Mary Ruth Dedman Abbott

Mary Ruth Dedman Abbott, age 97 passed away peacefully on May 17, at Countryside Assisted Living in Hamburg AR. She was born on January 1st 1929 in Fordyce AR, to her parents Hugh Edward and Alma Talbot Dedman.

She graduated from Fordyce High School and attended Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway, AR. While she was there she met the love of her life, Lavon Abbott and they married in 1949 and later moved to Crossett in 1961. Mary is a former elementary teacher for the public schools of Fordyce, Pine Bluff and Crossett, AR. After retirement she became a favorite substitute for the English Department at Crossett High School. Her love of children continued throughout her life! She was a devoted Christian who shared her faith abundantly and frequently. She served as the church clerk for First Baptist Church for many years and taught a ladies Sunday School for 30 plus years and was instrumental in beginning an intercessory prayer ministry. This ministry was staffed 24 hours a day for any prayer request from the church family or the community. Mary was also a charter member of Crossett Junior Auxiliary and the Crossett Community Scholarship Association.

She was blessed with a large loving family that were encouraged and influenced with her strong faith and devotion and was always very involved in her grandchildren’s lives as well. Mary enjoyed making flower arrangements with the flowers that LaVon grew in his garden and eagerly shared with friends. Mary  was an avid bridge player and a great cook! She shared her many talents throughout her life.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 67 years, Hudson Lavon Abbott, two special cousins Dr. Allen G. Talbot and Ann Brandon Womack, one infant granddaughter and a great grandson; Parker Ryan Langston. 

Left to cherish  her memory are  her two daughters Shirley Langston (Rene) of Springdale AR, and Margaret Pope( Max) of Hot Springs AR. Seven Grandchildren, Hudson Pope (Melissa) of Senoia GA, Mason Pope(Laura) of Crossett, Meredith White(Faber) and Emily Koelling (Adam) all of Longview, TX, Rob Langston(Heather) of Fort Myers’s FL, Ryan Langston(Shannon), and Ross Langston of Springdale AR, a special cousin Sara Cathey of Fordyce and 14 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Ms.Tammy and Mr. Crawford Adams, along with all the staff at Countryside Assisted Living for the loving and compassionate care provided to Mary Ruth.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church Crossett Tuesday, June 2. Visitation will be at 1 PM until time of service at 2:00 PM.   McDaniels Sunday School Class will be serving as Honorary Pallbearers. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Crossett, AR.

Obituary written by her loving family.

Services entrusted to Medders Funeral Home.

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