Mary Phonsavanh Lam, a beloved mother and grandmother, left this life on Thursday April 17, 2025, at the age of 86.

She was the heart of our family — a loving and selfless woman who always put everyone else before herself. Known for her infectious laugh with her nieces and nephews, she managed to lift their spirits when she was around. She was a kind, honest, humble, and loving woman who touched many lives with her amazing generosity.

She is preceded in death by her mother (Keo Sanaphone), younger brother (Charles Myrahong), her husband (Paul Ngocsang Lam), and her son (Howell Sioux Lam). She is survived by her younger brother (Khamphou Sanaphone), younger sister (Phonexay Sanaphone), seven (7) children, Yongi Lam, Ien (John) Mason, Jin Jay (Toukta) Lam, Pheng Steve (Juliette) Lam, Siang (Steve) Reid, Khim Lam (Richard Chuang), and Noi Brandon (Kelsey) Lam and her daughter-in-law, Hui Cai Lam and her 13 grandchildren, Victoria, Valorie, Matthew, Christopher, Emily, Zachary, Jennifer, Nathan, Aaron, Michelle, Anabelle, Ahsoka, and Iaia.

Mary grew up in Paksong, Laos. She was a carefree seamstress before meeting and marrying her beloved husband, Paul Ngocsang Lam. Together they lived in Thakek Laos, ran a business selling needed goods to the community, and had 8 children. They fled Laos in 1980 to pursue a better future for their family.

Living as immigrants in Arkansas, she worked multiple factory jobs, putting many long hours to care for her family. She had a network of loving friends and coworkers and was very close with the local Hmong and Lao communities. She attended Calvary Baptist Church and was a faithful Christian.

She embraced her role as a grandmother with the same devotion she brought to everything else. Her heart was always full, and so was the bowl she kept ready for any of her grandchildren.

She lived simply and humbly, always watching her pennies, stretching every dollar to best care for those she loved. No matter how tough times got, she made sure her children were fed, cared for, warm, and loved.

Mary found joy in the soil of her garden and the warmth of her kitchen, growing beautiful flowers and bountiful vegetables. She was an excellent cook, skilled in many Asian culinary traditions. Her meals were amazing — chicken noodle soup, pho, kaopoun, chicken curry, eggrolls to name a few. Her food had comfort, tradition, and love served in every dish.

She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, love, and sacrifice. We will miss her more than words can say, but we carry her in everything we do – in every meal we make, every flower we grow, and every time we put someone else first.

Rest in peace, Mom. You gave us so much!

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home. Mrs. Lam will be laid to rest next to her husband at Edgewood Memorial Park following the service. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2025 at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home. Sign Mrs. Lam's online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com

A reception will be held at St. Steven Episcopal Church 2413 Northeastern Ave, Jacksonville, AR 72076 following the interment.