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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9 Condolence(s)
Paula Everette
Thursday, January 8, 2026
I am so sorry to hear of Merry’s transition. I fondly remember her as we worked together at the Dept. Of Health, WIC Program. She will be missed.
Janie Blagg
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
I'm so saddened at losing another wonderful classmate. Merry was a special person, smart, witty, and friendly. Rest in peace, my friend.
Cristy Sellers
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
I was deeply saddened to hear of Merry’s passing. Merry was a dear friend that often also played the role of mother and mentor. I have so many fond and funny memories of Merry and our traveling work trio that was rounded out by Brenda Beck. Merry is the one who helped me discover the perfect name to give my daughter and we often spoke of how she named her. There is not a day that goes by that my daughter doesn’t serve as a reminder of Merry and the wonderful person she was. Merry touched my life and I will be eternally grateful that I had her as a friend.
Susan Skaggs Taylor
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
As Merry’s childhood friend in Newport and now nextdoor neighbor I can say what a special person she was. Merry was smart , kind and witty. We always found humor in any conversation shared. She will be missed. May God bring peace and comfort to her family and friends.
priscilla green
Monday, January 5, 2026
I was in a book club with Merry. She always had interesting observations about each book. She will be missed there. My sympathies to her family and many friends for their loss.
Margaret Ann Gillihan Snow
Saturday, January 3, 2026
So sorry to hear this…Merry was so smart, kind and had a dry sense of humor that sometimes you didn’t catch for a moment, then had you reeling with laughter.
Ronnie Wheeler
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Sorry to hear of her passing. Enjoyed working with Merry at the Health Department
Retha Strickland Cullins
Friday, January 2, 2026
Merry and I went thru high school together. I remember the good times and all the laughter. I have thought of her many times. Time runs out, as i have noticed frequently during the past several years.... So, the phrase "Do it now" keeps coming to me... I will forever cherish the time i was given with Merry... God bless her precious family with peace and comfort and strength.🌹
Anne Dennis Chatman
Friday, January 2, 2026
I am very sad to hear of Merry’s passing. Merry was a dear friend since our early school years. She was loved by all who knew her. Prayers to her family.
Anne Dennis Chatman