Mary Louise Hamlin, age 86 of Malvern, died Tuesday morning, September 11, 2012 at her home. She was born in Hatfield , Arkansas on October 23, 1925 to the late James T. Davis and Rosa Henson Davis. Moving with her family to Malvern at an early age, she received her education locally and was active in school sports, playing softball and basketball. She also loved to water ski. A working mother, Mary was employed by the local textile mill, the shoe plant, and by Chamberlain Door, from which she retired in 1991. She was a member of Third Baptist Church , where she sang in the choir and worked with the youth. Mary never met a stranger--she was a friend to all and was devoted to her family.

She is survived by her husband, Ray Hamlin, of the home, to whom she was married on June 18, 1949 in Malvern; by a daughter, Cheryl Vanwinkle of Benton ; by a granddaughter, Lindsey K. Vanwinkle of Little Rock ; by two grandsons, Scott E. Vanwinkle of Benton , and Steven K. Vanwinkle of Arkadelphia; and a sister, Bessie Lock of Malvern.

Mary was also preceded in death by a brother, J. T. Davis.

Her funeral will be at ten o'clock Friday morning, September 14, 2012 in the sanctuary of Third Baptist Church with Dr. Rick Grant and Brother Tom Strike officiating.

Interment will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery .

Pallbearers will be: Larry Walker, Harold Lock, Dean Lock, Mike Hollingshead, Gary Cooper, and C. M. Phillips.

Honorary pallbearers are: Dr. Bruce Burton, Dr. Bruce White, Dr. Steve Greer, and the hospice staff.

The family will receive friends at J. A. Funk Funeral Home on Thursday evening from six until eight o'clock.

Memorials may be made to the Pleasant Hill Cemetery Association, c/o Rick Norwood, 234 West Pine Drive , Malvern , Arkansas 72104 .

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.