Mary Ann Garland

MARY ANN GARLAND February 18, 1937 - July 16, 2020

After a lifetime of faith, devotion, and sacrifice to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Mary Ann Garland, age 83, received her greatest reward of meeting Jesus face to face. Mary entered the Kingdom of Heaven on July 16, 2020 as the heavenly choir welcomed her with songs of praise and her Lord brought her home saying, "Welcome my child to the Kingdom of God."

Mary was born in Dallas, Texas Mary Ann Sears to Lige Sears and Geneva Sears (Shelton) on February 18, 1937. Her family moved to California following the Dust Bowl where they worked seasonally picking cotton, peaches and other crops. Mary met the love of her life and best friend, James Edward Garland in Smith's Corners and were married October 25, 1954 and have been the truest of sweethearts for nearly 66 years. Mary and James began their family in 1956 with the birth of their first son James Michael who preceded Mary in death in 2001, and in 1957 to Donald Leroy who currently resides in Bakersfield, California. Mary was a devoted mother to her two boys and they were her greatest pride and joy.

Mary worked side by side with her husband James through good times and difficult times but their commitment to each other and God led them to be successful chicken ranchers in Arkansas for 20 plus years. Throughout her life and places she lived Mary always remembered the importance of being engaged in the local churches to build lifelong friendships and devotion to God.

Mary is preceded in death by son James Michael, four Sears' brothers, Hack, Kenny, Ronnie, Bobby, and one sister Betty (Roberts).

Mary is survived by her beautiful family who she adored and cherished: husband, James Garland, son and wife, Donny and Marybeth Garland, grandson and wife, Mitchell and Stephanie Garland, granddaughter and husband, Leslie and James Foster, granddaughters, Jessica Burgess, Shannon Garland and Cassidy Garland. Great grandchildren: Gavin Garland, Jillian Garland, and June Foster, extended family James and Aubrey Harris (Landon), Darren and Jacqueline Thomas (Addisyn and Paige), and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Mary was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and example of grace and devotion. Mary, your family loves you and will miss you every day, but Pop will miss you the most. He loved you first. We know we will see you soon so until we meet again, Mary, wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma. Thank you for the legacy you left each of us as a perfect example of faith, family, love, friendship, and acceptance.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 11:30 am Union Cemetery.