Mary Jane Hyatt

Surrounded by the love of her family, Mary Jane Gray Hyatt of Pine Bluff, peacefully departed this earth on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 to reunite with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born on April 16, 1935 in Rison, Arkansas, she was the daughter of the late William “Dubb” and Tina Reid Gray.  Mary Jane attended Rison High School where she was a member of the band, a drum majorette and senior homecoming queen where she was escorted by the football captain, Rex Hyatt.  She graduated in 1953 before attending the University of Arkansas at Monticello (Arkansas A&M).  In 1956 Mary Jane married her high school sweetheart, Rex Nelson Hyatt and made their home in Pine Bluff.

Mary Jane was a devoted wife and mother.  It was her greatest joy to make a happy and welcoming home for the many friends and family that spent time there. It was often joked that more people ate dinner at her table than at any restaurant in town. Her life was filled with friends, family and dear neighbors, and she was a dutiful and compassionate friend in return. She was a wonderful cook, enjoyed gardening, and had many artistic talents.  She was active in Good Faith-Carr United Methodist Church, and she utilized her many talents as a member of the Busy Beavers in support of church activities.  She was a long-time volunteer in the PTA and Girl Scouts, and she was a member of the Pine Bluff China Painting Guild.  In her later years, Mary Jane enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, and by her husband.  Mary Jane is survived by a brother – William “Butch” Gray (Linnie) of Malvern; daughters – Tonya Gray Hyatt of Sherwood and Tammy Blaylock (Tony) of North Little Rock; granddaughters – Adrienne Nunn (Casey) of Fort Worth, TX and Audrey Pratt (Sheldon) of Sherwood; and twin great-grandsons – Liam Hyatt Pratt and Logan Hayes Pratt of Sherwood.  Mary Jane is also survived by a number of beloved, extended family members she held very deeply in her heart.

At her request, there will be no formal service.  A visitation for friends and family will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at Buie Funeral Home in Rison from 1:00-2:30 p.m. followed by a simple graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Good Faith Carr United Methodist Church, 3703 Ryburn Road, Pine Bluff, AR 71603; Greenwood Cemetery, P.O. Box 514, Rison, AR 71665; or RHS Championship Scholarship, Union Station 1400 West Markham, Suite 206, Little Rock, AR 72201. Arrangements are under the direction of Buie Funeral Home of Rison.  (870)325-6216.

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