Mary Ivonne Stone, 85, of Olive Branch, MS, died peacefully at home on January 13, 2024 surrounded by love. After struggling with chronic pain and progressive neuropathy for many years, she is now pain-free and joyfully resting in the arms of Jesus.
Born in Rogersville, AL to Sam and Beatrice Moody on August 9, 1938, Mary grew up with four brothers on a farm. It was here that she learned the importance of hard work, the significance of self-accountability, and the necessity of strong family bonds. These things remained important to her throughout her life.
Mary met her best friend and life-long sweetheart Leroy when she was 17 years old. She joined her friends for a night out at the Malco movie theater (now the Orpheum Theater) where Leroy worked as an usher. Leroy has always said that he knew she was “the one” for him the first time he saw her. The two were married a year later in 1957 and shared 66 beautiful years together.
Throughout her life, Mary fiercely protected, defended, and loved her family. She was a straight shooter and the only thing she ever sugar-coated were her delicious chocolate pies. Because of this, one could always trust that her encouragement and opinions were genuine. Her witty way of delivering the truth kept her friends and family laughing. She was extremely affectionate and the warm embrace of her hugs always felt like “home.”
Mary was creative and talented with her hands. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, crafting, and interior decorating. She also had the most beautiful collection of porcelain dolls that she handmade. When she decided she wanted to do something or learn something new, she was “all in” and strived to be the best. And she was absolutely the best at everything.
Mary was a member of Longview Heights Baptist Church for 42 years. She is a born-again Christian and is reunited in Heaven with her son, daughter, parents, and brothers. She is survived by her husband, two daughters and sons-in-law, eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 2:00pm with visitation beginning at 1:00pm at Brantley Funeral Home.
