Mary Ella Curtis

January 21, 1938 - November 6, 2016

Mary Ella Curtis, 78, left this world to be with Jesus on Sunday, November 6, 2016, at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro, AR. Mary was born on January 21, 1938 in the White Oak Community of Rector, AR to T. F. and Lela Guthrie. The youngest of 17 children she is survived by her sisters, Erma Shelton of Paragould and Betty Cordell and husband Louie of Rector and one brother, Eugene Guthrie and wife Wanda of Kennett, MO. She was married for 49 years to Dean Curtis, who preceded her in death in 2005. Mary and Dean raised their 3 children, Kathy, Keith, and Keli in Rector. A woman of faith and the heart of the Curtis family, Mary shaped their spirituality by her tireless Christian example. She loved to visit with friends and family and participate in various church activities. She is survived by her children Kathy Rogers and her husband Ken of Russellville, AR; Keith Curtis and his wife Diana of Collierville, TN and Keli Curtis of Russellville, AR. She is survived by one granddaughter who was the light of her life, Taylor Curtis of Collierville, TN. She is survived by many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews too numerous to list but whom she loved dearly. Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 8, at the Rector First General Baptist Church on Highway 49 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Services, officiated by Bro. Marston Carpenter and assisted by Bro. Louie Cordell, will be held at the church on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. For more information, please call Irby Funeral Home in Rector at (870) 595-3536. Memorial donations can be made to the First General Baptist Church, Hwy 49, Rector, AR 72461. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support in many heart-felt forms from too many people to name individually. She was and will always be our loving angel that lived, laughed, and loved with all her heart. You may send condolences to the family by signing the online guestbook at www.irbyfuneralhome.com or visit our Facebook page.