Marilyn "Mary" Kelley Lawrence

Marilyn "Mary" Kelley Lawrence, 75, of Portland, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 11, 2026. She passed away peacefully at her lifelong home in Portland, surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 26, 1950, at Dermott Hospital to Floyd Littleton Kelley and Lydia Mae Stanton Kelley, Mary spent her entire life rooted in the community she cherished. A 1968 graduate of Portland High School, she married the love of her life, Ben Carlton “Buddy” Lawrence, on May 26, 1968, beginning a remarkable partnership that would span nearly six decades. Mary was a woman of unwavering Christian faith whose life reflected the love, compassion, and servant’s heart of Christ. As a lifelong member of Portland Baptist Church, she faithfully served her church family for many years as Treasurer and dedicated countless hours to ministries that touched the lives of children, families, and fellow believers. She coordinated Vacation Bible School, Mission Friends, and Kids on Mission programs, holiday productions, and numerous church activities that strengthened the congregation and brought others closer to Christ. Her beautiful voice and joyful spirit were a cherished part of the Portland Baptist Church choir for decades. Mary’s love for her community was evident in the many ways she served others. She was actively involved with the Ashley County Hospital Foundation Board, the City Beautification Committee, the Portland Food Pantry, and the Community Exercise Center. Whether through organized service or simple acts of kindness, Mary had a gift for making people feel valued, welcomed, and loved. She quietly lived out her faith through selfless acts of generosity and compassion, always seeking opportunities to help others and share God’s love. Professionally, Mary was known for her intelligence, diligence, and pioneering spirit. Throughout her career she served as Administrator of Wilmot Nursing Home, Office Manager for DeYampert Mercantile and Trust, she worked in accounting and records management for Currie Brothers and later served as Assistant to the Director of the Facilities Division at the Southeast Arkansas Education Cooperative. She was also recognized as one of the first individuals in Ashley County to utilize computer technology in her work, reflecting her forward-thinking nature and commitment to excellence.

Above all, Mary treasured her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, caring sister, and faithful friend. Her greatest joy came from spending time with those she loved. She enjoyed tennis for many years, both recreationally and competitively, loved traveling throughout the United States, and especially cherished beach trips to Gulf Shores with family and friends. Wherever she went, she carried with her a warm smile, a generous heart, and a genuine interest in the lives of others. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and service and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd Littleton Kelley and Lydia Mae Stanton Kelley, her brother, James Leslie Kelley, her brother-in-law, Joseph Lawrence, and sister-in-law, Mary Elizabeth Lawrence Kirsten.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Ben Carlton "Buddy" Lawrence of Portland; her son, J. Clayton Lawrence (Paolo) of Plano, Texas; her daughter, Kimberly Diane Ratcliff (Brad) of Jena, Louisiana; her beloved grandchildren, Katelin, Carley, and Claire; her sisters, Janice Sadler (Jimmie) of Monticello,  Joy Cunningham (H.T.) of Portland, and Nancy Young of Bossier City, Louisiana; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Mary’s life was a testament to the words of Christ she loved so dearly: to love God and to love others. Her faith, kindness, and servant’s heart leave a legacy that will continue to bless her family, church, and community for generations to come.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 14, 2026 at the Portland Baptist Church with Bro. Mark Harris and Bro. Robin Allen officiating. Pallbearers are Christopher Crane, Matthew Crane, Ben Cunningham, Hayden Cunningham, Stoney Fortenberry, Layton Kelley, and Tyler Young. Honorary pallbearers are Portland Baptist Church Deacons, the Senior Men’s Class, Bill Kirsten, Tod Kirsten, Bill Stanley, and Robb Crotts. Burial will immediately follow at Portland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Portland Food Pantry, PO Box 367, Portland, AR 71663, Portland Baptist Church, PO Box 86, Portland, AR 71663, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. 

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Saturday at the funeral home.