of North Little Rock, AR
July 6, 1954 - June 16, 2022
Mary Lynn Cameron, age 67, of North Little Rock passed away in her home on June 16, 2022. Mary was born to Hazel Daniel Lynn Cameron and Owen 'Cam" Cameron on July 6, 1954 in Mulberry, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, J. Bill Becker; both her parents; her brother, Tom Cameron, Sr. (Eva) and her nephew, Dan Cameron. Mary is survived by her brother, James Harold Lynn (Erma); two nieces, Jo Cottingham (Jerry) and Jaree Lynn Fisher (Harold); two nephews, Tom Cameron (Martha) and Voyt Lynn (Becky); Preston Becker (Dani); several great-nieces and nephews and numerous dear and devoted friends.
Mary graduated in 1972 from Southside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She went on to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, graduating with a B.S.E. in English from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Her teaching career spanned 31 years, beginning at North Little Rock's Ole Main, continuing to Hall High and Central High, then ending at Episcopal Collegiate School. She truly enjoyed teaching English and had a flair for sharing literature (especially Shakespeare) with her students. Whether in the classroom or chaperoning one of many academic enrichment travels abroad, Mary always conveyed the love she felt for her students. Her proudest achievements include winning the Stephens Award for outstanding teaching and being identified by many of her students - including a Presidential Scholar - as being their favorite and most influential teacher.
Mary fully embraced retirement by immersing herself in a love for antiques and becoming a part owner of Crystal Hill Antique Mall. She also had a passion for horticulture, planting and tending the floral gardens around her beautiful home, built by architect, Justin Matthews. Mary was a devoted member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
Funeral services will be Saturday, June 25th at 1:00 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in North Little Rock and will be officiated by The Reverend Carey Stone. Burial will be the following day, Sunday, June 26 at 1:00 p.m. at the Gann Cemetery, Polk County Road 170, in Potter, Arkansas. Arrangements are by Roller-Owens Funeral Home, North Little Rock.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in honor of Mary to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 4106 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, AR 72116; to the Humane Society of Pulaski County, 14600 Colonel Glenn Rd., Little Rock, AR 72210 or to a charity of your choice.
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29 Condolence(s)
Hazel Becker Farris
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
As the one year anniversary of Mary's death approaches, I am again saddened that she was taken too soon. I don't know how I missed this opportunity to post last year. I enjoyed reading all the above sweet messages.
Mary was married to my Dad, Bill Becker. She made him so happy and when I learned about her cancer, i got back in touch and repeatedly emailed her about my gratefulness of her love and care for Dad, "the love of her life," and her care of "Bill's children."
Mary made everything look so easy, I was envious. All she did turned out beautifully - from having great hair (one thing she said to me after cancer treatment was "my hair still looks great!"), to her teaching (I never understood Shakespeare nor could I spell it), travel with students, amazingly beautiful homes and yards....She used to say she was an "old soul." Nonetheless, Mary! You left us all too soon at only 67.. 💕
Hannah Lynn
Saturday, August 20, 2022
Aunt Mary was my Great Aunt. She was the most amazing person that I have ever met. I love and miss her with all my heart. She will be greatly missed!
Christy Allen Bennett
Monday, June 27, 2022
I met Mary at Girl Scout camp in late elementary/early junior high school. We were true friends over the years and she was my maid of honor in my wedding. She was my son’s godmother. As life does, we lost each other for a time. God put her back in my life and I cherish the time we had. I truly love her, her friends and the special times we shared.
Libbie Terry Dougan
Friday, June 24, 2022
Dear Mary’s Family and Friends, I am asking The Holy Spirit to pour His peace and contentment, comfort and joy, down over you all, like warm honey. Mary and I met and were friends in Fayetteville. We both lived in Little Rock, while I worked and she finished her education. We have been such good friends, for so long! She was “Aunt Mary†to my 3 daughters. I called her Bugums. You all have seen her “rendition of a bugâ€. Haven’t you? She asked me a year ago, to stop calling her that. So, I did. She called me “Ls’ Bethâ€! My legal, technical name is Elizabeth!! Thank you all, for sharing the wonderful Mary, with me. Blessings! Libbie. Phil. 4:13
Charlotte Dollar
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Mary was my 10th grade English teacher at Central, and she will never know the impact she made on my life. Things were rough at home, my grades were slipping, and she never once judged me or labeled me as a bad kid. She was kind to me at a time in my life when I so desperately needed an adult to be kind to me.
I will never forget her and I strive to live my life with the same kindness and love that she did.
You are very missed.
Ken & Diane King
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Betty you will be greatly missed, we enjoyed knowing you thru Crystal Hill Antique Mall. Rejoice in heaven
Cathy Mayton
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
May Mary Rest In Peace and Rise in Glory. She was one cool chick who will be missed by all.
Georgi King
Monday, June 20, 2022
Will so miss Mary, her sweet smile and upbeat comments!
I will forever cherish the beautiful yarrow plant she dug from her own yard and brought to me! It is blooming beautifully this week and is a wonderful reminder of her friendship!
Rest In Peace, sweet friend!
