Mary Gowen Chronister

Mary Gowen Chronister of North Little Rock died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at her home. She was born on April 21, 1930 in Seminole, Oklahoma to Orlie N. and Evelyn B. Gowen. She was raised in Knobel, Arkansas where the family had returned during the depression. She attended Arkansas State University, graduated from the St. Vincent School of Nursing in 1950 and worked at the VA Hospital in Little Rock. She married the love of her life, Jim Chronister on September 27, 1952 in Little Rock. Mary and Jim lived in Little Rock, Hazlehurst, Mississippi and Memphis where they made many lifelong friends. They moved to North Little Rock in 1961 to raise their family. Mary was a member of Lakewood United Methodist Church where she was an active leader in the George Martin Sunday School class. She was also a member of United Methodist Women, LAFF and the singles group. Mary enjoyed sharing fellowship with the Joyful Noise and reading the Bible at Parkstone Place. Mary was very involved with her children serving as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader and was active in the PTA in all the schools they attended. Mary, more commonly known as "Granny" by her grandchildren, great grandchildren and many of their friends. She made it her life's work to provide a warm, loving, and accepting home for her family and all those who entered her life. Granny was the queen of storytelling, card playing, huge family dinners and celebrations. She made sure that all of her stories, wise sayings and spirit were instilled in her three generations of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved God, her family, her friends, her dog Sam, and most importantly, she loved living a life in service to others. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, her son, James M. Chronister, Jr., her parents, brother, Philip N. Gowen and her in-laws, Ren and Teet Chronister. She is survived by her daughter JoBeth Halferty and husband Bob, daughter, Jan Takewell and husband Billy, daughter-in-law, Joy Chronister, grandchildren, Jeff Holsted and wife Crystal, Adam Holsted and wife Crystal, William Takewell, Mary Takewell, Charlotte Takewell, Josh Chronister and wife Becki, Ashley Chronister, Vicki Walker and Megan Halferty. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Emily Walker, Jacob Holsted, Kobie Holsted, Jaci Holsted, Dylan Holsted, Lauren Holsted, Carley Walker, Jordan Chronister, Kayden Halferty, Isaac Chronister, Kameron Halferty, and Leo Chronister. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 16, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1900 Main Street in North Little Rock. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at Lakewood United Methodist Church, 1922 Topf Road in North Little Rock. Mary's pallbearers will be her grandsons and great-grandsons, Jeff Holsted, Adam Holsted, William Takewell, Joshua Chronister, Jacob Holsted, Kobie Holsted, Dylan Holsted and Jordan Chronister. Burial will be at Rest Hills Memorial Park in North Little Rock following the service. Memorials may be made to Lakewood United Methodist Church for the Ozark Mission Project Fund or to a charity of your choice. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.