of Marion, AR
January 7, 1933 - September 11, 2023
Mary Katheryn (Simpson) Chambliss passed away peacefully on Monday, September 11, 2023 at the age of 90. She was born to Willie A. and Mary Howard Simpson in Shelby County, Tennessee on January 7th, 1933.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents as well as her siblings, Bill Simpson, J.W. Simpson and his wife, Linette.
Mary grew up in and around Marion, Arkansas with her five siblings. Upon graduating from Marion High School in 1952 she worked for AT&T until she retired many years later. Mary and her husband, Ray, were married March 26, 1955 in Hernando, Mississippi.
Mary loved her family and church. She served her family faithfully for many years. She and Rayburn never had any children of their own, but they helped raise several in her family and loved doing it. She was an ever-faithful member of First Baptist Marion for several decades. It was there she took the children to church and helped them learn about Jesus, changing their lives forever. She took care of Rayburn until she absolutely couldn't anymore.
Mary Chambliss is survived by her life partner, William Rayburn Chambliss and her siblings, Dorothy, Albert, his wife, Kay, Earnest Ray and his wife, Barbra Simpson. Her nieces and nephews, Bruce Simpson, Kelly and Mike Sullins, Micky, Marty, Marcy and Julie Gibout.
The family expresses their deep and special thanks to all those who have reached out and expressed their condolences, as well as those who showed such love and kindness to Mary over the years.
Services will be held at First Baptist Church Marion on Friday, September 15th, 2023, beginning with visitation at 11:00 a.m. followed by the service in the Sanctuary at 12:00 p.m. with burial following immediately after at Crittenden Memorial Park.
I'm so shocked & saddened to hear this! Mrs. Mary was such a lovely lady & ALWAYS had that precious smile on her face. She will truly be missed. Prayers for the family that God will hold you close in the days to come.
God bless the family at this difficult time sorry for the loss may God bless you may he keep you and may his face shine up on you
Mary was a kind and friendly lady that I enjoyed knowing the past several years. Condolences to Ray and the family.
Butch and Mary.
Mary was a very kind and friendly lady. I enjoyed the years that I was able to worship with her at church. My heartfelt sympathy to her husband and family.
Mary Katheryn was one of my Service Assistants when I started on the switchboard in West Memphis, Arkansas in 1968. She was a nice lady and I know she will be missed. Prayers for the family.