Mrs. Mary Ann Willard

June 23, 1941 - January 15, 2021

Mary Ann Willard, age 79, of Perryville, Arkansas, went to her heavenly home peacefully Friday, January 15, 2021. She was born June 23, 1941 in Roland, Arkansas, a daughter of the late Mack Neil DeWeese and Annie McDonald DeWeese. She was the widow of James Willard the love of her life, they were married for 53 years till he passed 2013. Later, Mary Ann met her second love Willie” Buddy” Payne, who brought joy to her life till he passed in 2020. Mary Ann was a homemaker and a member of Harmony Baptist Church. She was strong in her faith and love. She loved singing, playing the organ and piano, she liked playing senior citizen bingo, sewing and crocheting. She was a Sunday school teacher and taught at children’s church. Mary Ann’s most prized passion and love was the time she spent with her family. She is survived by her seven daughters, Debora Willard Davis, Beth (Ronald) Byrd, Mary Jane (Chris Ramsey) Willard, Martha Gail (Randall Hill) Willard, Rachael Willard, Rebecca (Charles) Tipton, Ruth (Scott) Barrett; son, James (Ramona) Willard J.R.; a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren; lots of nieces, nephews, and loved ones. Other than her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother Mack (Linda) DeWeese. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 30, at Journey Church of Perryville with Bro. Ronnie Grice officiating. Burial will be at Harmony Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Family request that mask be wore at all times during service. Pallbearers will be Caster Turney, Strozzi Turney, Charles Tipton, Randy DeWeese, Taylor McGarity, and Clyde Boyette. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Joe Willard, Johnny Willard, and Dean Conley. Mary Ann loved flowers but, if you would like to support these memorials in honor of her life and love please make memorials to Dooley’s Christmas Project [email protected] and Diane Wilson Senior Adult Center [email protected]