Obituaries

Mary "Lew" Elmore

Photo of Mary "Lew" Elmore
Surrounded by family and friends, MARY "LEW" ELMORE joined her husband in heaven on May 9, 2017. A sad day in Dixie as The South will miss the epitome of a true Southern belle. Mary Lewis Elmore was born on Nov. 17, 1932 in Byhalia, Miss. She attended Bell Haven Junior College for two years and completed her degree in Education at Ole Miss where she met the love of her life, Bill Elmore. The two shared a passion of singing, often performing duets while traveling Arkansas with the Saxon Singers and their churches. After teaching fifth grade, Lew and Bill welcomed their only daughter, Luanne, to the family. For 20 years, she worked as the Choral Director of Winfield Methodist Church. In 1985, the Elmore family became members of Trinity United Methodist Church. Lew and Luanne dedicated their Sunday nights to the Children's Choir, often seeing next generations in their classes. Desiring to live life to the fullest, Lew loved singing, boating on Lake Ouachita, tennis traveling, anything brightly colored and, most of all, her family. Lew was an avid fan of Ole Miss and the Razorbacks, member of the Little Rock Racquet Club and United Methodist Women's group. Her fierce dedication to her family was reflected by her never missing a game, academic event, choir performance, fundraiser or any family celebration. Lew was the symbol of beauty, grace and resilience. She tirelessly loved and served her Lord, paving the way for her daughter and grandchildren. Befriending anyone she met, Lew will be remembered as the woman who did everything. But for those who loved her most, she will forever be remembered as "Mema". She is survived by daughter, Luanne Lewis (Steve), grandson, Drew Payne (Lily), granddaughter, Lindsay Bjornson (Tyler), a very special niece, Emily Samuels (Gary), Col. Gary Tooley (Cherese) and a host of family and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, William Owen Elmore, parents, Thomas Ingram and Ada Dee McCray and sister, Emily Dee Tooley. Special thanks to Dr. Greene, Dr. Hefner, Colonel Glenn Rehab and their staff. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 16 1 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church with Mr. Jay Sweningson officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 15 from 6–8 p.m. at the church. Burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday morning at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church Youth and Music Programs, 1101 N. Mississippi St., Little Rock, Ark. 72202. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Mary's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

Published May 14, 2017

Upcoming Events