Mary Dee Cones was born June 16, 1930, to Samuel and Mary Helen Rhodes.

"Mae Dee" as she was often referred to, was known most for her impeccable style of fashion. She was very quick to speak her mind and had a heart of Gold. Everyone who came in contact with her, loved her. Anyone who visited her, were made to feel right at home.

At a young age, Mae Dee married Percell Freeman and to this union three children were born: Glenda, Percell Jr., and Billy Gene.

Later she married James Richard Cones and moved to Detroit, Michigan, to this union two children were born, Marilyn and Eric. As they settled in their new location, many people from the South sought new beginnings and were welcome to the Cones' home.

Mary was known to cook and sell barbecue dinners to the major Auto Industries. She had many jobs. She was more than a house wife and a true servant with a very nurturing spirit.

She joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan where Rev. Odell Jones was pastor. She was a faithful member where she served in various capacities.

In retirement, Mary and James ramped up their commitment to a relaxed retirement and began their journey back South to Eagle Mills, Arkansas. Mary became a member of St. John and later uprooted and united with St. Paul Christian Church.

After settling down in Eagle Mills, she developed new relationships, visiting numerous Nursing Homes, a Candy Striper Volunteer at the hospital, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, she owned and operated a Novelty Shop, an avid gardener with a great appreciation for outdoors. Sunflowers were her favorite flower and became her nickname.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Mary Rhodes, her husband James Richard Cones; three children Glenda Harper, Percell Freeman, Jr, and Marilyn Cones; one grandson Edward Norman Cones; and ten siblings.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two sons, Billy Gene Cones (Pat) of Harker Heights, Texas and Eric Cones of Detroit, Michigan, seventeen grandchildren, and special grand daughter Marla Cones, who resided with her for 18 years.