of Batesville, AR
August 2, 1955 - September 27, 2021
Mary Carolyn Henry, 66, of Batesville died September 27, 2021.
She was born in Batesville to Paul K. Henry and Gloria Virginia (Southerland) Henry on August 2, 1955.
Mary was a graduate of Batesville High School, and Lyon College. While at Lyon College, she was a member of the Lassie's Ensemble, which toured Europe on a USO tour. She was a freelance musician, doing radio jingles for several businesses throughout the state.
Her greatest joy was her children, Lindsey and J.K. She was and will forever be known as Grammy to her grandchildren, a name chosen with no surprise because of her incredible talent in music. Mary could listen to a piece of music and work it out in just a few minutes. Her singing voice delighted all who heard it.
One of her endearing qualities was her big heart and passion for those less fortunate. Her adventurous spirit led her on many travels. She drove 2 weeks to Alaska through the Yukon Territory as well as many musical road trips. She was formerly active in Batesville Community Theater and her talent has been carried on through her daughter and grandchildren.
Survivors include one son, James Lefler (Randall) of Searcy; one daughter, Lindsey Lefler (Laurence Cox) of Hillsboro Oregon; two sisters, Paula Terrell (Norman) of Batesville and Linda Wood (Gary Hawkins) of Batesville; one aunt, Kay Southerland; two nieces, Melita Pierce and Melanie Walsh; one nephew, William Wood, and five grandchildren, Lily Pounders, Jordyn Pounders, Logan Pounders, Hazel Lefler, and Ruby Lefler.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial services will be held Friday, October 1, 2021 at the Roller-Crouch Funeral Home in Batesville at 2:00pm.
A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
The family requests memorials be made to the Independence County Humane Society, 5 Environmental Drive, Batesville, AR 72501.
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31 Condolence(s)
Beth Arnold
Sunday, October 17, 2021
Oh, what a loss. Mary was dear, generous, and full of life. Her heart was big and open. Her soul was deep and wide. Her voice was a beautiful gift that she shared with us all. She was an artist with an artist's sensibilities. She contributed to the world and to our lives.
Paula, I was so sorry to hear about Mary. Losing a sibling is losing part of your memory. Sending love to you and to your family and to Mary's children.
Life isn't always easy. Loss is always hard. Love is the energy of the Universe. Much love to you all.
Love to you, Mary,
Beth
Janet Oliver
Friday, October 8, 2021
Mary Carolyn Henry...what a voice. I knew her at BHS in the 70s. So lively, so colorful, so ALIVE. My sincere sympathy to the family. The world has lost a vividness.
Elizabeth “Libbi†Evans
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Mary was a lively and beautiful person and I was sad to hear of her untimely passing.
Much love to Paula and the family.
Rick Burford
Sunday, October 3, 2021
So sorry 😞. We shared some great times in the 70s.
Shirley and Darryl Muck
Friday, October 1, 2021
Oh, how we wish we could’ve been there to remember and honor Mary! So many memories. They are popping up daily.
Peace to all, Darryl and Shirley Muck.
Debbie whillock
Friday, October 1, 2021
Mary was a long time friend who taught my son, Jon, piano. She had the most beautiful voice and a wonderful soul. We had planned to get together and never did. Prayers to her family and she will always be remembered.
Samuel Webb Sentell
Friday, October 1, 2021
She was quite something...a force of nature morelike...very talented and a great person
Robert Doom
Friday, October 1, 2021
Mary was the best. She had a kind heart, a tremendous talent and is so greatly missed by everyone.
Kathy Crouch Hughes
Friday, October 1, 2021
“Don’t cry because it over, smile because it happenedâ€. DR Seuss
Many smiles come to mind over my school memories of “Mary Carolynâ€, being in choirs together and general antics of growing up. What a delightful, talented and empathy filled soul.
