Mary Elizabeth Wilson

MARY ELIZABETH "SWISH" SWISHER WILSON, 99, passed away on Sept. 14, 2017. She was born Oct. 24, 1917 in Hackett, Ark., to Oscar Perry and Susan Elizabeth Browne Swisher. She attended the consolidated school there until it was closed during the Depression, then finished high school in Ft. Smith, Ark. She received her degree in Education at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where she met Jack H.Wilson who became her devoted husband for 67 years. Mary taught primary school in Hackett until Jack returned from World War II. They moved to Little Rock where Mary taught for the Little Rock Public Schools at Franklin and Forest Park Elementary Schools. She loved her work and the children in her care. They loved her in return. Mary and Jack enjoyed a Dinner Club (they called it the "Gourmet Club") with 12 special friends lasting for many years. They shared potluck on a monthly basis, boasting some of the best food and fellowship to be found. This group experienced many of life's ups and downs together. Westover Hills Presbyterian Church was the Wilson's place of worship since 1948. Mary loved being a member of her Women's Church Circle. She loved teaching the little ones in Sunday School many years ago and loved watching those children grow up into church members with children of their own. Mary was a former member of the Musical Coterie, the University Women and Mothers' Book Club. She and Jack loved to travel, attending several Elderhostels around the country and were also involved in LifeQuest for many years. They also enjoyed an evening Dinner and Book club together. Mary loved to read and exchange books with friends and family. Crossword puzzles and the keeping of a diary were established daily habits. Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack, her parents, her sister, Juanita Barr and her brother, Ray Swisher. She is survived by two daughters, Jacqueline Senn (Jerry) and Anita Sue Marsh (James); six grandchildren, Becky Moore (Tony), John Major (Jennifer), Susan Marsh, Mary Elliff (Dave), Andrew Marsh and Peter Marsh; and eight great-grandchildren, Carson Moore, Madison Moore, Mackenzie Moore, Michael Major, Katherine Major, Caroline Elliff, Caleb Elliff and Elijah Elliff; and other extended family. Services will be at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at Westover Hills Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Westover Hills Presbyterian Church, 6400 Richard B. Hardie Dr., Little Rock 72207, Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, No. Little Rock, Ark., 72116 or Central Arkansas Library System (CALS), 100 S. Rock St., Little Rock, Ark., 72201. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Mary's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.