Mary B. Darby, 87, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, after a lengthy illness.
Mary was born on March 22, 1938, in Covington to Lamar Bosshammer and Dolly Mae Crisler Bosshammer. A Shreveport resident for 55 years, she built a life centered on faith, family, and community.
A devoted member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church, Mary faithfully taught Children’s Sunday School for many years, sharing her love of the Lord with generations of young hearts. She was also well known for her energy and enthusiasm as a water aerobics instructor at Louisa’s and for the countless swimming lessons she taught to children and adults in her own backyard pool. In her later years, she became the proud owner and founder of Boxes For Less, a business she loved and operated until the age of 80.
While Mary had many accomplishments, her greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Affectionately known as “Mema” by countless family members and friends, she created a home filled with laughter, love, and memories made in her pool, her garage, and her pasture. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Lamar and Dolly Bosshammer; her beloved husband, David Darby; and her sister, Betty McDavit.
She is survived by her daughters, Kim Brian and husband Steve, and Terrie Bergeron and husband Ronnie; her grandchildren, Morgan Brian (Kendall), Christopher Brian (Hannah), Darby Arnold (Steven), David Durel, and Jonathon Durel; and her great-grandchildren, Steve Brian and Isabell Arnold. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, each of whom she loved as her own.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 8, 2026, 3:00 p.m. at 6012 Youree Drive in Shreveport, Louisiana, officiated by Megan Twyman of St. Luke’s Methodist Church. A private family interment will be held at a later date.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Morgan Brian, Christopher Brian, David Durel, Jonathon Durel, and Steven Arnold.