On March 17, 2021, the world lost a shining light when Mary Manzella, age 70, of Okolona, while surrounded by family and friends took her last breath on Earth and entered into everlasting love and peace.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Johnie and Anna Dell Rutherford and brother Johnie Jr.
Left to cherish their memories are husband of over 50 years, Jack Manzella Jr, three daughters Mary Beth Glover (husband David), Christy Ann Watson (husband Michael), Amanda Kay Kuykendall (husband Lee), six grandchildren; Corben Seth Manzella (wife Katie), Mary Addison Watson, Mary Kinakayann Glover-Skinner (husband Kameron), Tyler Kuykendall, Kayla Kuykendall, and Trusten Glover, and two great grandbabies Jayce Skinner and Zoey Manzella. She is also survived by her three loving cats: Pablo, Cloud, and Blackie.
Mary also leaves behind three wonderful sisters: Leida Loe, Linda Duckett, and Sara Taylor, along with numerous nieces, nephews, family members as well as an unknown number of friends and former babysitting kids.
Throughout her life Mary was known for her servants’ heart and contagious laughter.
Jack and Mary were longtime residents of Ashdown, Arkansas. While there she met many people, who became friends who were considered more like family.
Known as Mrs. Mary, she cared for many kids that she loved dearly through her lifetime. Mary worked for Walmart for 18 years in the shoe department and met and formed bonds with people that became longtime friends.
Mary loved having a good time. She loved singing, dancing, and listening to music and throwing parties with Jack for events, one of her favorites being Halloween. Mary enjoyed spending time outside feeding her birds and tending to her flowers or inside watching old westerns or scary movies.
She loved to cook and showed everyone what living a life like Jesus is about through serving others and loving everyone unconditionally.
Though our hearts are missing a piece here on earth, we are forever thankful that she is no longer in pain but walking down the streets of gold.
Visitation is scheduled Saturday, March 20, 2021 prior to service at 12:00pm at Center Grove Methodist Church. Funeral service is scheduled to start at 2:00pm at Center Grove Methodist Church with Mike Steed, Embra Alexander, Don Simmons and JP Morgan officiating. Interment will follow at Center Ridge Cemetery, under the direction of Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home of Gurdon.
We also invite you to express your public condolences at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com or private Letters of Love at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com/page/letters-of-love.