Martha Jean Wagner

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Martha Jean Wagner, 96 of Monticello, former Manila resident and widow of Jack Wagner, passed from this life Monday, March 21, 2022, in Monticello. Born in the Milligan Ridge community, she was the daughter of the late Hershel and Georgia Milligan Davis and was a 1943 graduate of Manila High School. Following high school she received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Arkansas State University and began her life's work teaching high school English in the Manila and Gosnell School Districts. She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Manila. She loved to travel and following her retirement she and her late husband, Jack, traveled throughout the country and Europe. Martha Jean was very artistic and enjoyed painting, quilting, sewing, and cooking for family and friends. She had been a Monticello resident for the past four years. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Michael Jack Wagner, and a grandson, Paul Jack Wagner.

Survivors include one grandson, Michael H. Wagner, and wife, Andi, of Monticello; five great-grandchildren, Katlyn Wagner, Paul Michael Wagner, Micah Wagner Carter, Presley Jean Wagner, Jack Thomas Wagner, and two great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves two very special caregivers, Ruthie Rochelle and Vanessa Binns.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, March 24, at the First United Methodist Church in Manila with Rev. Tony Huffman and Rev. Jason Sutfin officiating. Burial will follow in Manila Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Thursday from 12:30 p.m. until service time.

Active pallbearers will be Paul Michael Wagner, Tony Crowell, J.P. Baugher, Jerry Hitchcock and Joey Crowell. Honorary pallbearers will include Wayne Wagner, Wes Wagner, Tommy Wagner, Gary Baugher and Craig Costner. The family would like to acknowledge Grand Manor in Monticello for the outstanding care given to Martha Jean. The family also prefers any memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church in Manila. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com.