Mary Louise Byrd

In the early morning hours of Saturday, November 7, 2026, with her family by her side, Mary Louise Byrd, 78, of Benton, Arkansas, passed from this earth and entered into eternal life. She was born on April 10, 1948, in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, to George Hosler, Sr. and Frances R. (Bayster) Hosler.

Mary was a woman of faith and a member of the Cathedral of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Little Rock with her son Chuck and his family. She attended until health and mobility challenges limited her attendance. She encouraged her family to embrace their Catholic faith and to pray not only in difficult times but in joyful times as well.

She proudly served her country as a flight medic in the United States Air Force, stationed at Selfridge Air Base in Michigan during the Vietnam War. It was there that she met her future husband, Jerry. Her military service was a source of great pride and reflected her courage, compassion, and willingness to care for others. After their honorable discharge, Mary and Jerry settled in Bauxite. She worked at two local doctors’ offices before becoming a full-time mother to Chuck and Missy. Mary regularly volunteered at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School and Church and at Pine Haven Elementary, where her children attended school. She also supported Jerry’s service on the Bauxite City Council and with the volunteer fire department.

Of all the titles Mary held throughout her life, perhaps her favorite was "Mammaw." Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and nothing made her happier than spending time with those she loved. Mary also knew how to have a good time! Whether she was playing bingo, trying her luck at the casino, enjoying a shopping trip, or gathering with friends for happy hour at the Arkansas Veterans Home, she embraced life's simple pleasures. She treasured the friendships she made along the way and the laughter and memories they shared. Mary never met a stranger. She had a beautiful soul that was present even when her health was bothering her.

Mary was preceded in death by Jerry, her husband of more than 50 years; her parents, George Sr. and Frances (Baster) Hosler of Cumbola, Pennsylvania; and her siblings, Dorothy (Hosler) Kaylan and George Hosler Jr., both of Cumbola, Pennsylvania.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her son, Chuck Byrd and wife Kristy; daughter, Missy Byrd; grandchildren, Paige Byrd and fiancé Jack Albert, Jeremiah Byrd and girlfriend Katie Williams, and Ashlyn Gregory; a bonus great-granddaughter, Averie; brother, Charles Hosler and wife Michelle; longtime family friends, Layne Melton of Benton and Charlene and Ron Reber of Pennsylvania; and a host of family and friends who loved Mary and will miss her dearly.

Mary lived a life filled with love for her family, pride in her country, and an appreciation for the good times shared with those around her. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she leaves behind will continue to bring smiles to the faces of those who knew and loved her.

The family expresses its sincere gratitude to the surgical intensive care staff at the VA Hospital in Little Rock for their compassionate care of Mary, and to the staff at the Arkansas Veterans Home, Hero Home 6, for their care and support of Mary and her family.

We are also extremely grateful for Jeri Lynn Davenport and the entire staff at Smith-Benton Funeral Home for their care of Mary and the support provided to her family.

A Rosary will be held Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6:00–6:30 PM at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, followed by visitation from 6:30–8:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial held Friday, November 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Cathedral of St. Andrew Catholic Church, 617 Louisiana Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. Burial following at 3:00 PM at Lindsey-Poyen Cemetery, 13505 US-270, Poyen, Arkansas.

Purple was Mary's favorite color, and the family invites everyone attending her services to wear purple in her honor.

Services are entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.

Guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com