Mary Elizabeth Crain

MARY ELIZABETH WRIGHT CRAIN, AGE 84 Mary Elizabeth Wright Crain passed peacefully from her life on this earth to her eternal life on Friday, September 6, 2025. Born on September 27, 1940 in Franklinton, LA, she was 84 years old, just 3 weeks shy of turning 85. She grew up in Franklinton, LA, married her husband, Hillary J. "Buddy" Crain, also of Franklinton, and moved to Bogalusa where they made their life for 64 years. Mary's accomplishments include being a graduate of Baton Rouge High School. She was a member of Winterset Club in Franklinton, and a longtime member of Bogalusa Civic League. She was an active leader of Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girls, and, also Cub Scouts. She grew up in First Baptist Church of Franklinton, became a committed member of First Baptist Church of Bogalusa for many years, and most recently, became a member of First Baptist Church of Covington. Remembered for her strength and unshakeable will, she was the undeniable matriarch of her large and loving family. Never shy about expressing herself and her opinions, she will be most remembered for her boundless love, her laugh (and smile), and her love for life. She was known for her deep love for her family and God, her generosity, excellent cooking skills, positive attitude, and hard work ethic. She tenaciously worked as a real estate agent/broker for more than 50 years, often going the extra mile to help people find and purchase homes. She will be missed by all. Mary is survived by her husband of 69 years, Hillary Jerrol "Buddy" Crain, formerly of Bogalusa and now of Madisonville, and 4 children and their spouses: Sheila Crain Matheny (Judd) of Hammond, William Jerrol Crain of Mandeville, Wesley Wright Crain (Lilynn) of Lake Charles, and Emily Crain Davis (Kevin) of Navarre, FL. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Hillary Matheny Blalock (Thomas) of The Woodlands, TX; William Taylor Crain (Sarah) of Baton Rouge; Mary Emily Matheny Leavell (Ro) of Covington; Michael Jennings Crain of Lafayette; Matthew Jerrol Crain of Covington; Madison Wright Crain (Alaina) of Lake Charles; Gentry Lynn Crain of New Orleans; and Elizabeth Madelyn Crain of New Orleans. In addition, she was blessed with 10 great-grandchildren. She is additionally survived by her sister-in-law, Paulette Bullock Crain and brother-in-law, Ralph McLain "Mac" Kelton. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, James Edward and Mary Magdelene Taylor Wright of Franklinton; her father- and mother-in-law, Hillary J. "Buck" and Helen Williams Crain both of Franklinton; her sister and brother-in-law, Nancy Wright and Guy C. Futral, Jr.; her sister, Susan Wright Kelton; her brother-in-law, John Barry Crain; and sister-in-law, Sylvia Sue Crain Magee. Visitation will be Monday, September 8, 2025 from 1-3pm at Crain Funeral Home in Franklinton, LA. The funeral service will be held immediately after visitation at 3pm in the Funeral Home chapel and will be officiated by Dr. Waylon Bailey of First Baptist Church, Covington, LA. with music led by David Logan of First Baptist Church, Covington. Burial will be to follow the service at Morris Cemetery in Franklinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made by check to the Music Ministry of First Baptist Church Covington, LA (16333 Highway 1085 Covington, LA 70433) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).