Mary Evelyn McLoud

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF

Mary Evelyn McLoud

After a full, rich life, Mary Evelyn McLoud gained her heavenly wings on July 8,2026, at age 86. She was born August 6, 1938, and was the oldest of her siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Margaree Williams Garner; her husband, James Harold McLoud; and her son, Harold Keith McLoud; her brother, James Otis Garner (Barbara, Allen, David and their families);

She is survived by her son, Louis Elwood “Woody” McLoud (Michael). Siblings: Glenda Garner Tracer (Jake & Sarah); Mark Garner (Gina, Alex, Jessica, Wesley and their families). Jan Hansen and his son William of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Born and raised in Harmony Grove, Arkansas, Mary carried her love for her home state with her throughout her life. Although she made Seattle her home for the past sixteen years, Arkansas always remained close to her heart – in its traditions, its memories, and, of course, her beloved Razorbacks (both football and basketball!!).

Mary Evelyn was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, family member, friend and teacher with a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, loved, and special. She lived a life filled with kindness, creativity, laughter, and a deep love for the people around her.

For 32 years, Mary dedicated her life to teaching. She had a special gift for helping others learn, grow, and believe in themselves. Her patience, warmth and encouragement touched countless children and adults. To Mary, teaching was never simply a career, it was part of who she was. She genuinely loved sharing what she knew and watching others discover what they were capable of. Mary never really stopped teaching. After retirement, she volunteered at the Lonoke Literacy Council, teaching adults to read.

She loved to cook, be in the kitchen, and especially bake, finding great joy in sharing that passion with others – teaching friends how to bake and creating special memories in the kitchen. She was known for her Tea Rings during the holidays, cakes,

and her famous sourdough bread at any event.

Mary had a beautiful way of taking an interest in people. She wanted to know what mattered to you, what you loved, and what made you happy. She celebrated the accomplishments and passions of the people in her life and was never shy about telling them how proud she was. That pride was something you could feel.

Mary’s greatest give was not simply what she taught us, but how she loved us. She made us feel welcomed, encouraged, supported, and proud to be part of her life.

Her life was a gift to those who knew her, and her love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to call her family and friend.

In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of the following:

Lonoke United Methodist Church

P.O. Box 152, Lonoke, AR 72086

American Cancer Society

Call 1-800-227-2345 or donate online at https://American Cancer Society/

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Donate online at https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/