Fay Southern

Edith Fay “Mimi” Southern, wife, mother and grandmother to all, passed away in Little Rock, Arkansas on January 18, 2021 due to natural causes. She is survived by her husband of sixty-five years, Willie Ray Southern; their children, Mariann Clark and Lee Southern; and grandsons Murphy Southern and Jack Southern and granddaughter Lucia Southern Munoz.

Fay was born in the humble town of Holly Ridge, Louisiana on November 11th, 1935. Growing up in the shadow of the Great Depression, she was instilled with a steadfast resolve that would serve her throughout life. She attended Louisiana Tech and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics in 1958. While attending college, she met her future husband, Willie Ray on a blind date. They married in the summer of 1955 and spent their honeymoon in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Little did they know at the time, that they would soon move to Arkansas and raise a family in Little Rock.

Fay, or Mimi (as she is collectively known), was what can easily be described as a loving force of will to all those whom she encountered. She was an active member of Trinity Methodist. Her love of children, instilled desire to run for Little Rock School Board in 1981. She eventually served as President of the Little Rock School Board.  As an avid reader, she was known to finish a novel a week. As a dedicated mother, she fed and raised several generations. Her chicken dumplings and lemon icebox pie were family/friend favorites. Her selfless actions in life leave behind a multitude who will cherish her memory.

Due to Covid-19, a memorial will be planned later in year when it is safer for family members to travel.

In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to the Arkansas Foodbank https://arkansasfoodbank.org/