Mary Louise "Faulk" Woods

Mary Louise "Louise" Woods passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, at the age of 98.

Born June 7, 1927, in Paragould, Arkansas, to Claude Elisha Faulk and Elsie Irene Nutt, Louise was the youngest of five children.

She grew up in the Brighton Community and attended Bard School (grades 1–4), Alexander (grades 5–9), and graduated from Paragould High School in 1946. Louise loved school-not only for the chance to learn but also for the joy of being with friends and playing basketball on the school team.

As a young woman, Louise worked at Trail Blazer in Paragould, serving hamburgers and ice cream, and later at Hooper's Flower Shop. On September 2, 1945, at age 18, she married Glen Higgins. Glen, just shy of his 18th birthday, purchased their marriage license in Craighead County, though they were married in Paragould. In true "Louise fashion," they kept their marriage secret for two weeks before sharing the news. Louise went on to work at Graber's Department Store and Southwestern Bell before beginning a long career filled with many roles that reflected her energy and skill.

Over the years, Louise worked at Security Bank, Roslyn's performing alterations, at the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) office, Belk's (formerly Joseph's), Sears, and the Ed White Shoe Factory. A talented seamstress, she was also a gifted cook and a determined flower gardener. There are likely many homes around town with Louise's drapes over the windows.

Louise and Glen raised two daughters: Bonnie "Karen" (Higgins) Horton, born 1947, and Mitzi Ann (Higgins) Pilcher, born 1953. Glen and Louise shared 29 years of marriage before his passing in 1974.

Louise moved to Flippin, Arkansas, in 1982 and worked at Citizen's Bank. There she met Meryl Woods, whom she married on August 16, 1984. They returned to Paragould, and Louise continued working-this time for the Greene County Circuit Clerk's office, Walmart's fabric department, and Arnold's Jewelry Store.

Louise was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Paragould, a community she cherished for more than 70 years. Born during the Great Depression, she often recalled the lean but meaningful lessons of her youth-how to live with gratitude and resourcefulness. Even into her late years, Louise was proud of her independence. She drove until the age of 98, stayed active by walking at the Paragould Community Center, voted in every election, and lovingly cared for the home she built and owned from 1950 until her passing.

With her feisty red hair, strong will, and boundless energy, Louise lived life with tenacity and joy. She was known for her kindness, humor, and genuine love for others. An inspiration to all who knew her, Louise leaves behind a legacy of strength, faith, and devotion to family and friends.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents; four siblings-Shirley Faulk, Bonnie Faulk, Doyle Faulk, and Donald Faulk; two sons-in-law, Robert Horton and Phil Pilcher; and numerous cousins.

She is survived by her daughters, Karen Horton of Bella Vista, AR, and Mitzi Pilcher of Lakeland, TN; three grandchildren-Lee Horton (Gigi) of Vacaville, CA, Jon Horton of Albuquerque, NM, and Holly Loftis (Jeff) of Van Buren, AR; six great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren with one more on the way; and a treasured and devoted friend, Pam Jumper, of Paragould.

Louise requested a private family celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Paragould