of Little Rock, AR
January 13, 1926 - March 13, 2021
Mary Louise Swanson Spann Underwood, aged 95, passed away 3/13/2021 in Little Rock, AR. She was born 1/13/1926 in a small sawmill town, Hicksbaugh, Texas, to Annie Will Robertson Swanson and Benjamin Franklin Swanson. Mary instilled in her children a love of nature. She loved bird watching, hiking, camping, and nature photography. Mary was active in the Sierra Club and a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church.
She is survived by her children Henry Thompson Spann, Jr., and his wife Sue, Nita Margaret Spann, and Anna Spann Moses, and her husband James; her grandchildren Kate Moses, Valerie Lidona, Annette Spann Barton and her husband Bradley, and Anthony Spann; her great-grandchildren Blake, Brigham, and Bryce Barton; her nephews John Swanson and his wife Pat, William Casey Swanson, and Scott Swanson and his wife Betsy; and her niece Fran Swanson Sestak.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her five siblings--Clara Head, John Riley Swanson, Margaret Risinger, Frank J. Swanson, and William Swanson--and her nephew Don Spann Cogswell. She was also preceded in death by her first husband Henry Thompson Spann, Sr., and her second husband Howard Underwood.
Mary attended high school in Crocket, Texas, and graduated from Texas Woman's University during World War II. She worked as a draftsman, a job reserved for men. When the war was over, the men reclaimed their jobs. Mary then began her career as a teacher. Her first position was at Logansport High School, but her career was spent at Stanley High School teaching math and science until retirement.
Mary lived the last few years of her life at Fox Ridge Little Rock. Many thanks to the wonderful staff there who made this time special and enriched her life greatly.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Sierra Club at www.sierraclub.org or the charity of your choice.
Due to Covid-19, we ask that everyone bring and wear their own mask while attending services.
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55 Condolence(s)
Wanda Cicchiani Cordova
Thursday, March 18, 2021
She was a great teacher. She picked me up every morning at my house in Logansport. So I could finish my senior year at Stanley. I will always be grateful for for what she did for me. I will never forget her
Connie Harris Rogers
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Nita, Hank, Anna, and families. May you all be comforted during this time of loss, with prayers from your friends, and messages from Miss Mary's students. Your Mom was blessed with a long, rewarding life. My memories also take me back to your hwy. 5 home. When love ones become memories, memories become treasures. Thanks for my memories. May God continue to bless. Hugs to all. Connie
Lynn Baker Hobbs
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
I remember Mrs. Spann teaching at Logansport as a substitute I believe. Went to school with Hank until I left in 11th grade. I knew Anna & Nita. Yall are really blessed to have had her so long but its never easy to lose someone you love so my prayers are with yall.
Lisa Temple Booker
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
You were my favorite HS teacher and I reflect on my time spent in your class as some of my best times. Thanks for all you did for our HS and each of your students. Yours was a life well lived and the world will be a lesser place without you. Wow! 95! If anyone could pull that off, it would have been you. RIP sweet Lady. “Class of 80 SHSâ€
Edith Bradberry
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
I will miss Mary. She was always so kind and positive. The world has lost a light with her passing, I am so glad she was someone I knew.
Wanda Thomas
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Mrs Spann was a great teacher. The Thomas family sends it condolences to the family.
jeanne ann brown
Monday, March 15, 2021
Mary had a quiet way about her and a subtle wit that would sneak up on you. I always enjoyed being around her at Church. My sympathies to her family on your loss.
Jeffrey Burch
Monday, March 15, 2021
I have many fond memories of Mrs. Spann during my high school years at Stanley High School from 1966 to 1970. Mrs. Spann taught me algebra, calculus, and general science. She was a very serious teacher. I learned a lot. I liked Mrs. Spann. Sorry for the family's loss, but happy for the family she lived to be 95 years old. I remember her telling me that after I graduated from high school, I would find there is another world out there besides Stanley. She was so right!
Tena Canipe Chadwick
Monday, March 15, 2021
Ms Spann was the very best math and science teacher at Stanley High School. She made learning fun and will be greatly missed. Prayers for all the family. Tena Canipe, Class of 84
Jordys Barr
Monday, March 15, 2021
I attended UUCLR with Mary, and always delighted in her presence. What a nice person she was, so thoughtful and willing to befriend those around her! She will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Mary.
