On Saturday, July 8, 2023, in her true fashion, Mary Evelyn Flood Middleton (age 83), walked briskly through the gates of Heaven and into the arms of Jesus and her beloved husband, Rex, who died in 2022.  Assuredly, the angels rejoiced at her arrival!  It would be wrong to say that Mary lost her battle to illness, because she never stopped fighting.  No matter how sick she was, she was always determined.  When anyone else would have broken, Mary stayed strong.  Through her, we know what faith, resilience, and perseverance truly look like.

Mary came into this world on December 5, 1939, in Vendor, Arkansas, born to the late WH and Gladys (Kent) Flood. Mary graduated from Mount Judea High School in 1956 and went on to attend Draughon Business College in Springfield, MO.  Mary grew up in the church, had an unshakeable faith, and lived her life as a servant of the Lord.   In 1960, Mary married her best friend and the love of her life, Rex.  Together they entered the ministry where they touched many lives in several churches for 27 years before returning to Vendor to pastor Big Creek Assembly of God Church until retirement.  One of Mary's many talents was her down-to-earth Sunday School teachings which could make the Word of God alive and applicable to daily life.  Her life and ministry were a living example of Ephesians 4:32 - " And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ."

Mary was an exceptional wife and mother, and she cared deeply for her family and neighbors. She was more than happy to be the central figure in the lives of her children.  Anyone who knew them knew that she was a star in their eyes, and that is all that ever mattered to her.  Mary was a fixture in the Vendor community, known for her encyclopedic knowledge of its residents and their history.  Despite having no discernible written record of events or people in her community, she was always able to connect the past to the present for anyone who asked!

Mary is survived by her two children, Timothy Middleton (Teresa) and Suzanne Middleton Forest (Tony); her grandchildren, Colby Forest (Lorrie), Hayden Forest, LaRae Middleton, and LaKen Middleton; her great grandchildren, Noah Forest, Ivory Belle Forest, and Owen Forest; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Donald and Connie Middleton; nephew, Jerry Flood; niece, Hessie Hankins (Scott); niece, Pattie Wheeler (Jeffrey); sister-in-law, Glinnia Flood, and many other family members and close friends.

Mary lived her life with grace, dignity, integrity, and courage, and now she is living eternally with her precious Savior Jesus.

Professional arrangements are under the care of Coffman Funeral Home, Harrison, AR.  Please join us in remembering and honoring the life of Mary.  A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 10:00 AM, at Big Creek Assembly of God Church, 1130 AR 374, Vendor, AR.  The service will begin at 11:00 AM at the church and officiated by Pastor Don Lane and Pastor Colby Forest.  The burial service will follow at Smith Cemetery in Vendor, AR, officiated by Pastor Torin Johnson.  Pallbearers will be Jeffrey Wheeler, Zach Wheeler, Quincy Wheeler, Scott Hankins, Ben Hankins, Drew Hankins, Grady Hankins, and Chase Motherwell.   "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."  (Matthew 5:4)

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Smith Cemetery Fund, c/o Rona Cross, HC 72 Box 67B, Jasper, AR 72641.

On-line condolences can be left at www.coffmanfh.com .