Mary Elaine Ballard

Mary Elaine Guin Ballard, age 83, of Detroit, AL, went to her eternal home surrounded by her loved ones on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 2:00pm at Detroit Church of Christ with burial to follow in Friendship North Cemetery. Mr. Gavin Bearden and Mr. Garrett McDonald to officiate. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the funeral service from 1:00pm until 2:00pm.

She was born on February 18, 1942, in Guin, Alabama, to the late Lecil and Inez Guin. On July 30, 1960, she married the love of her life, Alvin "Andy" Andrew Ballard. Together they shared 65 years of love, faith, and family. Mary was a devoted member of the Detroit Church of Christ, where she lived out her faith daily.

She worked many years at the Detroit Garment Plant before following her calling into healthcare. After completing nursing school, Mary served faithfully as a Registered Nurse at North Mississippi Medical Center, where she worked for 19 years. Her compassion and dedication touched countless patients and families during her career. Above all, Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. She was the matriarch of her family and the heart of every gathering. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering love left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Cathy Ann Ballard; her brothers, Dale Guin and Donald Guin; and her sister, Ann Sizemore.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Andy Ballard of Detroit; her son, Bret (Shannon) Ballard of Greenwood Springs, MS; and her sister, Sandy (Steve) Hopkins of Vernon, AL. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Andrew (Allison) Gunn of Birmingham, AL; Carl Andrew Ballard of Tupelo, MS; Jordan (Aaron) Ledbetter of Hamilton, AL; Garrett (Camille) McDonald of Gray, TN; Krissa Mae Ballard (Kelby) Smith of Amory, MS; Jeremy Chase (Hanna) Ballard of Sherman, MS; and Joshua Chanse Ballard of Greenwood Springs, MS. Her cherished great-grandchildren include Jack, Will, Mary, and Virginia Gunn; Banks and Jerni McDonald; Isaac Mize and Mac Ledbetter; and Mary Katherine Davis. She will also be fondly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mary's legacy of love, faith, and family will live on in all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at: www.ottsfuneralhome.net

Otts Funeral Home

Sulligent, AL, Directing