Mary Louise Busby
August 20, 1924 - April 23, 2011

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello ,  AR 71657 4/25/2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Map & Directions Funeral Service First Baptist Church N. Main Monticello ,  AR 71655 4/26/2011 at 3:00 P.M. Map & Directions   Oakland Cemetery 300 North Hyatt St. Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions First Baptist Church Building Fund 413 N. Main St. Monticello, AR 71655

Mrs. Mary Louise Yocum Busby, age 86, died Saturday, April 23, 2011 in her hometown of Monticello, AR. She was a resident of Monticello for over 50 years and was known and loved by many.

Mrs. Busby, also known as "Ms. Louise," "Momma," and "Granny," was born in North Little Rock on August 20, 1924 to John William and Annie Melissa Yocum. She attended North Little Rock High and often told stories about her days as a Charging Wildcat. She moved to Monticello in 1957, where she began her life as a long time resident that touched many lives.

Mrs. Busby was a long time teacher in the Monticello school district and was widely known and cherished for the teaching and assistance she gave to many students. She could not visit a local establishment without someone stopping to hug her or thank her for her work. She was an avid reader and loved watching the Arkansas Razorbacks play football and basketball.

Of the things that mattered most to her was her family. She was the mother of seven children, with which she tirelessly gave of her time and herself. Mrs. Busby was at every sports game, band concert and dance recital for the children during their school years and continued that effort for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. A dedicated member of First Baptist Church, she once shared that she prayed for each of her children and their families every night. Her grandchildren adored her, making sure to visit regularly or to share a lunch at City Drug, one of her favorite places. Some of her happiest times were when she was surrounded by her family at holidays, telling stories of the children growing up and laughing at the days of raising seven children.

Mrs. Busby was preceded in death by her mother and father John William and Annie Melissa Yocum, brother Clyde Frye, and son Jeffrey Lynn Busby. She is survived by her children: Pat Akin and husband George of Monticello; Kelton Busby, Jr. and wife Betty of Monticello; Susan Wooldridge of Rogers; Dr. Bo Busby and wife Nena of Pine Bluff; Bill Busby and wife Roselyn of Monticello; Melissa Claycomb and husband Sonny of Conway; 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves many friends who love her.

"Her children arise and call her blessed. Many women do noble things but you surpassed them all. Honor her for all her hands have done and let her works bring her praise at the city gates." Proverbs 31: 28-29,31.