Mary Lois Rayburn

Mary Lois Rayburn, 82, of Cordova, Tennessee, passed away on January 29, 2025, at the Rainbow Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Bartlett, Tennessee.

Mary Lois was born to parents William Louis “Red” McCamon and Guinevere Eloise Williams McCamon, on September 16, 1942, in Lake Village, Arkansas.  Mary Lois graduated from Hickory (MS) High School in 1960, and Northwest Mississippi Junior College in 1962. Following graduation from NWJC she began working for future Mississippi Governor, Cliff Finch.  It was in Batesville, Mississippi that she met her husband of 58 years Gerald L. Rayburn. 

Mary Lois Rayburn was proceeded in death by her husband, Gerald L. Rayburn of Como, Mississippi.  Mary Lois is survived by her sons, William “Billy” P. Rayburn and wife Darlene of Cordova, Tennessee, and Bobby H. Rayburn and wife Kelli of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  She has three grandchildren, Annika L. Rose (Patrick) of Memphis, Tennessee, Eli M. Rayburn of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Stella R. Rayburn of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  She has one great-grandson, Conrad P. Rose of Memphis, Tennessee.  Mary Lois is also survived by five sisters-in-law, Martha Rayburn of Crenshaw, Mississippi; Peggy Rayburn of Sardis, Mississippi; Josefina Rayburn of Tupelo, Mississippi, Dot Rayburn of Sardis, Mississippi, and Diane Rayburn of Canton, Mississippi. Along with his parents, Mary Lois is preceded in death by one brother, William Louis McCamon, Jr. 

Mary Lois was known for her love of family, church, and friends.  She spent a great portion of her life supporting her two sons cheering proudly at band and athletic competitions, attending concerts and games for grandchildren, and spreading Christmas cheer during the holiday season.  With her husband, Mary Lois was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Canton where she was an active member of Eloise Stringer’s Sunday School Class.  She loved her work and cultivated lifelong friendships at Butchart, Ellzey and Associates before retiring from the Madison County Cooperative Extension Service.  And everyone loved her “painted” cookies which were baked for every class party at Canton Academy and as Christmas gifts for friends and family. 

The memorial service will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 11:00 am (visitation beginning at 9:30 am) at the Breeland Funeral Home, 3304 S. Liberty St. Canton, Mississippi, with burial to follow at the Natchez Trace Memorial Gardens in Madison, Mississippi. The family asks that in lieu of flowers people make memorials to the Page Robbins Adult Day Center, 1961 South Houston Levee Road, Collierville, Tennessee, 38017. 901-854-1200

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