Mary Lou Stephens, 68 of Hiwassee, Arkansas, died Tuesday, April 9th, 2019 at Regency Northwest Medical Clinic in Springdale, Arkansas. She was born January 30th, 1951 in Lanagan, MO to Jim and Fern Robertson. She married Calvin L. Stephens on November 2nd, 1968 in Greenland, Arkansas. Mary Lou moved to Rogers, Arkansas and was a loving mother to her three children. She worked at Pel Freeze Industries in Rogers, Arkansas and at Walmart in various positions. She later worked at Highlands Nursing Center in Bella Vista, AR. Mary Lou also worked countless hours with her husband in the drywall business. Mary Lou was a member of Cross Church in Rogers. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her mother Fern Robertson and father Jim Robertson. Also by her brothers Leonard Robertson and Charles Robertson. Her two sisters Margie Trusdale and Shirley Swafford. Her survivors include, husband Calvin Stephens, son CJ Stephens of Bella Vista, and two daughters Angela Cotton of Florida and Lisa Ferry of Bella Vista, AR. Her brother William Robertson of Hiwassee, AR and Teresa Francis of Gravett, AR and 10 precious grandchildren. Mary Lou Stephens was a true reflection of God’s love. Mary Lou selflessly gave her time and resources and always had a smile for everyone. She always put others before herself and never wanted anyone to go hungry in her presence. She truly loved her family and was considered the world’s greatest mom and grandmother. Mary Lou wanted people to know and love Jesus so she could see all of her loved ones in Eternity. She never tired of telling people about Jesus and his love. Arrangements are by Callison-Lough Funeral Service in Bentonville, AR. A graveside service will held Friday, April 12th, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home from Noon to 2:00 p.m.
My life will forever be entwined with fond memories of time spent with my Aunt Lou. From silly songs and shopping sprees, to sight seeing and four-wheelers. It was an honor to be loved by her because it wasn’t JUST love. She showered you with love with her time, service, support and giving spirit.
I cannot remember a time I ever walked through her door without being offered candy, soda pop, snack or even a whole meal.
Music. There was always whistling, humming or singing from her joyful soul. Southern gospel music could be heard from one end of the house to the other.
I would watch out the kitchen window just waiting for her to come home so I could meet her at the car door. More often than not, I would give her hugs, invite myself inside and make myself at home in her home. We would spend warm afternoons on the porch with a Dr Pepper or popsicle as she sipped her coffee. Or, I would sit and eat all of Uncle Calvin’s Pace Picante Sauce and watch cartoons as she folded laundry.
Aunt Lou was more than my Mother’s sister. She was an extension of my Mother. She spoiled me was much as she could, but she was also there to correct me when I stepped out of line. She would wipe away my tears and offer heartfelt advise when I sought it. No matter how down I felt, she could always bring me up. And ALWAYS get me to laugh.
She was there for every important moment and brought the family together to make special moments. She was one of the people I looked to for approval when I met my husband, and the one I trusted my baby with when I was a young nervous mother returning to work. My children loved her as “Grandma Lou” and were enchanted by her loving spirit.
My life will continue to be a product of the love and influence instilled in me from my Aunt Lou.
I have many fond memories of when I was a little girl visiting. When I was a child she was like a second mom to me. I always enjoyed visiting. I would spend weeks there.
Some of those memories include swimming at Rambo down the road. She would throw potatoes to bake into the oven wrapped in foil for that night's dinner. Stopped at Lookout store and got us lollipops that turned our tongues green. She always laughed cracked jokes was silly with us. Would play Christian music like Amy Grant and such...loud and we sang and danced.
One day we walked to her mother in-laws. Her in-laws wasn't home so she folded their laundry and made jokes to us kids about the mother in law trying to figure out who had folded the laundry. She was a good aunt and took care of me just like one of her own kids.
I remember her yellow station wagon.(My favorite about it was riding in the rear facing backseat). Going to pick blueberries because she was going to bring them to Grandpa's and make him muffins ( which she did). That blueberry farm had silly bear signs along the way. ( I have no idea where it was). Driving back dirt roads to go to church in Goshen. She had her times of sending us outside so she could get housework and such done. Loved playing in the playhouse on the hill. Playing in the in-laws hay barn. Every night I was sleepy and ready for bed, because it had been a fun full day.
I have several good memories of being a kid there. Very good memories!!!! There was so much laughter and joy!!! I do know she loved Jesus. I believe she was born again and as soon as she was absent from her body, I truly believe she was present with the Lord.