of Little Rock, AR

December 23, 1951 - December 25, 2025

Merry Ann Howe passed away peacefully at her home in Little Rock on Thursday, December 25th. Born on December 23, 1951, in Newport, Arkansas, to Martha Ann (Hare) and Gene Howe, Merry lived a life defined by kindness, dedication, and quiet strength.

A proud 1969 graduate of Newport High School, Merry valued education deeply. She earned her undergraduate degree in Art Education from Arkansas State University, Jonesboro followed by a Master's degree in Adult Education from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.

For more than 30 years, Merry served the citizens of Arkansas through her work with the Department of Health. Few have given more faithfully to the state she loved, and her colleagues remember her as a steady, devoted presence who made every workplace better simply by being in it.

Merry was preceded in death by her parents, Martha and Gene Howe; her brothers, David Howe and Bobby Howe; her nephew, Alex Howe; and her very best friend, Ginny Gray.

She is survived by her son, Chris Anderson (Missy) of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas; her sister-in-law, Dara Howe of Nashville, Tennessee; and her chosen children, Ike Harcourt of Mountain Home, Arkansas, and Melissa Gray Harcourt Guilliams (Mark) of Jackson, Missouri. She also leaves behind her grandsons, Hayden (Jennifer) Anderson and Hudson Anderson; and she was lovingly known as ''M'' to Kennedi (''Possom''), Wyatt and Trett Anderson; Conner Caldwell (Rachel); Megan Patterson (Christopher), Franklin and Willow; Olivia Harcourt; and Gus, Harper Gray and Ivy Guilliams.

Known for her calm demeanor and giving heart, Merry was cherished by all who knew her. Those fortunate enough to share in her life are better for the example she set, a life lived with generosity, gentleness, and unwavering goodness.

If you feel moved to honor Merry's memory, a contribution to a charity of your choice would be a meaningful tribute.

At Merry's request, her ashes will be placed to rest by her family in a private ceremony at Sandhill Cemetery in Jackson County, and a celebration of her life will be held in her honor at a later date with family and friends.

 

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