Mary Louise Osborne

Mary Louise(Pruitt) Osborne, 91, of Searcy, passed away peacefully February 28, 2023 at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. She was born in 1931 at home in Beebe, Arkansas, the daughter of Elmer Thomas Pruitt and Blanche Irene (Henry) Pruitt. Mary Lou is survived by her children, Kathryn Zuber (Ken) of Beebe, Gary Osborne (Misty) of Searcy; grandchildren, Craig Stewart, Samuel Osborne, Julie Sumpter (Charlie), Brooke Osborne, and Hannah Osborne; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 72 years, Frank Osborne; a grandson, Joshua; and eight brothers and sisters, Doyle, Edwin, Tom, John, Sam, Jean, Joe, and Marliss. Mary Lou was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Searcy where she faithfully served in many areas, including GA’s, Sunday School, and the banner committee, where she created beautiful banners for display at the church. She was known for her kind heart, warm smile, and faithful service. She and Frank accompanied the youth on numerous youth trips to snow ski and many mission trips to Native American reservations where she taught sewing classes to the native women. Mary Lou was a master seamstress and retired from Davidson’s Sewing in downtown Searcy. She was well known for her sewing, monogramming, embroidery, and quilt making. She was also an extraordinary cook and made the best hushpuppies, coconut cakes, and golf ball cookies, which her grandchildren would divvy up to take home at Christmas, making sure no one got more than the other. Mary Lou was also an avid fisherman and hunter. She and Frank went on countless hunting trips with friends for elk, deer, pheasant, and quail. They even placed third in a Crappiethon with close friends, Jimmy and Almeda Vandiver, and Hayes and Margaret McGaha. The family would like to thank the medical staff at Unity Health in Searcy and the outstanding medical staff at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis while she was in their hospice care. Also, a special thank you to Julie Sumpter, granddaughter and full-time caregiver since August. Although Mary Lou has left us, her legacy of kindness, compassion, and creativity will live on through the memories of those who loved her. She will be forever missed, but never forgotten. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, March 6, 2023 at 2:00p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Searcy with Bro. Brian Whitney officiating. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 1:00p.m. Interment will follow in White County Memorial Gardens in Searcy. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net

Mary Louise Osborne

August 13, 1931 - February 28, 2023