Mary Nell Peeler

Mary Nell (Thomas) Peeler, age 85, of Benton; went to her Heavenly home on Fri., April 1, 2016. She was the youngest child of the late Fay Thomas and Mary Jane (Salley) Thomas. Mary Nell was the only surviving charter member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she served tirelessly for many years as a church organist, Sunday School Teacher and any other capacity that was needed. She married the love of her life, James Willis (Buck) Peeler on Dec. 23, 1947 in the first wedding that was held at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Their first child, James Paul (Jim) Peeler was born in Dec. 1948, and their daughter, Cathy Faye (Peeler) Ricketts was born in July 1952. Mary Nell worked many years at Jay's Department Store and retired as a dispatcher with Jenkins Truck Lines in 1975 after the birth of her first grandchild. At the time she opened "MawMaw's" Daycare as a dedicated and tireless worker with her six grandchildren, Adam, Chace, Ryan, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Scott. She was always available as a babysitter, teacher, cook and anything else that her children and grandchildren might need. Her life revolved around her family and her church. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Margaret Herndon and her brother, Fred Thomas. Mary Nell is survived by her husband; son, James Paul Peeler (Elsa); daughter, Cathy Faye Peeler Ricketts (Rick); grandchildren, Adam Ricketts (Amanda), Chace Peeler (Jessica), Ryan Peeler (Shannon), Elizabeth Ricketts Finch (Brandon), Sarah Peeler Mitchell (Michael) and Scott Peeler (Melissa). She is also survived by fourteen great-grandchildren and two special cousins, Della Gould and DeEtta Buckelew. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Mon., April 4 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tues., April 5 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Lee Cemetery. Bro. Freddie Blohm and Bro. Vance Nutt will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Adam Ricketts, Chace Peeler, Ryan Peeler, Scott Peeler, Brandon Finch, Michael Mitchell and Ralph Warren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saline Memorial Hospice or Lee Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund.