Mary Manale Ehret, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at her residence.
Funeral services will be held at 10a.m. Monday, December 16, 2013 at Wilson Knight Funeral Home in Greenwood. Visitation will be immediately before the service at the funeral home, beginning at 9a.m. Burial will be at Odd Fellows Cemetery Mausoleum.
Mary was born in Algiers, Louisiana to Mary Falletta and Nikolas Manale on December 17, 1926.
She is survived by her husband, Louis (Dutch) Vernon, and their three daughters Nancy Ehret previously of Lafayette, Louisiana, Susan Ehret of Greenwood, Mississippi, and Janet Ehret of Fort Worth, Texas. Dutch and Susan were Mary's primary care givers for almost 10 years, faithfully attending to her needs and providing their love and support daily.
Mary loved her New Orleans roots and enjoyed returning to New Orleans for Mardi Gras parades and parties. Her primary career was a homemaker, caring for her three girls and husband. She worked at the Cotton Office and as an assistant librarian at W. C. Williams. She enjoyed membership in Beta Sigma Phi and was voted "Sweetheart." Her two bridge clubs brought her great joy in "getting the cards" and talking with friends.

Mary's passions in life were playing bridge, watching old movies, reading autobiographies, dancing and listening to New Orleans jazz, walking along the boulevard, and most of all her family. She cherished her husband, Dutch, throughout their 65 year marriage and her three daughters, Nancy, Susan and Janet. Mary Lou (her nickname from New Orleans) and Dutch met on a blind date and loved to "jiggerbug". They were a match made in heaven.
Mary's positive attitude and loving words to all she encountered were an inspirational example of how to "live". During her illness, she continued to teach her family not only how to live, but also how to die with dignity.
Mary was a very faith filled servant of the Lord. She enjoyed her church family of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. She especially enjoyed her visits from Father O'Connor and Father Delaney. When in good health, Mary enjoyed attending daily mass as well as participating in church events.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister – Theresa Manale Borne and brother – Joseph Manale.
The family would like to thank all of Mary's doctors and therapist, especially Dr. Kenny Hines whose compassionate and loving care will always be remembered and cherished by the Ehret family, Dr. Kosko, Robin Smith, Trey O'Brien and all of the Hospice Staff-particularly her nurse, Maggie Taylor, Lauren Bailey and aide, Ora King who always provided quality care, attention, and support.
Pallbearers will be Duane Knoll, Jacob Coleman, Jerry Pinkston, Fred Palmertree, James Johnson, Mike Barth, and Trey O'Brien.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.