Mary Lou Douglas was born on February 27, 1938, in Oak Grove, Arkansas, to Jesse James Williams and Gladys Lovella O’Neal Williams. She was raised in Oak Grove and grew up rooted in a strong faith in the Assembly of God Church, a faith that guided her throughout her life.

On February 19, 2026, Mary Lou peacefully went to her eternal home in Heaven with Jesus.

As a young woman, she later moved to California, where she graduated from Banning High School in Wilmington. She married the love of her life and sweetheart of 57 years, Chester “Chet” Douglas. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and hard work. They were blessed with two children, Chester Dewayne Douglas and Robin Lynn Douglas.

Mary Lou and Chet were proud business owners, operating Chet’s Market in Wilmington and Huntington Beach, California, as well as in Hot Springs, Arkansas. In later years, they owned and operated the Family Restaurant and Donut Shop in Arkadelphia before retiring.

Above all, Mary Lou was a devoted wife, mother, “Mimi,” aunt, and friend. She loved her family second only to her love for God. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering faith touched everyone who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Jesse and Gladys Williams; her beloved husband, Chester Douglas; her son, Dewayne Douglas; her son-in-law, Keith Bell; her grandson, Cody Jacob; her sister, Adell; and her brothers, Ed, Joe, Ramsey, Ken, and Don Ray.

She leaves in waiting her daughter, Robin Douglas-Bell; her grandchildren, Wendy Kay Ross (Randy), Courtney Douglas (Jeremy), Kendra Douglas, Jack Bell (Amber), John Douglas, and Christopher Douglas; her great-grandchildren, Brian (Emily), Justin, Jacelyn, Nathaniel, Payton, Silas, Carter, and Lily; her great-great-granddaughter, Evie Mae; her sister, Sue Mitchell; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own.

Services will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Atkinson Funeral Home Chapel in Malvern at 12:00 PM, with visitation on Monday, February 23, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Burial will follow at Lone Hill Community Cemetery.

Pallbearers Jack Bell, John Douglas, Christopher Douglas, Brian Fields, Justin Bryant, Jeremy Umphries, and Randy Ross. Honorary pallbearers Kenny and Dennis Mitchell “Her Bonus Boys”.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Gentiva Hospice of Hot Springs for their compassionate care and support. www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net