Deb David Wilkinson
Monday, March 15, 2021
Mrs. Spann was a great teacher, mentor and Mom to my dear friend Anna. Mrs Spann had a firm rule that you had to be sitting in your desk when she came in the room. Somehow my pencil wound up on the floor so I got up to get it before she came and I just didn’t make. She accepted no excuses and for 1 hour I had to stand up and do math. It was awful. I remember how much she loved coffee. Losing your Mom is like losing a piece of your heart. Sending love and prayers to her beautiful children. Rest easy Mrs Spann
Deborah David Wilkinson
SHS Class of 75
Kayse Spears Carroll
Monday, March 15, 2021
Every time I pass the house on hwy 5, I think of the times spent their growing up. I also remember our summer at NSU and how she sometimes let us use her car to ride around in. We thought we were so big when probably she was watching over us more than we knew. I never knew her as a school teacher just my friends Mom. Hoping all your happy memories of her helps you in the coming days. Thinking of you, Kayse
Valerie Pearsall
Monday, March 15, 2021
I've known Mary since she moved to Little Rock and started attending UUCLR. We worked on committees together, shared our love of cats, played bridge, and later just visited. I enjoyed and valued her listening ear, good feedback, and quiet (and often subtle) sense of humor. I will miss my sweet friend.
EVELYN
Monday, March 15, 2021
Mrs Spann was my teacher at Stanley. I graduated in 84. She was a Wonderful teacher. So sorry for your loss.
RIP Mrs Spann
Mike Gingles
Monday, March 15, 2021
I wish I knew then, what I know now. During my career as a Marine, I always thought about what a great teacher you were. God Bless. R.I.P. Gone, but never forgotten. Thank you for teaching so many students.
Jane Fulmer Gibson
Monday, March 15, 2021
I grew up as one of the Vance Heights gang, so I have known your sweet mom my entire life. As a young adult, I enjoyed attending Centenary Methodist and getting to know her as someone besides the Spann kids mama! Great memories!
Thoughts and prayers.
Debbie May Cordova
Monday, March 15, 2021
Sad to hear this. Ms Spann is the one educator who did not let me just get by but instead challenged me to do my absolute best. My love of math came from sitting in her classroom watching her do magic with numbers. She is the reason I wanted to intrigue students enough about math so they would not "hate" it but instead would enjoy learning how connected it really was to everything. I must add that I also used witty sarcasm in my classroom like she did to keep my students engaged. Condolences to the family and to all of "her kids" thank you Ms Spann for being my inspiration. SHS Class of '83 ♥ï¸
Juanita Lovett
Monday, March 15, 2021
Ms. Spann was my favorite teacher in high school. She made learning fun. She will be forever missed. Stanley High School Class of ‘81
Melissa Dodson Rutherford
Monday, March 15, 2021
Mrs. Spann was our high school math and science teacher @ SHS in the 70’s. She worked sooo hard to present her content in a way that we would understand and succeed. I remember her helping me with my college math when I attended Panola Junior College. What a long life she lived! RIP Mrs. Spann. I know you are rejoicing in Heaven.
Kristi Lightfoot
Monday, March 15, 2021
I loved Mrs Spann. She was a great teacher and mentor. I am one of her biggest fan. RIP Mrs Spann and to all the family I hope knowing she was loved by all bring you comfort. She had an infectious laugh. God bless you all
Deborah English
Monday, March 15, 2021
Mrs Spann was my favorite of all of my high school teachers. She was strict and kept our shinanigans in line. Later in life I grew to love her as a friend. Sr.’74, Stanley High School
Shelly Roe Slaid
Sunday, March 14, 2021
So very sorry to hear this. I had Mrs Spann as my teacher at Stanley High. Graduated in 83. She was a beautiful lady. Loved by all. Prayers for all of the family
Andrew Bing
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Mrs Spann was my favorite Teacher at old Stanley High School. I almost dropped out of school my sophomore year but Mrs Spann talked me out of it and am I ever grateful and thankful that She did. I have always admired and looked up to Her. She was a very BEAUTIFUL, DEDICATED and AWESOME LADY IN MY OPINION/BOOK. THE LAST TIME I SEEN HER WAS SOMETIME BACK IN THE LATE 80's in Logansport, Louisiana at the old grocery store there. I think the name of the store was Big Star.
Katherine Thomas Freeman
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Mary was a dear friend. I remember her first when I was a teen and y’all were little children. Then when my family moved back to Logansport, she and I shared rides to teach at Stanley. I have fond memories of our friendship. My condolences to you and your families in her death.
Cherry McClure Hipp
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Mrs. Spann was a great teacher. She, the other teachers & staff at Stanley School truly cared about us and our education!! I only wish that children everywhere could have the school experience that we were all blessed with. I must also say that she loved her coffee!! My mother worked in the lunch room and also thought very highly of Mrs. Spann. Sorry for your loss, prayers for all family and friends.
Pat Foshee Wardell
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Prayers for the family.... will always remember mrs Spann and the impact she had on my life ... loved her
Benton Gibson
Sunday, March 14, 2021
I think about Mary every spring when daylight savings time occurs. My wife, Jane Fulmer Gibson, and I attended the Logansport Methodist Church with Mary in the late 1970's and early 80's. One Sunday morning when we were suppose to set our clocks forward, evidently Mary failed to do that. As we were singing the final closing hymn, Mary hurried down to her usual seat, thinking it was the opening hymn. Everyone watched her as the minister gave the benediction and she and one of her children immediately looked at each other. Then everyone burst out laughing, knowing it could have easily been any of us. She laughed with us and created a memory I have shared many times on the spring change of daylight savings time. She was a sweet lady and I was glad to have the pleasure of knowing her all those years ago. Our condolences and prayers to her family and we celebrate with you, a life well lived.
