Mary Helen Paul Bisbee

Mrs. Mary Helen Paul Bisbee, 92, of Stuttgart, AR died on Saturday December 24, 2022. She was born January 27, 1930 in Huntingdale, MO to William Hadley and Hildreth Adelina Paul. Mary was a member of First Baptist Church in Stuttgart, AR.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dr. James Owen Bisbee; one son, David Owen Bisbee; one brother and sister-in-law, William Hadley Paul, Jr and Reona Bell Paul of Chilhowee, Mo.

She is survived by one daughter, Lisa Lee Bisbee of Stuttgart; one brother, James Wood Paul (Marsha) of Hickory Creek, Tx; two grandsons, Blake Squire Bisbee (Lauren) of Conway and Ethan Gunnar Bisbee (Alysse) of Tumbling Shoals; seven great-grandchildren, Sterling Greer, Britton Rose, Madalynn, Kaylee, Skyler of Conway; Schwazy May and Hyphy’jo Tuesday of Heber Springs.

Mary attended college at William Woods College in Fulton, MO prior to marrying her husband. She worked alongside her husband in his dental practice for many years and after retiring, her love of history and reading led her to the Stuttgart Public Library where she worked part time for many years. Mary was a chartered member of the Arkansas Post Chapter of the daughters of American Revolution (DAR) and served as secretary for more than 30 years.

In 1966, a group of folks, led by both Dr. and Mrs. Bisbee, gathered to discuss organizing an association for the mentally retarded. In 1969, the dream was realized when the Grand Prairie Association for Mentally Retarded Citizens (GPARC) was formed with the Bisbee’s leading the charge. Their daughter, Lisa, is special needs and early on, they recognized the importance of providing services to these individuals. The Bisbee’s were committed to bringing awareness and providing a place where the special needs individuals of Stuttgart and surrounding areas could share a space to learn skills and have the opportunity to be productive citizens. As part of her efforts to support the association, Mary headed up fundraisers and organized summer camps in Stuttgart along with many other activities and responsibilities. There were no laws in place for the mentally challenged that would ensure they received appropriate assistance so the Bisbee’s organized a survey to determine the needs of those citizens in Stuttgart. The survey provided data that confirmed individuals would benefit from an organized and structured organization that today is known as the Grand Prairie JOB (James Owen Bisbee) Center. In addition to being one of the founders, Mary served on the board of the JOB center from 1997 until 2015.

Mary was her children’s number one fan! She was always there to cheer Lisa on as she participated in the Special Olympics. Mary encouraged and supported Lisa in every aspect of her life. She was so proud when Lisa was able to move into her own apartment. She knew then that she had loved Lisa well and she would be fine. She supported David as he strived to win the duck calling championship as well as any other activity, he was involved in.

Mary enjoyed working in her yard tending to her flowers and loved to share “cuttings” with her friends. She had a love for birds and enjoyed watching them as they fed from the birdfeeders just outside her kitchen window. Many times, you would go by and find her sitting outside on her swing or the bench and sometimes just strolling through her yard admiring the simple beauty of nature. She loved “sharing” with her friends and family whether it was food, laughter, good conversation or just quality time.

She enjoyed seeing her grandchildren and visiting with them and held a special place in her heart for her great-grandchildren. Mary was many things to many people, especially to her children and grandchildren.

But the legacy that she can be very proud of was the many years of work bringing awareness to the mentally handicapped which ultimately resulted in the JOB center where individuals, including Lisa, continue to thrive and are actively participating, with confidence, in our community and beyond.

The family would like to thank the ladies that have loved and cared for Mary over the last 18 months. They treated her with respect and allowed her to maintain her dignity as she transitioned from her earthly home to her heavenly home. We appreciate each and every one of you for your kindness.

Services will be held at First Baptist Church in Stuttgart on Friday, December 30, 2022. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. in the sanctuary followed by a 10 a.m. service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Grand Prairie JOB Center, Stuttgart; Stuttgart Public Library, Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie, First Baptist Church in Stuttgart, or a charity of your choice.