November 19, 1931 - April 21, 2013

Mary E. Coble, 81, of Jonesboro passed away at the Florida Hospital on Sunday night April 21st, in Orlando. Born on November 19th, 1931 to the late Lucy and Charlie Farmer, Mary was preceded in death by her daughter Leigh Ann and is survived by her husband Elvis, children Rae Beth Egan, Jana Sue Hilton, Mary Eileen Oliver, Larry Kent Coble and Kurt Alan Coble along with seven grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Mary was the great granddaughter of Peter and Aldine Murray, one of the first settlers of Jonesboro and founders of Pleasant Grove United Methodist church. She was granddaughter of Camp Lafayette and Emma Murray Self, both long time members of the church.

As a teenager, Mary served as the pianist at Pleasant Grove Methodist church and as president of the local chapter of National Youth Fellowship. She attended Arkansas State high school and was President of the Student Council, chairman of the Journalism Club, participated in a myriad of school activities and earned the D.A.R. Good Citizenship award.

Once enrolled at Arkansas State College, she studied English and Education. She was active in the Arkansas State Concert choir and performed in many musical theater productions. She was twice appointed to serve on the staff of the college's literary magazine the "Arrow" and was named editor in 1952. She won state honors for Future Teachers of America in 1950 and was First Vice-President of the organization in 1951. In her senior year at Arkansas State she received the coveted R.E. Wilson award as the Outstanding Graduating Senior.

Professionally, Mary worked as an educator in Peoria, Illinois and at Trumann Junior and Senior high schools. For seventeen years she taught kindergarten at Troy Craughwell Elementary in Shorewood, Illinois.

Upon retirement, she returned to Jonesboro with her beloved husband Elvis and built their retirement home on the property once belonging to her parents. For the duration of her years, she attended Pleasant Grove United Methodist church, acting as church historian, Sunday school teacher and planning the floral arrangements for worship services. She served in the non-denominational Church Women United organization, including a stint as president. She spent many years coordinating the Easter Sew-in clothing drive to provide outfits to disadvantaged children so each might "feel special and that someone cared enough to take the time to make them a dress."

During her lifetime, Mary most enjoyed serving and helping family, friends and caring for those in less advantageous circumstances. She volunteered often and worked tirelessly on charitable projects, finding joy in the act of giving to others. She was a long time member of P.E.O. and United Methodist Women.

Gifts in lasting memorial may be sent to Pleasant Grove United Methodist church.

Visitation will be 5 7:00 PM Friday at Roller-Farmers Funeral Home in Jonesboro.

Funeral services will be held at Pleasant Grove United Methodist church on Saturday Morning at 10:00 AM.

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