Mary Kathryn Arrington, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026, in Beaumont, Texas. She was born on October 22, 1930, in Beaumont, Texas, and lived a life filled with love, joy, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Old First Orange Baptist Church in Orange, Texas. Officiating will be Reverend Jim Wesson. Burial will follow at Dorman Cemetery in Orange.
Visitation time will be held prior to the service, beginning at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Old First Orange Baptist Church in Orange.
Mary was truly an "Angel on Earth," known for her selfless nature and willingness to do anything for anyone. She was incredibly appreciative of everything she had and everything that was done for her but always insisted no one go out of their way for her sake despite her willingness to do so for others. Her passions were many, including nurturing her beloved plants, enjoying a good drive, and cooking delicious meals. She was an excellent cook, and her family especially looked forward to her dressing at Thanksgiving every year. Most of all, Mary cherished her family. Her family was the most important thing to her and their love for her in return is truly a testament to the matriarch she was. She was an avid and talented bowler, continuing to play in a league until the remarkable age of 92, and lovingly taught her great-grandchildren the joy of the sport. A faithful member of Old First Orange Baptist Church for many years, her life was a demonstration of her deep faith. Mary worked alongside her beloved husband, J.B., at J.B.'s Barbecue for many years, surrounded by the family she adored.
Mary was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 77 years, J.B. Arrington; her children, Robert Kirk Arrington and Susan Jane Arrington; her parents, Troy Kirk and Willie Marie Jones; and numerous brothers and sisters.
She leaves behind a legacy of love carried on by her daughters, Jenny Kay Lowry and her husband Dan Lowry, and Betty Mathews and her husband Joseph Jay Mathews. Mary was a cherished grandmother to Jessica Nugent and her husband Raymond, Joanna Sanford, Bryan Mathews and his wife Lisa, Justin Arrington and his wife Tracy, Gerard Arrington and his wife Kristen, and Zack Arrington and his wife Michelle. Her memory will also be treasured by her great-grandchildren, Devon Hill and her husband Brett, Lara Brisendine and her husband Jesse, Delilah Dorroh, Cassandra Gordon, Brenna Gordon, Julian Mathews, Christian Mathews, Madeline Mathews, Sadie Arrington, Abigail Arrington, Adrienne Mathews, and Heston Arrington. She was also blessed with great-great-grandchildren, Crispin Bohannon, Jason Brisendine, Hinley Hill, Maelie Hill, Jenson "J.J." Hill, and Sebastian Gutierrez Gordon. Mary is also survived by her loving sister, Frances Strahan and her husband Gene.
Serving as pallbearers will be Zack Arrington, Gerard Arrington, Christian Mathews, Bryan Mathews, Chip Heslep, and James Burch. Honorary pallbearers will be Julian Mathews, Justin Arrington, Heston Arrington, Bob Hymes, David LeBlanc, and Mike Whitt.