of Little Rock, AR
December 18, 1933 - April 21, 2023
Mary Margaret Lazenby, 89, went to be with her heavenly Father on Friday morning, April 21, 2023 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Mary was born in Prescott, Arkansas on December 18, 1933 to Rev. Fred L. and Willie Belle Anderson Arnold. She attended Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. She then met her husband, the late Dr. A. Wayne Lazenby. They were married in Little Rock, Arkansas on December 8, 1956. After a brief stint in Orange, California, where Dr. Lazenby served in U.S. Navy, they relocated to Dumas, Arkansas, where the couple started their family and Dr. Lazenby practiced medicine.
After Dr. Lazenby's passing, Mary and her three children relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas. Mary completed her education degree at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. A bright light among her colleagues, Mary was employed at Pulaski Bank in Little Rock and later worked at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock. Later, during her "retirement" years, her love for people and her Savior took her to Wroclaw, Poland, where she served as a missionary. In Poland, she served at camps for Polish women. After participating in several short-term mission projects in Poland, Mary committed to a longer-term residency in Poland, working at Evangelical School of Theology in Wroclaw. Mary enjoyed learning the Polish language and thoroughly immersed herself in Polish culture. Upon returning to Little Rock, Mary remained an active member of the Fellowship Bible Church congregation, enjoyed participating in her community group and her Dinners for Eight group and enjoyed time with her family and beloved grandchildren.
Mary's love for and devotion to her family was unmatched. She is survived by her three children, Mary Kay Lazenby Lieblong, Paul Lazenby and Dr. John (Amy) Lazenby; her grandchildren, Joshua (Shannon) Lieblong, Carrie Lieblong (Micah) Roeder, Caroline Lazenby, Ian Lazenby, Andrew Lazenby and Claire Lazenby and three great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by a brother, the Rev. Fred H. (Jane) Arnold.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. A. Wayne Lazenby; her parents, Rev. and Mrs. Fred L. Arnold and a brother, Rev. Joe E. (Helen) Arnold.
Funeral services will be held in the Chapel at Fellowship Bible Church, Little Rock on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 10 am. Visitation will be held following the service.
Memorial donations may be directed to Alzheimer's Arkansas or Fellowship Bible Church, Little Rock, AR 72223
I served at several English language camps in Poland with Mary. She was beautiful, always stylish, and most of all, GODLY! Her big smile and caring ways touched everyone she came into contact with. She made a wonderful team member in Poland. I will always think of her with love and gratitude, and I rejoice with her that she is with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. However, I know the pain of losing (in this life) a beloved parent, and you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Remember, you were greatly blessed. We will all be together again one day. Love and blessings, with deepest sympathy, Pam Bennett.
I am so sorry for your loss. With love and thanksgiving for our Mommas.
Sincere condolences to Rev. Fred Arnold and family. Mary was such a friendly and positive person. Although I did not see her often, I enjoyed having known her.
Sincerely,
Annette Williams
Love and prayers to all three children. I was privileged to know you and visit in your Dumas home when you were very young. Your parents and extended family mean a lot to me. Thank you for running the obituary in The Dumas Clarion, with that wonderful picture of your sweet, smart mother. I hope your lives are joyful and fulfilling.
So sorry I missed the service, I was unaware of her passing until last night. Mary had a winning smile and personality with a contagious spirit for life, she will be missed. My deepest condolences to her family, Betty
Mary Kay, Paul and John I am praying for all of you. I am out of town and will miss the funeral. Even though the last few years Mary and I were not in touch she was always in my heart as one of the dearest friends I was bless to have and will never forget the years we walked and prayed at the track over you three and my three boys. Love you, Elsie Adkins
Prayers for Paul and family for your loss.
Paul, I'm so sorry to hear of the death of your mother.
I got to know Mary on my 1st trip to Poland. She was my roommate as we prepped for the Women's camp we would participate in there.
She mentored me especially in those days assuring me & encouraging me as I worried about my contribution. She also encouraged me in my walk as a single Christian woman, reminding me that her choice hadn't been to be widowed.
Her deep knowledge always impressed me & I thought her beauty came from the inside out. Her smile & the sparkle in her eyes are unforgettable & a reflection of the joy & peace she that truly flowed out of her, not to mention her readiness to join in the fun.
I feel truly blessed to have crossed paths with Mary.
Ms Mary or " Gran" as we came to call her could light up a room with her smile. Her love for the Lord and others has left a lasting legacy for all who knew her. We praise God that she is whole and walking the streets of gold. We love you guys and are so very sorry we are not there to help celebrate Gran's life.
I can't say enough good things about this beautiful godly woman. The Lazenby's were some of the first friends we made in Arkansas. What wonderful memories we have of this dear lady. She was a class act.
I met Mary in 1993 when she and others were preparing to visit Poland for a short-term mission trip. We became good friends over the years as she and I came to Poland for more mission trips. Eventually, I moved to Wroclaw, Poland to serve at Evangelical School of Theology. Mary and I were office mates when she later came to serve at EST for 18 months. I have many good memories of our times together in Poland and when I visited Little Rock and Fellowship Bible Church. Mary loved coming to Poland, developed friendships with the Polish women from the English camps and had creative ideas for the ministry in Poland. When in Little Rock, I participated in a birthday 'club' with several friends and Mary was part of that group. Mary was energetic, caring and a good friend.
Mrs. Mary was a sweetheart and a gem! What a wonderful Christian lady, devoted mother and fabulous neighbor. Living next door to the Lazenbys after they moved to Little Rock was a blessing. Prayers for the family during the days and weeks ahead. Risa (Buzbee) Ratliff
Miss Mary was a bright shining light for this world. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word. She was a steady presence in my early childhood years. Her children were a daily constant of companionship in our neighborhood posse. She will be a guardian angel for many.