Mary Frances McArthur

Mary Frances Hillis McArthur, age 94, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Trinity Village in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Born October 8, 1930, in Cleveland, Arkansas, to her parents “EB” Bratten Hillis and Ida Brents Hillis. Mary married Bill McArthur in May of 1948 but became a young widow in 1961 when Bill died in a traffic accident. Also, preceding her in death were her parents and four siblings, Wendell, Neil, James “Sonny” Hillis, and Georgia Fay Speights. Mary is survived by her three children, Jeanie McArthur Want (Johnny), Bill McArthur (Darlene), and Bob McArthur (Regina); grandchildren, Crystal McArthur and Tammy Simpson; great-grandchildren, Taylor Butcher Williams (Blake) and Tanner Ray; and great-great-grandchildren, Hud and Amelia Williams. Mary grew up in Morrilton, Arkansas, and attended school there. In high school, she sold popcorn at the Rialto Theater and I’ve read she “knocked em dead!” on the basketball court. She moved to Pine Bluff after her marriage to be closer to her husband Bill's parents. After the death of her husband to create more income, Mary decided to go to nursing school. She’d work during the day and then drive to Monticello, Arkansas for classes. She received her nursing degree from U.A.M. as a nurse and she worked at Jefferson Regional Hospital in Pine Bluff, the V.A. Hospital on Roosevelt in Little Rock, International Paper Company in Pine Bluff and after 20 years with the Health Unit of the Department of Health in Pine Bluff as a charge nurse, she retired. Later, Mary moved back to her hometown of Morrilton to help care for her sister, Georgia. When her children were small, Mary was very active in the Boy Scouts and PTA. She was secretary of the Ladies Auxiliary, a room mother, a cub scout leader, and a baseball team mother. She was also a talented artist and belonged to the Conway League of Artists where over the years she received many awards for her paintings and porcelain works. She was a member and attended First United Methodist Church in Morrilton where she worked tirelessly helping to cook up great foods for their various events and was also awarded the Five Star Recognition Pin from its Christian Women. Her favorite time of year was Spring, her favorite color was blue, and her favorite holiday was Christmas. She loved her cat “Sammy” and spent many hours spoiling him. Mary will be missed by so many but her unique memory will forever be in our hearts. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 23, at the First United Methodist Church in Morrilton with Pastor Bill Sardin officiating. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour before the service, at the church. Arrangements are by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Pallbearers will be William (Peewee) Bennett, David Sutton, Bob Short, Robbie Roberson, Ronny Naff, and Roudy Williams.

Mary Frances McArthur

October 8, 1930 - December 18, 2024