Mary Elizabeth Dugger

Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Dugger, of Bossier City, passed away on April 19, 2026 at 12:52 AM after an extended illness, surrounded by loved ones. She is preceded in death by her husband, James Alton Dugger.

On January 4, 1947, Liz was born the daughter of sharecroppers in rural Troy, Tennessee. While childhood in such a place often meant sunny days spent running and playing with siblings or friends, and lending a hand on the farm, her journey took a different path. A survivor of the polio epidemic, she spent much of her youth relearning to walk and discovering how to thrive with the challenges of living with Polio. She was told she would never have children, however never one to be discouraged, she went on to get married and have three beautiful children.

If you knew Liz, you knew how tenacious and vivacious she could be, and she never took no for an answer nor was any setback too big to be overcome. She was a fiery spirit. She did not back down and refused to accept that she wasn’t capable of something. And during her life she proved this as a: daughter, wife, mother, friend, but it was in teaching that she found her true calling. She devoted years to shaping young minds as a substitute teacher and sharing her artistry as a hairdresser. Eventually, she would come to unite these passions, inspiring students at a cosmetology school in Memphis, Tennessee. Even when she retired, she never slowed and when she settled in Louisiana, she continued to passionately give her time and heart to Louisiana Baby Momma’s Dog Rescue and volunteered at several schools in Haughton, especially cherishing her days at Haughton Elementary School.

When she wasn’t pursuing these passions, Liz found true happiness in the company of her children and grandchildren, creating lasting memories on family vacations to places like New York City, Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, and, always a favorite, Florida. Her love for animals was evident in the way she cared for her three beloved pets: Mia, her gentle Siamese; Mr. Gibbs, a ridiculously large tabby; and Zebber, her special needs Maltese, who held a special place in her heart. Liz loved gardening, crafting diy projects with her grandkids, and, perhaps most of all, sharing a cup of coffee with those she loved, moments filled with laughter, conversation, and the occasional bit of lighthearted gossip. Those are the moments we will miss the most.

She is survived by her three children: J David Dugger and wife Ramona Dugger, Jennifer Dugger Moroschak and husband Dave Moroschak; and Kelly Dugger Downey and husband Walter Downey III; She is also survived by her 5 grandchildren: Aaron Michael Meade; Taylor Elise Downey Kirk and husband Scott Kirk; Christina Marie Meade and husband Cody Giba; Joseph Alexander Downey, and Amelia Grace Downey. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren: Elijah Cole Patterson and Claire Elise Downey.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel. The family will receive friends at 1:00 pm until service time.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the team at The Colonial Oaks for their tireless effort in caring for our Liz. Our whole-hearted thanks and gratitude for the wonderful staff at Bristol Hospice, as their professionalism and knowledge brought peace and comfort to family and most importantly for mom. We would also like to thank her friends at the Bloom for their friendship and love. For the Bloom bean bag baseball team, go win for her.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you consider donating to Liz’s favorite charity, Louisiana Baby Mommas, a special needs dog rescue which specializes in puppies and momma dogs. https://www.lababymommas.org/donate-1