1935-2025
Mary Carolyn Riggan Mote was born on April 28, 1935, in Cooney, Arkansas, to Alva Gray Riggan and Amy Riggan Harper. She graduated high school from Sheridan, Arkansas in 1953 and married the love of her life, James Ross (“J.R.”) Mote, that same year. Mary accompanied J.R. to military bases during his Army service and then to college at Henderson State University. They eventually settled down in Sheridan. There Mary began her career as a teacher, where she taught second and third grade for approximately ten years.
Mary was very involved in the community and enjoyed helping others with weddings, showers, and similar events. Later in life, she enjoyed bringing lunch to MPE, her late son’s business, where a host of rednecks would make a point to timely drop by. Mary was known for her cooking, especially her famous punch-bowl cake which she brought to deer camp and various other gatherings. She was also an active member of the local American Legion Auxiliary and First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church. Through her support of the military community, Mary became good friends with many service members and veterans. She loved keeping up with them through mail, phone, and bringing them home-cooked food. Mary reveled in others’ accomplishments and never missed a chance to send a birthday or other greeting card.
Although Mary took great pride in helping and giving back to others, she was first and foremost a wife, mom, and “Granny.” She loved nothing more than spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other friends and family members.
Mary passed away on January 18, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alva Gray Riggan and Amy Riggan Harper; husband of 68 years, J.R. Mote; son, Ross Alan Mote; grandson Shawn Alan Raney; and brother, Bobby Riggan.
Survivors include her daughter, Debbie Larkan of Hot Springs Village; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Mote of Sheridan; grandchildren, Shannon Raney of Hot Springs Village, Nick (Lexi Stevens) Mote of Fayetteville, Adam (Callie) Mote of Fayetteville, and Christian (Karson) Ramsey of Sheridan; and great-grandchildren, Kristopher Raney and Hannah Raney of Hot Springs Village. Other survivors include numerous extended family members and friends.
A brief graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Sheridan with Bro. Shawn Hill and Bro. DeHaan Thornton officiating. If you wish to honor her memory, please donate to First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, in lieu of flowers.
