Mary Elizabeth Brown

Mary Elizabeth Burlison Brown, 91, of Des, Ark., died November 8, surrounded by her family. Mary was born March 19, 1929, in Des Arc, to Harvey Lee and Omie Lee (Bell) Burlison. Mary's mother died when Mary was two years old. Mary cherished her stepmother Alma Wyatt Allen. Mary was preceded in death by her sisters, Rachel Burlison Clark, Joyce Burlison Turner, and her brother Boyd Lee Burlison. Mary grew up in the ICCO Community and was a 1947, graduate of Sheridan High School. Mary loved her Yellowjacket class ring and proudly wore it every day. After graduation Mary moved to Little Rock, and then to Des Arc. In Des Arc, while working as a waitress, Mary met Owen Whitley Brown. Owen and Mary were married on September 4, 1950. They were married for fifty-eight years before Owen passed away in 2008. Mary served as Deputy Circuit Clerk for Prairie County under Circuit Clerks Billy Garth, Buster Guthrie and Nancy Guthrie. She retired after 21 years of service. Mary was an active member of the Des Arc First United Methodist Church. She loved her church and rarely missed attending. The church Quilting Circle was Mary's favorite. Her father raised his family reading the Bible to his children each night. Mary passed these Bible teaching on to her family. Mary was also active in the Des Arc Community. For many years, Mary could be found at Eagle Field popping popcorn for football games. Owen and Mary were named Des Arc Citizens of the Year for taking on the job of watering the town's flowers. Mary and Owen's doors were always open and there was always a meal on the table. Mary was lovingly called Grandma or Momma Mary by many. She was so proud of this title. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her siblings, her daughter, Regina Brown Hitt, and two son-in-laws, Benny Hitt and Ronnie Elam. Mary is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Brown Elam of Lonoke, grandchildren, Shannon (Tommy) Bryant, who Mary raised as her own, and Marshall Hitt of Des Arc, Owen Hitt of Appleton, Wis., Whitley Elam, and Rollins Elam of Lonoke. Great-grandchildren, Farris (Patience) Bryant, Brooke (BJ) Buckner, Lane (Lyric) Hitt, Kyle (Jessica) Hitt, River Hitt, Brandon Hitt, Mallory Hitt, Carson Hitt, and Maggie Grace Hitt. Great-great-grandchildren, Layla Hitt, Mary Hitt, and Caroline Hitt. Pallbearers will be her great-grandsons: Farris Bryant, BJ Buckner, Lane Hitt, Kyle Hitt, River Hitt, and Carson Hitt. Special thanks to Home Hospice Care: Christie Jackson-CNA, Sara Beth Paterson-RN, and Private Care giver Terri Kurz. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Des Arc First United Methodist Church Christian Life Center Building Fund. Visitation will be held at Garth Funeral Home, 221 Main Street, Des Arc, Thursday, November 12, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Des Arc First United Methodist Church Christian Life Center, 605 Erwin Street, Des Arc, Friday, November 13, at 2 p.m. Burial will be held at Lakeside Cemetery, Des Arc. Due to COVID-19 mask are required. www.garthfuneralhome.com