DeWayne Gannon
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Will never forget you!
Prayers for family ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™
Kathy Haynes Barton
Sunday, March 14, 2021
So sorry for your loss. I remember her always being in church ( FUMC) when I was growing up in Logansport, La. Sweet lady. 🌷ðŸ™ðŸŒ·
Tina Roberts Salley
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Mrs. Spann was the best Science and Math teacher I had at Stanley High School, she always made her classroom fun she won’t never be forgotten prayers for the family
Nell Adkinson Barnes
Sunday, March 14, 2021
She was the best math teacher EVER. I am sorry for your loss. Prayers for all the family.
Teresa Cogswell Fourcade
Sunday, March 14, 2021
So sad to read of Aunt Mary’s passing. I wish I could be there with the family to celebrate her life. Prayers & hugs for each of you!
Marjorie Britt Bull
Sunday, March 14, 2021
So sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. What wonderful times I had at your house! I loved her suppers around that big dining table. She was always kind, upbeat, and interested in everything we did. I remember the summer of 1974 spent at NSU with your mom. My parents thought she was right up there near God, so they actually let me go with you. Great times. I was blessed to know her. You have my prayers and sympathy for this sad time. May God send you peace and comfort.
Don Burkett
Sunday, March 14, 2021
A great teacher. Did her best to pound math into my head in the mid 1970’s at Stanley High. So sorry to hear of her passing.
Letha Seago Armstrong
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Mrs. Spanning taught me at Stanley. She was a great teacher. Always remember her smile. Praying for you and your family.
Marsha McCoy
Sunday, March 14, 2021
So very sorry for your loss. Praying for all the family.
Pamela Whitlock
Sunday, March 14, 2021
She always had a smile and cared about her students she taught . She would take the time to help her students to understand the work . A great inspiration
to others . . Rest In Peace . You made your mark in this life here . You have ran your race . It is not to say good by but to say See ya later one day . Prayers for the family !!
Pamela Love Class of 74
Stanley High School
Kyle Smith
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Great teacher
Zandra Burch
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Mrs Spann taught me math at Stanley High. I feel like it was just yesterday. How time flies! RIP Mrs. Spannâ¤
Saundra Ramsey Dalhausser
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Rest In sweet peace, Mary. Growing up I thought you were such a wonderful mother. I loved your sweet, warm smile.
Ruby Hensley
Sunday, March 14, 2021
A sweet lady.Praying for the family 👪
LaJuana Dyess Gooden
Sunday, March 14, 2021
I knew her as Mrs. Spann. She taught me Algebra 1&2 and also taught me Chemistry. Seems like she lived a long full life. Prayers for y'all in the coming days.
Jackie Sibley Sepulvado
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Mrs Spann taught me at Stanley High School. I graduated in 1970. She was a very good math and science teacher. She was always very serious. But because of her help I graduated.
Sherry Higdon
Sunday, March 14, 2021
I’m so sorry to here this. ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»
Jane Fulmer Gibson
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Growing up among the Vance Heights gang, I have known your sweet mom forever! Then, as an adult, we attended Church together. She was such an encouraging person!
You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Cylvia English
Sunday, March 14, 2021
She was a very special lady. A good teacher and a good neighbor. So sorry for your loss.
Randy Slay
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Will be missed.
Kathy Cash McClain
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Lifting you and your family up in prayer!
Pauline Lovett Robertson
Sunday, March 14, 2021
You were a wonderful math teacher & I will never forget the impact you had on my life; who knew I would need so much math later in life, LOL
RIP you will be missed!
Cindy Gates Bissell
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Ms. Spann was one of my favorite teachers. I have often wondered where she was and how she was doing. So sad to hear of her passing, but she lived a much deserved long life. She truly cared and was one of the best.
Debra Temple Gallaspy
Sunday, March 14, 2021
So sorry for your loss
Sending prayers ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™
Stanley High School
Class of 1983
Mrs Span you will be missed
Amanda Myers
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Rest in heaven. Prayers for the family.
Lina Muse Prudhomme
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Sending hugs and prayers for comfort for y'all.
Billie Sibley Timmons
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Sweet Mrs. Spann! I loved her. Amazing teacher. She made math interesting! I wore a dress on picture day. She told me I was too pretty to have a boy name. She renamed me Amanda LeAnn. She insisted I write that on my papers! Prayers for her family.
Julie Vidler Morris
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Although we weren't related by blood she was always my Aunt Mary, sister to my Uncle Bill Swanson. I felt the warmth of her family's love and always felt like part of the family. When my granny had a stroke (I was 11), Aunt Mary took me home with her and tried to explain to me what was going on. I'll never forget her kindness that day. Anna, Nita and Hank...much love to you all. Your mother was one of the last Steel Magnolias!