Candy Case
Friday, October 1, 2021
I have fond memories of Mary Carolyn from school days and so glad I got to visit with her a few years ago, at one of our "class of 73 girls retreat". She was such a gifted singer. Sincere condolences to all her family and loved ones. Prayers.
Libby Barnett
Thursday, September 30, 2021
My lovely, wild, talented, loving friend: I loved you for your loving and kind heart; your neverending capacity for empathy, and the wonderful joy of your free spirit. You were beautiful inside and out and the World will be a little less brighter without you. Fly high my sweet Mary!
Regina Bryant
Thursday, September 30, 2021
Mary and I were friends in high school and sang together in many concerts. In later years, we sang at weddings, too. Alas, we went our ways as friends often do, and lost touch with each other. We reconnected many years later at a retreat for the girls of our high school class and it was good to see her again! She was so happy-go-lucky; a cheerful spirit and a musical prodigy. I loved to hear her sing! Our loss is Heaven’s gain!
Debbie McIntosh
Thursday, September 30, 2021
I am deeply saddened to hear of Mary Carolyn's passing. My prayers are with her family.
Linda Gill Jobe
Thursday, September 30, 2021
So very sad for all of you.... My thoughts and prayers will be with you during this tragic time. Batesville citizens will forever remember this talented young woman, especially her singing with the Lassies..... ðŸ™ðŸ»
Roberta Katz-Messenger
Thursday, September 30, 2021
My sympathy to family. I had the pleasure of being in a band with her back when. A great talent and really special person is our loss.
Laura Morris
Thursday, September 30, 2021
Paula and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
In Christ,
Laura
Susan Hall Jones
Thursday, September 30, 2021
Love and prayers....She was such a gentle soul with a loving heart....I really enjoyed our talks at the bank....She will be missed....God Bless.....
Danny Mitchell
Thursday, September 30, 2021
Deepest Sympathy to family and so sad to loose another class member of 1973. May God Bless
Vicki Goff Henley
Thursday, September 30, 2021
Fly with the angels my friend.
Lavon and Nina Womack
Thursday, September 30, 2021
Our love and sympathy to Paula, Linda, Kay and all the family.
Betty Cockrill
Thursday, September 30, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with each of your families.
Renda Burge Reynolds
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
I was saddened by the news of Mary's passing. I was on the USO Lassies tour to Europe with her in 1974. What a wonderful experience that was for all of us! She was so talented...what a voice! May God comfort her family.
Terry (Byrd) Vande Velde
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Prayers for comfort for Mary’s family, so sorry for your loss, she was a beautiful person inside and out!
Michael Roper
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
My deepest condolences to Mary's family. She was a unique and beautiful person who brought so much joy to her friends and family. I am honored to have been her close friend from middle school through our 1973 graduating high school class. Words cannot express what the world has lost. May she continue to play, sing and dance forever.
Kay Wolford Longenbach
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
That girl could sing! She will be missed and I’m sad for you Paula and Terrell and Kay and for Mary’s children. A star taken too soon. Prayers and love to all.
Debbie Payne
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
My sympathy to the family, Mary will be missed by many. Wish our grandchildren could have played together.
Our love and prayers ,
Debbie and Phil Payne
Phillip Cargill
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Deepest sympathy to the family. Went to high school & college with Mary. For sometime she was my neighbor also. She was a beautiful and cheerful person.
Twyla Wright
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Wish we could be there for her service, but it's not possible. Just know that Dennis and I are thinking of you with heart-felt sadness for Mary's loss.
Nick Fudge
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Always will remember her as a great singer, one of Batesville's best.
Marla Jones Kelley
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
What a beautiful sole Mary had! She will be missed! As one of our own Class of 73 another gone too soon. I pray for all the family for healing and comfort!
The Kelley’s
Marla and Hershal
Mary Matthews
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
My sincere sympathy to Mary's family. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know she will be missed terribly.
Mary certainly was talented & had such a fun sense of humor! Also as a member of the Class of '73, she will always be remembered fondly!