burned up the road between Sherwood and Pine Bluff for two years before getting the call from her favorite spot in Northern Arkansas, Subiaco Academy where she served as President of the of the Year for Board of Trustees for the school. She positively influenced many individuals and couples by enriching their Catholic faith and marriage through her and Ronnie's work in Cursillo and National Marriage Encounter. She lived a full, blessed life, from singing with her quartet for Mother Teresa to being named Teacher the State of Arkansas. She shared her gifts with all who knew her. She traveled the world from Canada to New Zealand and knew intimately every slot machine from Choctaw to Oaklawn to Tunica. When her hand was tired from pushing that slot machine button she would rest at Eden Isle in Heber Springs, her own personal retreat. She is survived by her husband, Ron; three children, Chris Lensing (Shannon), Jody Lensing, Leah Cunningham (Josh); five grandchildren, Blakely, Taylor and Luke Lensing, Nick and Addison Cunningham; mother, Maymie Rainwater; sister, Mary Jo Long (Bill) and her brother, Art Rainwater (Marcia). The family is forever grateful for the friendship and endless hours spent by Pam Richey, her best friend, and Kay Smith, her beloved sister-in-law, for always being by her side through this journey. We are also thankful for Dr. Rhonda Gentry, Cathy and the entire staff at CARTI for their wonderful care, love and laughter. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to CARTI, 8901 CARTI Way, Little Rock, Ark. 72205; Subiaco Academy or Subiaco Abbey, 405 No. Subiaco Avenue, Subiaco, Ark. 72865 or Immaculate Conception Catholic School, 7000 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock 72116. The visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2016 with a Scripture Service at 7 p.m. at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, North Little Rock. Entombment service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Subiaco Abbey. Arrangements by Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.