A native daughter of Polk County, Arkansas, born near Vandervoort, on March 30, 1935, Mary Gouner went home to glory peacefully, surrounded by her family on February 6, 2024. Mary was the ninth of ten children born to George Lofton Cook and Mary Esther Ward Cook, all of whom predeceased her in death including: Garland, Harley, Ruby, James, Alma Mae, Alfred Freddie, Albert Ray, Alvie Jo, and Timalou Cook.
She was married to Robert Gouner of Baytown, Texas at age 19. Mary was a devoted wife and mother, and is survived by her three children: Mary Lind Peck of Mena; Allean Bonin of Royce City, Texas; and Robert Allen Gouner of Baytown, Texas. Mary lived to witness the birth of eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. As one may well imagine, Mary has numerous nephews and nieces.
Mary found her greatest earthly joy and happiness in her family. She often said that her one desire is to be reunited with each one of them in eternity through faith in and through the finished work of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Mary was available night and day to her friends and family, who could feel free to call on her anytime and at any hour. She was an ardent prayer warrior who remained faithful in this role up until the time of her death. She also loved gospel music and listening to her recorded Bible.
Mary dropped out of school in the seventh grade following the death of her mother. She worked to help support the family by pulling cotton and peeling posts. Over the years, Mary lived in diverse places such as Puerto Rico, Chicago, Hawaii, and the Marshall Islands. She also spent several summers in Mena, where she eventually came back to live. Following the death of her husband in 1989, at age 54, she returned to school, obtained a high school diploma, and then completed her LVN nursing degree and was then employed in two nursing homes in both Texas and in Mena for many years.
In 2004, she retired to care for an infant granddaughter. In her later years she happily returned to Mena, to the place where she always called home, where she lived with her eldest daughter up until the time of her death.
Services for Mrs. Gouner will be held Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at the Beasley-Wood Chapel, in Mena, Arkansas. Richard Peek will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.
Interment will follow at the Witherspoon Cemetery in Vandervoort, Arkansas, there will be a meal provided to those who would like to attend at Grace Bible Church in Mena, Arkansas, immediately following the service.
General Visitation will be held at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home from 8:00 a.m., to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com
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