Mary Ruth Lofton

Mary Ruth Lofton, 86, passed away February 3, 2023 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Mary was born on April 17, 1936, in Mineral Wells, Texas. She was the daughter of the late Sims William and Ruby Lynch-Shulenburger Duren, Sr.  She was a graduate of Mineral Wells High School and received an undergraduate degree in Voice and Music from North Texas State University in Denton, Texas.  She later received her master’s degree in Gifted and Talented Music from University of Arkansas at Little Rock; major in voice and a minor in education.

At an early age she professed her faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at First Baptist Church.  She served the church for many years by singing in the choir and as the church’s organist and pianist.

Mary taught in the Little Rock public schools for 47 years, where she had the honor of having her students perform at the Capitol and Governor’s Mansion, on numerous occasions.  She was also chosen to teach the first 25 piano, piano lab, in the district.

In 2015, Mary retired from the Little Rock School District.  She carried her love for teaching and music into retirement and taught private piano lessons, singing with the Happiness Singers, and performing in the Gridiron.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her daughters: Laurie Lofton, of Little Rock, Lindy Harrell (Scott), of Maumelle, grandchildren Abby Powell (Tim) of Conway, Alex Harrell (Kelsey) of Burton, MI, Mary Elise Harrell of Little Rock, Molly Grace Harrell of Conway, Bella Lofton, of Little Rock, sister, Lois Timm (Ripp), of Perryville. She is also survived by 3 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Sims William Duren, Jr. and John Robert Duren.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 pm Thursday, February 9th in the Chapel at New Life Church, 8000 Crystal Hill Road, North Little Rock, AR 72118, with a Memorial Service following at 2:00 pm.