Mary Lou Deaton

Mary Lou Deaton, 92, of Manila, passed into a glorious eternity on Oct. 10, 2023, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. She was born July 18, 1931, to the late Vester and Edna Montgomery Owen just outside Cardwell, Mo. Mary Lou enjoyed sports. She played basketball at Cardwell High School where her future husband, six years older than she, would sometimes drive the bus to games on the road. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. In her healthier days she would watch every game with a nap or two, especially during the west coast games. She had four siblings that moved to Aurora, Ill., areas to raise their families. She thoroughly enjoyed bantering with her northern family members over the Cardinals/Cubs rivalry, especially when the Cards were on top. Mary Lou loved to cook and feed family members. She served as the director of the cafeteria for the Manila Public School system for many years. She was known in the Manila community for her apple pies and fresh apple cakes. Family members and friends were always welcome for a Saturday morning “biscuits and gravy.” She loved to sing. She led singing at Brown’s Chapel Baptist Church for many years. She would often sing a solo or a duet with her nephew and pastor, Larry Joe Deaton. One of her favorite songs to sing was “There Is a River.” Probably her most enjoyment came while watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren play and coach sports and cheer. She was a fan of many schools where these family members participated over the years. At the end of the day, she was a Manila Lion. Her two favorite teams were the Manila Lions and whoever was playing Buffalo Island. In all seriousness, she had many close friends in both Leachville and Monette that were very good to her over the years.

The family wishes to express thanks to the staff of the Manila Nursing Center for the care extended to Mary Lou over the last five years as well as the staff of the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House for the care extended to her during her last days. They also sincerely appreciate Keith and Carol who fed her lunch and dinner each day of the week for the past five years. Mary Lou enjoyed a great life in this world. For reasons unknown to us, she did not get to spend her golden years on this earth with her husband, Paul. However, she started her years of eternal heavenly glory with him and her Lord and Savior, Jesus, on Oct. 10, 2023. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Paul Deaton; brothers, Amos Owen, Jehu Owen, LV Owen, Charles Owen and James Owen; and a sister, Melva June Yarbro. She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Charlotte Owen Deaton, and great-grandson, Caleb Aaron Deaton.

Survivors include five sons, Michael Deaton of Memphis, Tenn., Randy Deaton of Stuttgart, David Joe Deaton (Ellen) of Jonesboro, Keith Deaton and John Deaton (Danna), all of Manila; one daughter, Carol Deaton of Manila; five grandchildren, Brian McCormick, Cassie Simmons (Michael), Bubba Deaton (Courtney), Amy Cox (Kevin) and Mary Scott Deaton; 11 great-grandchildren, Payton McCormick, Luke McCormick, Abby Deaton, Kylie Jo Deaton, Sinai Cox, Deaton Cox, Ruthie Cox, Samiyah Cox, Melanie Simmons, Sarah Simmons and Myles Deaton. Mary Lou also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, other family members and a host of friends throughout Northeast Arkansas and the bootheel of Missouri.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Manila with Dr. Matt Pryor officiating. Burial will follow in the Manila Cemetery. Serving as active pallbearers will be Mark Bolton, Kevin Cox, Bubba Deaton, Brian McCormick, Michael Simmons and Kevin Talkington. The family will receive visitors Saturday from 1 p.m. until service time. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com.