Mary Briscoe "Cody" Peel Marquess was born at her grandmother's house in Bentonville, Arkansas October 19, 1921. She passed away June 21, 2024 at a local nursing facility where she had resided for several years. She was predeceased by her parents, David W. Peel, Jr. and Mary C. Briscoe Peel, brother David Peel III, sister Barbara Peel Shaw, daughter Jill Marquess McKenna, grandson David K. Marquess and nephew Sam Peel.
She is survived by brother John T. Peel of Fayetteville, sons Steve (Judy) and George of Bentonville, granddaughter Stephanie Throop (Dustin) and great-grandchildren Elizabeth Howard, Harlow, James and Samuel Throop, all of Centerton. She is also survived by cousin Betsy King Dunkle of Shreveport and nephews Mark and Alan Shaw.
Mary attended Bentonville schools, participating in basketball and other activities. After graduating in 1938 she attended Lindenwood College in St. Louis before graduating from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She enlisted in the U.S. Navy, receiving officer training in Connecticut before being stationed in Philadelphia. Upon marrying G. H. Marquess she resigned her commission. The couple returned to Bentonville in 1945 with new son, Steve.
Once Steve, Jill (1946) and George (1950) were in school, Mary began working in the Benton County office of the "Welfare" Department, traversing many miles of dirt roads to visit her clients. This often entailed sitting on the porch with a glass of cool water looking out over the White River valley; sometimes dealing with a pack of dogs with questionable interest in a visitor. She took part in a state-sponsored program in the 1960s, attaining a Masters in Social Work from the University of Missouri. She was assigned to several county and regional offices of the Family and Children's Services, including stints in their training group in Little Rock.
Upon retirement Mary returned to Bentonville and the opportunity to spend time with grandchildren David and Stephanie. She also began a full-time immersion in genealogical work, both for her family and others seeking help from the local society. For her service in the genealogical and historical fields, Judge Gary Black declared her a "Benton County Treasure".
Recognizing her need for assistance, Mary moved to Legacy Village in Bentonville, enjoying a few months there before suffering a stroke that brought the need for additional care. For the last several years she resided at Ashley Health and Rehabilitation in Rogers, where many staff members became friends and admirers of "Miss Mary".
No services are planned. The family will host a drop-in visitation June 30 at the Peel House Museum from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Memorials are suggested for the Northwest Arkansas Genealogical Society, Benton County Historical Society or the Peel House Museum.
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