Mary Anne McDonnell

MaryAnne Davis McDonnell, 73, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 10, at CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs, after a prolonged illness. Mary Anne is survived by her loving daughter, Meredith McDonnell Smith, and son-in-law, Buck Smith, of Hot Springs; brother, Jerry Davis, niece, Shawna Davis Cole, and two nephews, Jon and Michael Davis, all of Dyersburg, TN; and cousin Ronnie Birmingham, of Hayti, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wafford and Hazel Davis.

Born December 15, 1944, in Portageville, Missouri, Mary Anne grew up and attended schools in Braggadocio and Hayti, Missouri. She attended southeast Missouri State University before marrying and moving to Magnolia, Arkansas. Some of Mary Anne’s happiest days were spent living in Magnolia with her daughter, Meredith. Mary Anne was a second mom to countless teenagers who spent hours at her house, sharing with her their laughter, teenage angst, and dreams of tomorrow. Mary Anne was always there for them, ready to listen, laugh along with them, and provide encouragement and advice. Whatever they needed, Mary Anne was able to provide it. She was a true blessing to those kids who grew up to be grateful adults, and they will never forget her for it.

Mary Anne later moved to Hot Springs, where she worked as the new patient coordinator for Hot Springs Internal Medicine, before retiring in 2012. Mary Anne spent many happy years living in Hot Springs across the lake from Meredith and Buck. She was always quick to provide a helping hand whenever she could. MaryAnne will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Today they find comfort in the knowledge that Mary Anne has found peace in His loving arms.

A Celebration of her life will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 2nd, 2018 in the chapel of First United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Gross Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Humane Society of Garland County (1249 Ault Loop, Lonsdale, AR 72087) or The Guardian Angel Cat Club (907 Hobson Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71913).

The online obituary, guestbook, and memorial tribute are available at www.GrossFuneralHome.com.