Judy Zorn
Monday, June 20, 2022
I met Ms. Cameron at Ole Main High School where she was my English teacher. I will say she was one of my BESTEST teachers ever! I will never forget her smile and with her caring ways she made me love English even more than I did. I had always wondered whatever happened to her then a year or so ago I discovered she was at the Crystal Hill Antique Mall. I went to see her one day and we talked for awhile. I did not know she was sick. But my heart is sad for losing such a wonderful teacher / friend. She will be missed! There will never be another Ms. Cameron. To all of her family and friends, I am so very sorry for your loss. She was a true Angel! God bless all who knew her.
Ross Glotzbach
Monday, June 20, 2022
Mary was my 10th grade English teacher at Central. She had such a positive impact on not just me (a kid who came in not knowing anyone in Little Rock or liking to read much) but everyone I know who was lucky enough to be in her class. I will always remember her zest for both the books we read and for life in general. She was the best teacher I ever had, and I will really miss her.
Vicki Draper
Sunday, June 19, 2022
I was so shocked and saddened to see Mary’s picture in this morning’s paper. She was a former neighbor and a friend. We once took tap dance class together at Joel’s then went to Bennigans afterward and gained back the calories we lost. We also walked dogs together almost every day. Sadly we lost touch when she moved to North Little Rock but I’ll always remember the good times we had together.
Steele Strauss
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Ms. Cameron was my English teacher at Episcopal in 10th grade and I also took her Creative writing class as a Senior. I couldn’t get enough of her. She made class so much fun and helped me endlessly. She was always smiling and made everyone around her feel happy. May she Rest In Peace.
Steele Strauss class of 2012
Bob Lewis
Sunday, June 19, 2022
I’m someone from her birth city of Mulberry. I didn’t know her well but her brother James Harold were great friends in our youth.
Pat Hall
Sunday, June 19, 2022
We will miss Mary and that beautiful smile so much. Prayers for the family.
Debbie (Brown) Morgan
Sunday, June 19, 2022
I met you in your 2nd year of teaching at Ole Main High School. When I was assigned to your class as a sophomore for English, I thought I’d never make it through. Not only did I make it through, but you asked me to be in your class the remaining years to help grade papers. I adored you, and was so intrigued by your unique character, wonderful taste for nice things, and your strength as a young, beautiful woman. I had so much admiration for you. We became friends after graduation and remained in touch over all the years. (I remember when we were having lunch at Bennigan’s one time, I told you that I thought you were such a “b†during school, but you taught me so much. We both laughed, and you said “I amâ€. You had such a love for gardens, and antiques. If ever there was a teacher that impacted my life, it was you. I’m so thankful I told you this many times and how much I loved you! You will be missed!
Jessica Pough
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Ms. Cameron was the spunky 10th grade English teacher me and so many other past students of hers will never forget. She touched countless lives with her gift of teaching, and I’m grateful to have known her.
Episcopal Collegiate Class of ‘13
Judy Williams
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Crystal Hill Antique Mall in North Little Rock will not be the same without Mary, who had a love of antiques and collectibles that were beautiful and displayed expertly. We already miss her lively personality and wit, but her spirit and collections still live on at the mall.
Sandee Reynolds
Sunday, June 19, 2022
So sorry for your lose. She sounds like a wonderful person. Jaree and family, I know you will miss her deeply.
Deb
Saturday, June 18, 2022
I will be forever grateful we reconnected. Sad we can no longer talk roses. Rest in peace.
Marilyn Brewster
Saturday, June 18, 2022
I loved working with Mary at Hall High. She was a true professional. My career took me to another school but we reconnected years later at Crystal Hill Antique Mall. I shall miss her sweet spirit.
Sherry Furr
Saturday, June 18, 2022
Mary was such a beautiful lady, inside and out. She will be missed.
Coleman Alexander
Saturday, June 18, 2022
I had an opportunity to meet this special lady. We blink and then life has passed us by. Live each day as if it were your last. I believe that Mary has gathered to her people and yes I also believe that she is watching over those whom she loved
Christy Allen Bennett
Saturday, June 18, 2022
I met Mary at Girl Scout camp in late elementary/early junior high school. We were true friends over the years and she was my maid of honor in my wedding. She was my son’s godmother. As life does, we lost each other for a time. God put her back in my life and I cherish the time we had. I truly love her, her friends and the special times we shared.
Lisa Daerr Conyer
Saturday, June 18, 2022
A dear friend who will be missed dearly!
Ditzi Dee Cameron
Saturday, June 18, 2022
Mary did everything with great passion and great love. She will be missed.
April
Friday, June 17, 2022
Mary is an unforgettable woman who was my mentor as I started my teaching career. I really wanted to BE her and have the knowledge and charisma that she did in and out of the classroom. She made me fall in love with a career that I was on the fence about before meeting her. She was simply an amazing and inspirational and fearless woman. After having lunch with her a couple of years ago, my daughter said, "Ms. Mary reminds me of a fascinating character in a novel that you don't want to put down." I think Mary loved that she gave off that image!
Carolyn Berry
Friday, June 17, 2022
Truly a lady who lived life well!
Tom O. Cameron
Friday, June 17, 2022
You were a one of a kind very special person and will be terribly missed. We love you.
Jo COTTINGHAM
Friday, June 17, 2022
Miss you so much.