Cleo Mann

Cleo Mann (Nana), age 92, was joyfully welcomed into heaven on September 9, 2025.She was welcomed by her beloved husband, Ben, her daughter Debbie, her parents, sister, and many dear friends.

Born in Camden, Arkansas, Cleo married her childhood sweetheart, Ben—her boyfriend since third grade—on the night of their high school graduation. They eventually moved to Pine Bluff, AR where they welcomed a daughter, Deborah Lynn. At the young age of 5 years old, Debbie departed this earth and her parents loving arms due to a Wilm’s tumor. Cleo’s faith carried her through all of these years without her precious daughter. That year they welcomed Sandie (Beau Henderson), and 2 years later Michael (Cindy Mann) was born and completed their family.

Our mother poured her life into her church, Carr Methodist in Pine Bluff, her children, volunteering, and creating a home filled with love. She never missed a ballgame, cheer practice, school or church event. She was well known for her chocolate pie and egg custard.

After Ben and her mother passed away, Cleo moved to Jonesboro, where she embraced her role as Nana. She spent countless hours loving on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Halie (Zac Norris) with Nash and Navy; Hollie (Matt Pippins) with Spencer and Mary-Kyle; Hillarie (David Pettiette) with Warner and Hugh; and Austin Mann. Her Sunday lunches became treasured family gatherings, always complete with Nana’s delicious meals and desserts.

Nana lived to serve others. At First Church in Jonesboro, she gave her time faithfully, and at St. Bernard’s Auxiliary she found joy serving in the hospital gift shop. She later moved to St. Bernard’s assisted living, where she could often be found playing bingo, eating orange sherbet, or working puzzles with dear friends.

We will miss her voice mails, funny mispronunciations, the jingle of her bracelets, her love of basketball, pies, lipstick stained kisses, and her random “facts” regarding all of Hollywood’s hottest stars. Her familiar farewell of “catch ya later” -until we are reunited again.

Visitation: Friday, September 12th, 9 am at Emerson Funeral Home with memorial service at 10 am. Reverend John Miles officiating. Memorials may be sent to First Church of Jonesboro, PO Box 608, Jonesboro, Ar 72403. Burial Will be private.