Mary Lou Stroud

Mary Lou Stroud passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at the age of 81. She was born in Dodson, Texas on November 13, 1932. Mary was married to the love of her life for 62 years. They raised three children together, Pam, David and John. She was a real estate broker and owned her own company. Mary led her sons’ Cub Scout pack with her husband, Ogden. She enjoyed watching her sons participate in motocross bicycle racing. Mary and Ogden had quite an adventure together. Once retired, they did mission work overseas in Austria, Russia, England, Hungary and Poland. Along the way they visited France, Germany, Holland, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Mexico and Canada. They also traveled extensively in the United States as Sojourners, canvasing for Vacation Bible School, holding Bible studies, and helping wherever there was a need. Mary was truly a servant at heart, and lived to do God’s work.

Mary was preceded in death by her two sons, David Stroud and John Stroud. She is survived by her husband, Ogden Stroud, daughter, Pam Shreve, grandson, Sam Shreve, grandson, Eli Shreve and his wife Nicky, granddaughter, Hannah Wheat and her husband Ross, as well as great-grandchildren Julie Wheat, Aedan Wheat, Jocelyn Wheat and another great-grandchild on the way, daughter-in-law, Kimberly Stroud, grandson, Joshua Stroud, daughter-in-law, Denise Stroud, grandson, David Stroud and granddaughter, Sarah Stroud.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to Children's Homes, Inc. Donations can be made in Mary's name by calling 870-239-4031 ext 127 or sending them to Children's Homes, Inc., 5515 Walcott Rd, Paragould, AR 72450. To donate online, visit http://www.childrenshomes.org/index.php/Make-a-Donation.html

To Those I Love

When I am gone, just release me,

let me go so I can move into my afterglow.

You mustn't tie me down with your tears;

let's be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess

how much love you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

but now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve for me awhile, if grieve you must,

then let your grief be comforted in trust.

It's only for a while that we must part,

so bless the memories within your heart.

And then, when you must come this way along,

I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home."