Mary O. Whitehead departed peacefully May 25, 2023 at Lake Arlington Morado Senior Living.She was 99 years old. Mary was born January 28, 1924 in Lexa, Ark., to Samuel and Neva Reed; she was the eldest child and only girl. Mary accepted Christ as her personal savior in her youth and was a member of the Eastside Church of Christ for decades. Mary left school after the sixth grade to work alongside her mother, later working as a domestic housekeeper in private homes for many years and making made lifelong friends through that employment.
Mary was a devoted Mother and Grandmother known to most as Granny.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Sammy and Joel, and her children James Coffee and Martha Tate. She is survived by granddaughter Ella and husband Dr. Charles Owen, great grandson, David Owen, brothers Jay Reed of Milwaukee, Wis., Edward Reed of Kansas City, Mo., niece Cheryl St. John, and a host of stepchildren and family friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 9, at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral home from 10-11 a.m., followed by graveside service at Rest in Peace Memorial Gardens in Hensley, Ark.