Mary Jane Pryor

Mary Jane Pryor, 91, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, with both of her sons by her side.

Born September 12, 1934, Mary Jane was the beloved only child of Jack and Mayre Emily Taylor. She graduated from Hot Springs High School and received a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Arkansas, where she was a proud member of the Tri Delta Sorority. She married fellow Razorback, William "Bill" Kernan Pryor on June 8, 1956 in Hot Springs. The couple then relocated to Fort Smith where Mary Jane worked as an elementary school teacher before they settled in Topeka in 1963. Bill preceded her in death on April 14, 2012.

Survivors include sons Billy Pryor; Brady (Debbie) Pryor; grandchildren Emily (Ivan) Perez; Dylan (Kiley) Pryor; Hannah (Ryan) Rinehart; Lauren Pryor; great-granddaughters Sol Emilia Perez Pryor, Rory Grace Rinehart; and sister-in-law Jane Pryor.

Mary Jane enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, neighbors, her Westboro home and community, and the PEO Chapter DV of Topeka. An avid bridge player, she also loved meeting with her Saturday morning breakfast group, watching and attending K-State athletics of every stripe and taking car trips with Bill and any friends who wanted to tag along. She was also passionate about genealogy and spent much time researching hers and Bill's family histories, including her adored Eva Pryor and her favorite Uncle "Stubby". But her greatest joy was being with her grandchildren and young great-grandchildren and proudly watching them grow and participate in their numerous activities and accomplishments.

A memorial ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10:30a.m at Dove Cremations & Funerals, Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka, Kansas, 66610 with a reception to follow. She will be interred at a private burial at Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to The Boys and Girls Club of Topeka, and made here.