Mary Lewis

Mary Margaret (Hogenson) Lewis, lovingly known throughout the community as “Miss Mary”, passed from this life on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Baptist Medical Center in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She was 92 years old.  Mary was born on March 4, 1934, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Reuben Hogenson and Margaret Meister Hogenson. During World War II, her family relocated to Washington, D.C. As a young woman, Mary worked as an au pair to help support her family while completing her education in the nation’s capital. Although she earned a full scholarship to a prestigious art school, she made the selfless decision to forgo the opportunity and instead work as a secretary to help her family make ends meet.  Mary married and became the mother of two daughters, Susan and Sherry. Later, after remarrying, she welcomed her third daughter, Elaine, while living in Illinois. During those years, she worked as an antique dealer and furniture refinisher for her parents’ business in Door County, Wisconsin.

In the 1970s, Mary moved to San Diego, California, where her compassion and determination led her to establish an all-handicapped Girl Scout troop for her daughter Elaine and other young girls who were often overlooked because of their disabilities. One of the proudest moments of her life came when the troop traveled to Washington, D.C., little wheelchairs and all, to meet President Ronald Reagan at the White House. The visit received national media attention and was covered by major television networks. During one interview, a reporter asked a young Brownie what the trip meant to her. The young girl replied, “I learned that we are as good as anyone else.” Mary treasured that moment for the rest of her life.

In the 1990s, Mary made Gurdon, Arkansas, her home. She quickly fell in love with Gurdon, Clark County, and the Natural State. She worked as a newspaper reporter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and the Tri-Lakes Edition and later spent many years working for the United States Census Bureau, retiring at the remarkable age of 80.  Never one to stop learning or pursuing her goals, Mary enrolled at Henderson State University and graduated Cum Laude at the age of 73. Remarkably, she earned her degree while undergoing treatment for the first of three battles with cancer. Her determination, resilience, and positive outlook inspired everyone who knew her and reflected the strength of character that defined her life.  A gifted artist, Mary left an enduring mark on the community she loved. Her talents can still be seen in the large Gurdon mural on Main Street, the colorful alphabet-and-animal mural at the Gurdon Head Start Center, and numerous downtown storefront facades. She also created signs and artwork for many local events, including the Curtis Country Mile Yard Sale, the Kelly Miller Circus, and activities celebrating the famous Gurdon Light.

As a child, Mary dreamed of designing elaborate department store display windows in a big city.  Later in life, she fulfilled that dream by creating imaginative and memorable Main Street window displays that delighted residents and visitors alike. Among her favorites were displays featuring the Gurdon Light, Halloween “The Deadly Diner”, and Christmas times, “Wake Up, Santa.” Miss Mary was a delightful lady, loved by all who knew her, and deeply dedicated to her community. Through her kindness, creativity, and tireless volunteer spirit, she enriched the lives of countless people. Her legacy lives on not only in the artwork she created, but in the hearts of those she encouraged, inspired, and loved.

She is survived by her daughters, Susan (Sam) Evins, Sherry (Bill) Kelley, and Elaine “Lainey” Lewis; grandchildren Shelby Evins and Christopher Evins; four great-grandchildren, Ethan Peterson, Baker Duncan, Sidney and Finley Evins; and many dear friends whose lives were touched by her generosity and friendship. 

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026, 12:30 PM at First United Methodist Church of Gurdon with Reverend Jeff Ladd and Reverend Johnny Harris officiating.  Mary’s family invites all who knew and loved her to join them in celebrating a life well lived—a life filled with service, creativity, compassion, and love.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net  to sign the guest book and view the video tribute.