Willa Mae Mandrell

Willa Mae Mandrell, age 95, of Cookeville, TN passed away peacefully at NHC Healthcare, Oak Ridge, TN on December 5, 2018. She was born May 1, 1923, in the small farming community of Beech Grove, AR to the late Alvie Thomas Breckenridge and Annie Greene Breckenridge. Willa Mae Breckenridge and her future husband, Allen Mandrell grew up together in Beech Grove. They married in 1945. In addition to her parents, Willa Mae was preceded in death by her husband Allen Burton Mandrell, and their daughter Rebecca Ann Mandrell, her sister Mayo Breckenridge Stallcup, and her brother Rayo Breckenridge. She is survived by her three children: Kandy Pearson (Richard) Oak Ridge, TN; Keith Mandrell (Lisa) Knoxville, TN; Dr. Tim Mandrell (Dr. Belinda) Memphis, TN; Grandchildren: Molly Riccardi (Chris) Atlanta, GA,; Andrew Pearson (Amy) Christ Church, New Zealand; William Pearson (Adrienne Wiest) Knoxville, TN; Walt Mandrell (Kelly) Denver, CO; Burton Mandrell, Memphis, TN; Joseph Mandrell, Nashville, TN; Neal Mandrell, Memphis, TN; Annie Mandrell, Memphis, TN; and Great-grandchildren: Zoey Mae Pearson, Lexi June Pearson, Christ Church, New Zealand; and Oliver Andrew Riccardi, Atlanta, GA. She is also survived by her brother Russell Breckenridge, Henderson, AR; a very special niece Joan (Bob) Franks, Sherwood, AR as well as several nieces and nephews. Willa Mae earned a bachelor degree in Education from Arkansas State College and continued graduate work at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville. She began her teaching career in Paragould, AR and continued teaching in Putnam County, TN at Algood Elementary followed by Parkview Elementary where she taught for over 20 years. For 45 years, Willa Mae was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Cookeville and participated in many organizations including Town and Gown, PEO, Retired Teachers Association, United Methodist Women – Mary Martha Circle, Friendship Sunday School Class, TTU Fitness Center Exercise Class. She served as a volunteer in the gift shop at Cookeville Regional Medical Center for many years after her retirement from teaching. The family would like to sincerely thank those who provided loving support and care: Pat Allen of Home Instead, Cookeville; the staff of Arbor Terrace Assisted Living, Knoxville; Pat Edwards and Gwen Nelson of Angels Around the Clock, Knoxville; and the staff of NHC Healthcare, Oak Ridge, TN. Funeral services for Mrs. Willa Mae Mandrell will be held at 2:00 pm CST on Saturday, December 15, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church in Cookevile, TN. Her family will receive friends from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm CST at the church. The Reverend Rob Wheeler will officiate. Interment in Linwood Cemetery, Paragould, AR will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 165 East Broad Street, Cookeville, TN 38501. Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at hhhfunerals.com