Marnell was a very active member of First Baptist Church of Monticello which she joined in May of 1939, at the age of 15; and in later years served as Secretary/Treasurer of her Sunday School class, the Willing Workers. She was a 1942 graduate of Monticello High School before graduating from Brian's School of Business in 1943. She taught business school in Greenville, MS in 1944, worked as secretary to lawyer Paul Sullins for Crossett Lumber Company in 1945, and worked as Deputy Treasurer at the Drew County Courthouse in 1973-1974. Marnell was also a very gifted in-home seamstress for many years.
Marnell married Donald H. VanCleave on December 31, 1945, whom preceded her in death on January 29, 1999. She was very proud of her daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she loved very much. In addition to her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Robert Crain and his wife, Elizabeth; and her two sisters, Thelma Crain and Marie Crain Cruce and her husband Carroll.
Survivors include her daughter, Donna VanCleave Hill and son-in-law Jimmy of Monticello; her granddaughter, Paige Hill Stell and husband John of Monticello; her grandson, Stephen P. Hill and wife Carrie of Monticello; eight great grandchildren, Hadlee Hill, Holden Hill, Jayson Reed, Brad Stell, Jake Stell, Jared Stell, Colt Stell and Brayden Stell; two nephews, Bob Crain (Judy) and Jim Crain (Sylvia) of New Mexico; two nieces, Carol Cruce Sanders of Ft. Worth, TX and Patty Cruce Carter of Roanoke, VA; extended family member, Wanda Odom of Monticello; along with many great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Dennis Dodson officiating. A come-and-go visitation following Covid-19 guidelines will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Wednesday preceding the funeal service at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Campground Cemetery. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(22)
Denise Adams
Monticello, AR Wednesday, February 24, 2021 Jimmy & Donna,I am so sorry to hear the news of Mrs. VanCleave's passing. I know she will be dearly missed. Sending blessings your way.
Denise
Angie Fetters
Farmington, MO Wednesday, February 24, 2021 Paige, I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.Martha Ryburn
Monticello, AR Wednesday, February 24, 2021 Donna, I was so sorry to hear about your mother. Thoughts and prayers for you and your familyJacqueline Block Robinson
Atkins, AR Wednesday, February 24, 2021 Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.Joye Stephenson
Crossett, AR Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Donna, I just read about your mom. It’s been years since I’ve seen you but I wanted you to know I was thinking about you. My mother graduated from Drew Central in 1942 and turned 96 this past October.Prayers for you and your family. Sincerely, Joye
Carole Flowers Hughson
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Donna, so sad to read of your mother’s passing. Thoughts and prayers for your family.Martha Huffman
Monticello, AR Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.Martha Huffman
Monticello, AR Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Donna and family. I'm sorry to hear of Marnell passing. She was a sweet and wonderful lady. My prayers are with you.Pat Matthews
Maumelle, AR Monday, February 22, 2021 Donna, Paige, and Stephen,I am so sorry for your loss of Mrs VanCleave. As you know, Mr and Mrs VanCleave were a special part of the Nichols/Matthews family.
tyrone smith
Las Vegas, NV Monday, February 22, 2021 K praying that God very y'all strength during this difficult timeJohn and Deb Arnn
, AR Monday, February 22, 2021 Love and prayers for solace for this time. God BlessTina Battles
Fordyce, AR Monday, February 22, 2021 Prayers for the family and friends. May God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time.Mathew Nelson
Warren, AR Monday, February 22, 2021 Keeping you all in my thoughts.Brenda Sedberry
Hamburg, AR Monday, February 22, 2021 Ya'll are in my thoughts and prayersPATRICE BOSWELL
Warren, AR Monday, February 22, 2021 MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THE FAMILYebony york
warren, AR Monday, February 22, 2021 praying for the familyJanice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Monday, February 22, 2021 Donna, Jimmy & Family,What a precious lady, your sweet mom! I know you have so many wonderful memories to cherish. I pray God gives you peace and comfort at this time of sorrow.
With love & sympathy,
Janice
DIANE SHIVERS
Monticello, AR Monday, February 22, 2021 Dear Donna and family saddened to hear of this . I pray for peace and comfort for you and your family you were a wonderful blessing to your mother love DianeDennis Wells
Springdale, AR Monday, February 22, 2021 Donna & Jimmy, so sorry for your loss. I remember your Mom and Dad when he worked for Coca-Cola. My Dad, James Wells , was very fond of them. Prayers for you and the rest of the family.Dennis Wells
Billy and Rhonda Mitchell
Monticello, AR Sunday, February 21, 2021 Dear Donna and Family,We are so sorry for your loss.
Prayers for your family during this time.
Mary Kathryne CROOK Burton
Monticello, AR Sunday, February 21, 2021 We will miss Mrs. Marnell; she was a lovely woman. I am sending my regrets to the entire family. We love you.Butch and Judy Selig
Benton, AR Sunday, February 21, 2021 To Donna and all the family,Love and prayers for all of you during this sad time. Marnell was a special lady —wise, generous, talented, and so much more. She will be missed.
In sympathy and love,
Judy and Butch