Mary Carol Stinson Lowry

Mary Carol Stinson Lowry, a lifelong resident of Bossier Parish, passed away after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend whose kindness and warmth touched countless lives.

Born with a heart for service and excellence, Mary Carol was the salutatorian of the Benton High School Class of 1965. During her time there, she was honored as Miss Sher Khan and voted Best Citizen by her peers—recognitions that reflected her character even at a young age. Throughout her life, she remained deeply connected to her classmates, faithfully organizing and hosting every class reunion since graduation. She was truly the glue that kept those friendships strong across the years.

Mary Carol was a devoted and loving mother to her four children. Whether serving as a homeroom mother or cheering from the stands, she was present at every basketball game, baseball game, football game, tennis match, dance recital, and school program. Her unwavering support extended beyond her own family, as she served as both a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader, making a lasting impact on many young people in her community.

Determined and resilient, Mary Carol returned to college later in life with a goal of earning her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. While raising her family and working her way through school, she achieved that dream in 1999, the same year her youngest daughter graduated from high school. Her perseverance was an inspiration to all who knew her.

She combined her love of learning and service in her work as a school librarian at St. Mark’s Cathedral School and later at the downtown branch of Shreve Memorial Library. As a librarian, she nurtured a love of reading and knowledge in generations of children and families.

Mary Carol was a gifted seamstress. Among her most treasured creations are the Christmas stockings she lovingly stitched for each of her six grandchildren. She designed the stockings to represent their individual talents and interests, continuing a family tradition passed down from her own grandmother. She was an avid scrapbooker who carefully documented milestones, celebrations, and everyday moments so they could be treasured for generations.

She also found great joy in simple acts of love and thoughtfulness. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel special, welcomed, and cared for. A frequent visitor to the Hallmark store, Mary Carol made it a point to send birthday and holiday cards to friends and family. If you received a card from her, you could be certain you were loved.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. As a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church in Bossier City, she lived her beliefs through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering compassion for others.

Mary Carol demonstrated incredible strength throughout her life, having bravely battled and overcome cancer in 2020, only to face it again later with the same courage and grace.

Above all, her greatest joy was her family, especially her children and grandchildren, who were the center of her world. Her legacy of love, kindness, and devotion will live on through them and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her children, Gail Anthony Lowry, III, David Andrew Lowry, Mary Lowry Ward (Randy), and Susan Lowry Cedotal (Jay); grandchildren, Emily Elizabeth Ward, Ryan Andrew Ward, Hunter Glenn Cedotal, Miller Chris Cedotal, Mary Susan Cedotal, and Austin Jay Cedotal; sister, Janet Stinson Brittain (Alan); brother, Ford Edwards Stinson, Jr. (Suzie); beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ford Edwards Stinson and Edna Earle Richardson Stinson, and grandparents, Mamie Edwards Stinson, Henry Lyman Richardson, and Ollie Mae Richardson.

The family would like to thank her team of doctors, nurses, and aides during her cancer treatment along with the staff at Cypress Point Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Visitation will take place on Friday, May 8, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Bossier City. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Miles Holladay, with a graveside service immediately afterward at Rose-Neath Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Randy Ward, Ryan Ward, Jay Cedotal, Hunter Cedotal, Miller Cedotal, and Austin Cedotal. Honorary pallbearers will be Ford Stinson, III, Brian Stinson, Doug Stinson, Lee Brittain, and Eric Evans.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society. The family also asks that you do an act of kindness and remember the kindness Mary Carol showed us all! She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.