of Little Rock, AR
November 18, 1943 - January 18, 2020
Mary Ann Southern of Little Rock passed away January 18, 2020. She was born November 18, 1943, in Fouke, Arkansas to the late Edwin and Ora Agnes (Shumake) Bohn.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; step-parents Pearl Bohn and Jimmy Shumake; her grandson, Lane Huie; her brother, Boyce Bohn; and her nephew, Bobby Bohn Jr. She is survived by her husband, Robert Southern; two daughters, Darla Huie and Lisa Heritage of Little Rock; grandchildren, Lindsay Carter (Adam), Jake Jakonczuk, and Olivia Heritage; great-grandchildren, Maddie and Owen Carter; her brothers, Bobby Bohn (Nell), Eddy Bohn (Beth); and sister, Sue Price.
Mary Ann grew up in Fouke and attended Fouke High School. She received her Bachelor of Science at the University of Arkansas Little Rock, and her Master of Science degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, with honors, in Speech-Language Pathology. Mary Ann utilized her professional skills to help adults at Timber Ridge Ranch and later helping elementary students in the Bryant Public Schools.
Mary Ann cherished her family and her church. She taught the senior high class at Benton First Assembly for many years and loved her students. As a choir member, her soprano voice was heard loud and clear throughout the sanctuary. Mary Ann loved to socialize and entertain friends and family. She was an accomplished cook, seamstress and excellent in arts and crafts including painting, photography, needlepoint, and finding antiques for her husband to refinish. She was an avid flower and vegetable gardener and loved bluebirds. Mary Ann spent a lot of time with her grandkids reading, baking, taking them for ice cream and just talking about life. She was married to the love of her life, Robert Southern since she was seventeen. She adored him and the feeling was mutual. Robert was her devoted caregiver for the last several years, and he showed her his love every day throughout his actions and words.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 23, 2020, at the Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel. A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2020. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Mary Ann's memory to the Stuttering Foundation of America, P.O. Box 11749, Memphis, TN 38111-0749 (800)992-9392.
Pallbearers will include Jake Jakonczuk, Adam Carter, Mike Cowling, Eddy Bohn, Jon Jaggars, Rogers Davis, Todd Whatley with honorary pallbearers including Frank McFerrin, Phil McConnell, Marion Orender, Owen Carter, Casey Huie, and Stephen Warrick.
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Marry Ann. We have wonderful memories of our friendship during the years we lived in Benton. Our prayers are with Bob, Darla & family, and Lisa & family. May God give peace & comfort in the days ahead. Our love & prayers are with you.
Darla,
I'm sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was truly a wonderful person and always had a smile. I'm praying for you all.
Worked with Bob at Affiliated Foods years ago. Only met her a few times, she seemed like a sweet lady. Sorry for your loss.
I used to look forward to lunchtime at Springhill Elementary with Mary Ann! I always enjoy laughing and boy could she make me laugh! Her charm and her wit just pulled you in! My deepest condolences to the family, she was one of the great ones.
So sorry for your loss!
💖
Love and prayers for the entire family. Aunt Mary Ann was always a joy to be around.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Mary Ann was a very special lady. We are praying for you during this time. Bryan, Cindy, Anna and Cami Crump.
Mary Ann was always so nice and I'm sorry for the family's loss. We had some nice conversations in years past. May she rest in peace.
Mary Ann and I graduated together in 1961, Fouke AR.
She was sweet and kind person. I always thought a lot of her..
Patsy Browning Long
Darla I am so sorry for the loss off your Mother. I pray that God gives you and your family comfort during this trying time.
All of your family will be in my prayers. God bless you.
I have many fond memories of time spent in the Southern home when I was in school with Darla. Mary Ann was always so welcoming and kind. I remember her quick wit and delicious meals. She introduced me to red velvet cake and I still think of her every time I have a slice. I will be praying for you all during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Mary Ann's passing. She was a sweet lady. I enjoyed seeing her at the various Affiliated functions throughout the years. She and Bob were the perfect couple it was wonderful to see them together. Prayers for Bob and the family.
I worked with Mary Ann at Springhill Elementary for several years. She was a colleague as well as a friend. Her kindness, compassion, and humor will be greatly missed.
Mary Anne was a wonderful person and educator. I have so many nice memories of her during the short time we worked together. My condolences.
Sweethearts since 17! I just can't imagine a love such as this or a loss. Our prayers for strength and solace for you and your family during this struggle. We hope you will come and visit soon and tell many stories! Your cousins from Missouri.
Love and prayers for all of you. Mary Ann was one of the sweetest women I've ever known. I know your loss is great.
So sorry for your loss, prayers for Bobby and all of the family
Kenneth Thrasher
Prayers of peace.
Mary Ann was a respected colleague and a sweet friend. Prayers for her family in the loss of this amazing, talented lady.