Delores Ann (Dunn) “Dee” Lary, lovingly known as “Gwiddie,” passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, in Sherwood, Arkansas, at the age of 75.

Born on September 28, 1950, in Conway, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Billie H. “Rocky” Dunn (deceased) and Mary Landers Dunn (deceased), and is also remembered by her bonus mother, Betty Dunn of Little Rock.

Dee was a proud graduate of Conway High School’s infamous Class of ’68, where she was a Wampusette and a member of DBS. She continued her education at the State College of Arkansas (now the University of Central Arkansas), graduating in 1972 from the School of Nursing. During her college years, she was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority and the Student Nurses Association.

Her career in nursing began in pediatrics, where her natural compassion and warmth made a lasting impact. She later transitioned into reconstructive surgery, continuing to care for others with both skill and heart. After retiring from nursing, Dee brought her knowledge and experience into the corporate world as a Medical Implementation Consultant with Abbott and Epocal/Alere. Eventually, she retired fully to embrace the role she cherished most—being “Gwiddie.”

In August of 1972, Dee married the love of her life, James “Jim” Lary, and together they built a life centered on family, laughter, unwavering love, and adventure.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Lary; her children and their families: Meredith and James Townsend of Sherwood, Arkansas, and their children, Tori-Beth Poland, James Townsend, Jr., and Madison Townsend; Mike and Sara Lary of Alexander, Arkansas, and their children, Brianna Lewis and Austin Lewis; Greg and Leanne Lary of Thousand Oaks, California, and their children, Makenzie Lary and Jamee Lary; and Brenda and David Thompson of Washington, North Carolina, and their children, Alyssa Thompson, mother of Lilliana, and Brandon Smith and his wife, Danielle, parents of Madalynn.

She is also survived by her sisters, Beth Kavinsky (Tom) of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Julie Wood (Brad) of Little Rock, Arkansas; along with her nieces and nephews: Katie Cannon (Zack) of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Jessica Wood of Little Rock, Arkansas; and great-nephew Carter Cannon.

Dee was preceded in death by her grandparents, aunts, and parents.

To know Dee was to love her. She was full of life—spunky, joyful, and endlessly engaging. She never met a stranger and could easily turn a brief encounter into a two-hour conversation. But more than anything, she loved deeply. Her family was her greatest joy, and being “Gwiddie” was the role that filled her heart the most.

She loved Jesus, and her life reflected that love in the way she cared for others—with kindness, warmth, and a genuine spirit that made people feel seen and valued.

She cherished her moments with her friends, Mike and Carol Stout, along with the Girlz of ’68, and the wives of the 2nd Battalion, 94th Artillery Vietnam Association.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at New Horizon Senior Living Center, especially Nurses Carli and Holli, as well as the Memory Care staff, for the compassion and care they provided.

A celebration of life will be held as a drop-in gathering on Sunday, March 29, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the family home, located at 10765 Stoneridge Drive, Sherwood, Arkansas 72120.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Arkansas Chapter, in Little Rock.

No matter the name she was called—Dee, Honey, Mom, Momma, Sissy, Gwiddie, Aunt Dee, Granny Dee, or Mimi—Dee’s legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched, the conversations she cherished, and most of all, in the love she gave so freely.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com