Mildred Estelle Lindsay Manuel, 96, also known to her family and friends as Millie, Honey, Mrs. Manuel, Mama, Mom, Mammaw or Grand-Mammaw, peacefully passed away at home in Dallas, on Friday, January 13, 2023 after a very brief illness--still with all of her “cognitive abilities” and most of her mobility until very nearly the end. The family misses her terribly and can’t imagine how they will find their purses, car keys or cell phones without her!
Mildred was born on May 26, 1926 in the Watson Chapel community, the youngest child of E.C. Lindsay and Floy Ragan Lindsay. She graduated from Watson Chapel High School and thereafter attended Little Rock Business School before marrying John E. Manuel at Good Faith Methodist Church in Watson Chapel in 1947. Together they founded a number of businesses in the sawmill, hardwood flooring and timber industries in Southeast Arkansas.
Mildred and John were married for 57 years when he preceded her in death in 2004. They had four daughters: Rebecca Manuel of Dallas, Tamra Gulledge (Jim) of Melissa, Texas, and Alisa Manuel and Carrie Carter of Port Charlotte, Fla.; a grandson J.J. McClain (Christy) and great-grandsons Trey and Kellan of Carrollton, Texas; and a granddaughter Bethany Echols (Will) and great-grandsons Miles and Knox of Melissa, Texas; as well as five nieces and nephews and scores of friends both old and new.
Mildred remained involved in the lives and activities of her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She attended virtually all of the entire family’s birthday parties, basketball games, softball games, tennis tournaments, golf matches, 4-H events, piano recitals and band concerts, drove untold numbers of kids untold miles to untold activities, accepted every room-mother opportunity and welcomed all kids to the Manuel house all the time.
Mildred was a life-long Methodist, long-time PEO sister and 70+ year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was an avid all-sports fan and particularly followed the Arkansas Razorbacks and all women’s college and professional basketball teams. She also loved to fish (or rather to catch) and later loved to watch the birds and sunsets from the deck of the family lake house at Hideaway, Texas.
Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three siblings: Harry Lindsay (Mimi), John W. Lindsay (Shirley), and Minnie Ruth “Sis” Lindsay. She was the last remaining family member of her generation.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2023 in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son in Pine Bluff, with Reverend Carlton Cross officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday afternoon from 1:30 p.m. until service time at Robinson’s.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.
Online register: www.RalphRobinsonandSon.com
