Mary Martin Rainwater

MARY MARTIN RAINWATER, 84, of Little Rock, passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2016. She was born in Houston, Texas on Nov. 6, 1931 to James Martin, Sr. and Annie (Bennett) Martin. Mary was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church. Mary attended schools in Houston, Texas where she and her family lived there until their move to Little Rock in 1953. She retired in 1996 as Accounting Manager for Heifer Project, International. Prior to that, she was employed for many years by First Pyramid Life Insurance Company where she served as Treasurer and Accounting Manager. This led to an active membership in the Insurance Women of Little Rock, Inc. and affiliate of the National Association of Insurance Women, International. She served in many offices on the local, state, regional and national levels. One of her special pleasures was traveling to the many conventions across the country each year. She treasured her many friends in the organization nationwide. In 1975, Mary was honored to be named Insurance Woman of the Year; later that year she earned the designation of Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI). She was the second woman in Arkansas and the only woman at First Pyramid to receive the designation. Mary loved to collect dolls; she was an avid reader and bridge player. She belonged to several bridge groups and played frequently. She loved to travel and spend time with her precious grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by many special friends. Survivors include her son, Paul, his wife, Frances of Scott, Ark.; grandchildren: Michele Stevens of Bowling Green, Ky., Adam Rainwater of Lonoke, Paul Rainwater, Jr. of Ft. Bragg, N.C., Valerie Tolentino (Julio) of Little Rock, Andy Rainwater, John Rainwater and Veronica of Scott, Ark. She is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Jarrell Rainwater; her parents; brother, James; and daughter, Sharon Whiting. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 15 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Burial will be held at Campground Cemetery in Morrilton, Ark. Rosary will be held this evening starting at 6 p.m. with visitation to follow at Little Rock Funeral Home starting at 7 p.m. Memorials may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 Rodney Parham Rd, Little Rock, AR 72212; to AARP Chapter #34, 1003 Loretta Lane, Little Rock, AR 72227; or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Mary's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.