LAKE VILLAGE, Arkansas - Marilynn Nisler Loyd of Lake Village, Arkansas died April 7, 2025 at age 91, after having lived a wonderful and active servant life. She is survived by her husband Marvin Dale Loyd of almost 72 years. She was born on February 23, 1934 in Tyler, Texas and predeceased by parents William Cargile and Mildred Martin Nisler (Foote) and step father William Eugene Foote, Jr.
Marilynn graduated from Dermott, Arkansas High School in 1951 and attended Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. Upon meeting Marvin at a square dance in 1949 and marrying in 1953, they created a life together blending family, faith, service, and travel. In what became a defining and beautiful life, Marilynn and Marvin moved to Lake Village, Arkansas in 1958. It was in Lake Village where Marilynn became deeply involved in the Methodist church. She loved her local church, Lakeside United Methodist Church, where she served in numerous capacities including Certified Lay Speaker. On a global level, her highlights included serving four terms as Lay Delegate to General Conference and as Delegate to the World Methodist Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. Her involvement and leadership introduced Marilynn to friends far and wide. Regardless of her global recognition and service, she was most proud of being named Lake Village Woman of the Year, an award that represents her commitment to the community she loved for 66 years. After their two children—Greg and Nancy—were grown, she became involved in selling real estate, a career that spanned more than twenty years.
Known for her sour dough bread, Marilynn never missed an opportunity to share a loaf with friends and family. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed these special times with dear friends.
Marilynn’s greatest joy came from her family. In addition to her devoted husband Marvin D. Loyd, she is survived by son Gregory Marvin Loyd (Marta) of Mount Ida, Arkansas, daughter Nancy Loyd Rieves (Ralph Summerford) of Birmingham, Alabama, grandchildren Grace Rieves Humber (David) of Birmingham, Alabama, Susan Loyd McDonald (Jason) of Little Rock, Loyd Nisler Rieves (Deeann) of Nashville, Tennessee, Scott Martin Loyd (Krista) of Tulsa, and Bryan Gregory Loyd (Taryn) of Tontitown, Arkansas. She and Marvin had ten great-grandchildren—Hammond Humber; Annie, Meredith and Ellis McDonald; Larkin and Harper Rieves; Harrison and Hank Loyd; and Amelia and Charlie Loyd.
The family wishes to thank her loyal and loving caregivers Cheryl Davies, Guillermina Mondragon, Fay Aaseth, Dorothy Tyler, and Sharon James. They became her friends as much as caretakers.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 12 at 1:00 p.m. at Lakeside United Methodist Church with visitation immediately following. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Lakeside United Methodist Church, 324 S. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Village, Arkansas 71653 or to your favorite charity.
