Mary Julia "Julie" Killough of Searcy, AR has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved her.
Some lives speak quietly; her is one such story.
Mary held deeply to the Methodist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Belief, when lived, becomes a kind of inheritance.
Mary Julia McNiel Killough Obituary
Mary Julia (Julie) McNiel Killough died on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the age of 89, while resting comfortably in her home. She was born to the late George Thurston and Lorene Easterwood McNiel on January 12, 1937, in Flint, Michigan. Julie grew up and spent most of her life in Searcy, Arkansas. She was the high school sweetheart and wife of Dr. Larry Ray Killough for over 73 years. She loved her community and was loved by her community.
Julie was a loyal and faithful servant of God. She held a fervent and unwavering belief in Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. Julie cherished her role as mother to Larry Jr., Tim, Lynley, and John, instilling her faith in them through her actions her entire life. She taught Sunday school for many years at Searcy First United Methodist Church where she and her family remained active members throughout her lifetime. Notably, she hosted and mentored Methodist youth at her home on a regular basis. She was a faithful member of the Pairs and Spares Sunday School Class where she frequently served as class leader. Julie was one of those rare individuals that not only knew what was right; she did what was right. She consistently modeled the love and grace of Jesus Christ for family, friends, and anyone in need. She was a grateful person and always saw the good in people and situations. Recognizing the needs of others and doing whatever she could to meet those needs came naturally.
Julie enjoyed cheerleading and many other activities at Searcy High School where she graduated with honors in 1955. She attended college at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where she was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. Julie remained an active member in the community throughout her life serving in many philanthropic organizations including Junior Auxiliary and P.E.O. where she served as president from 1978-1980. She was honored as a Golden Girl in P.E.O. for serving over 50 years. She was an active and avid supporter of Searcy Sunshine School and the First United Methodist Church Thrift Store. Additionally, she was a frequent volunteer at her children's schools serving as home room mother countless times.
At 41 years of age, with four young children, Julie was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer. After enduring extensive surgery and aggressive chemotherapy, she survived this life-threatening event by the grace of God. She always considered those extra 48 years as her "bonus years." This hardship strengthened her faith and allegiance to Jesus Christ.
Julie had a keen interest in photography to the point of even developing her own negatives and beautiful black and white photographs in her home darkroom. She made a point to capture life's special moments long before anybody had a cell phone. She took great pride in making a loving home for her family. Nightly meals around the dinner table were the norm where lively conversation frequently occurred. The warmth of her home extended outside the bounds of her immediate family as she frequently and graciously hosted many events and parties for the school, church, and community.
Though she had varied interests including tennis, bridge, sewing, and league bowling, her main interests centered around serving others. She never missed an opportunity to bake one of her famous pies for a friend in need or send a heartfelt and handwritten anniversary, birthday, holiday, thank you, or sympathy card. She loved attending her children's and then grandchildren's sporting events, honors assemblies, church and school programs, and anything else she could to support her family.
She was preceded in death by her son, Larry Ray Killough, Jr., and her grandson, James Webb Killough; her sister, Janett McNiel Crain; and her parents, George and Lorene McNiel. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Larry Ray Killough, Sr. of Searcy; her children, Dr. Timothy McNiel Killough and his wife Brenda of Searcy; Dr. Lynley Killough McAnalley and her husband Ed of Dallas; John Wells Killough and his wife Diane of Searcy; and grandchildren, Katie Killough, Grace Bradford, McNiel Killough, Dr. Tori Spurlock, Mary Julia Killough, Luke Killough, Rebekah McAnalley, John McAnalley, Christian McAnalley, James McAnalley, William Killough, and Emma Killough; and great grandchildren, Stafford and Steven Salmon, Blake and Webb Bradford, and Juliet and Caroline Killough. She is also survived by her sister, Cindy Lesley and her husband Danny of Collierville, Tennessee, and a host of many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Julie's family extends their love and appreciation to Sherri Mason. Sherri was an angel on earth with the tender care she so willingly and lovingly provided to her "best friend" during Julie's final years.
Following visitation in the recently completed Crain Family Life Center at 1:00 p.m., a celebration of Julie's life will be held at Searcy First Methodist Church with arrangements by Powell Funeral Home on Saturday, May 9th, at 2:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to Searcy First Methodist Church.
www.powellfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements are entrusted with Powell Funeral Home of Searcy.
