Mariko (Suzuki) Horner

Mariko (Suzuki) Horner, 95, a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, died peacefully on 30 December 2024, at home in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was born in Odawara, Japan, on 22 May 1929. Mariko’s mother died when she was a youngster. Her father, a fisherman and motorbike shop owner, died in his late 90s in Japan.

After World War II, during which Mariko and some of her family fled to the mountains, Mariko met and married Waldo Donald “Don” Horner, Jr., a U.S. Army serviceman and her loving husband of 65 years, in Tokyo in 1956. They first lived in Japan, then settled and raised a family in Phoenix, Arizona, where Mariko became a proud American citizen. Mariko and Don spent their last several years together living in Modesto, California, near their son and daughter-in-law until Don’s death in January 2021. Mariko moved in January 2023 to Little Rock, AR, to live with her daughter and son-in-law.

Mariko is survived by son Jerry (Angela) Horner of Gilroy, CA; daughter Michelle (Steven) Kordell of Little Rock, AR; grandchildren Jerry Michael (Truyet) Horner, Jonathan (Jennifer) Kordell, and Mari Rae (Nicholas) Blazic; and great-grandsons, Baker Aldon and Brooks James Blazic.

Mariko loved traveling throughout Japan, Europe, and the United States; reading Danielle Steel novels; walking; watching NFL football; playing dominoes and poker; learning oil painting; and going out for lunch. Last Halloween, she was voted best costume by her new ballroom dance friends when she dressed as a hip-hop dancer. Mariko had a proud and loving heart for her children and grandchildren, and humility with everyone she encountered. Her greatest joy came from being with her two great-grandsons, who called her “GG.” She had a special bond with 1 ½-year old Brooks, who learned to walk by pushing his dinosaur scooter while GG chased him with her walker.

Our family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Baptist Health Hospice, especially Dee Dee Perry, who enabled Mariko to enjoy the most active and vibrant life possible during her last months. And we are indebted to her caregivers, Margaret, Tonya, and Destiny, who lovingly helped care for Mariko.

Physically small in stature, Mariko had outsized strength, determination and resilience, which were a marvel and inspiration to all. We will deeply miss our mom, our grandma, our GG.

A funeral mass and internment will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 N. Rodney Parham, Little Rock, on Wednesday, 15 January 2025 at 10am.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com