of Proctor, AR
May 6, 1955 - April 16, 2024
On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, surrounded by her family listening to her favorite Jimmy Buffett, ABBA and Gallery songs, Neppie Alene (LaBeause) Cordell went to her heavenly home. She was welcomed into heaven by her parents, Albert and Gladys LaBeause; her brother, Joe LaBeause and her mother in law, Louise Cordell plus many other family members and friends.
She leaves behind her loving husband of 50 years (June 22), Gary Cordell of Proctor. Her daughter, Michelle Ray and son in law, Tony Ray of Greers Ferry, AR. Her son, Bary Cordell and soon to be daughter in law, Krista Thornton of Bauxite, AR. ''Meme'' also leaves behind her six grandchildren, Lilly Ray, Jayden Cordell, Jackson Ray, Eme Ray, Harley Cordell and Shelby Ray. In addition, she leaves behind her sister in law, Jan LaBeause of Memphis; brother in law, Ronald ''Butch'' Cordell of West Memphis; sisters in law, Edna Rose McKay of Benton, Patricia Thomas of Marion, Shirley Cordell of West Memphis and Nancy (Cordell) Williams of Abbeville, MS. Neppie also leaves behind her ''work daughter'', Erin Fiveash of Walnut, MS. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews as well as many friends and former co-workers from Lipscomb and Pitts Insurance, Treadwell and Harry Insurance, and Guaranty Loan Insurance.
Neppie retired from Lipscomb and Pitts in 2021. After retirement she unselfishly became the primary caregiver of her son in law's mom, Carol Ray. After growing up in the Methodist Church, Neppie and Gary both went through RCIA to join the Catholic Church at Easter 2021.She was a parishioner and member of the Ladies Guild at St. Micheal's Catholic Church.
In 2023, Neppie moved to Greers Ferry to enjoy retirement and the ''Meme Life''. Neppie enjoyed mornings rocking on the porch, drinking coffee, posting a ''coffee'' message each morning on Facebook and spoiling the family dog, Waylon, with treats. If you were lucky enough to enjoy any occasion with Neppie, you know what we will be missing each holiday and get-together that she always marked with delicious food, decorations and fun! Neppie loved all things ''festive and tropical'', sailing and Jimmy Buffett. Her sweet and loving servant's heart has left a huge hole in the hearts of those that loved and cared for her.
We would like to thank Dr. Kevin Clevland and Dr. Chad Campion of Campbell Clinic for their compassionate care. As well as Elite Hospice, especially Catherine, Nicole and Patty for their compassionate care of Neppie and the family. We would also like to thank Father Charles Thessing of St. Micheal's Catholic Church for his spiritual guidance and support and always making Neppie perk up when he visited. The family also wants to thank Carolyn Anthony and Russell Jones for creating a graduation ceremony for MeMe to see since she won't be physically there at Lilly's high school graduation. This proves there are angels among us.
The family invites you to celebrate the life and legacy she leaves behind on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at St. Micheal's Catholic Church in West Memphis, Arkansas. Visitation will be from 11-12, funeral mass will be at 12 and a fellowship/celebration of Neppie will take place after the funeral mass at St. Micheal's Catholic School Cafeteria.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Frank C. Steudlein Learning Center in West Memphis or The Madonna Learning Center in Germantown, TN.
Gary, God will be with you and your family at this difficult time.
Bless all of you.
Ynette
My heart breaks for the entire family in this astounding loss. I was privileged to know Neppie through her sister-in-law, Jan LaBeause. Neppie’s heart was so big Her smile lit up every room she entered. Her wonderful food…her sense of humor and fun…her kindness…all will be greatly missed in this world.
Gary and family, I’m so very sorry for you loss. I’ll keep y’all in my thoughts and prayers. May God help yo through this difficult time. Karen
I am so thankful and honored to have had the pleasure of working with Neppie. She always brought a smile to anyone's face. She knew how to make you laugh when you didn't really know you needed to. You will be missed dearly but you are no longer in pain. Prayers for Gary and your family in upcoming days and months. Love you my friend!
She was such a sweet and caring person . She will be greatly missed by all. Prayers for Gary and all of the family .
Gary, Michelle, Barry and family. We are so very sorry for this great loss and we also rejoice in the fact that you had her in your life. A great person who was devoted to you all.
May loving memories surround you thru this difficult time.
She will be missed. But, Her spirit remains, her love remains, and life, thru you, on this earth, remains.
Deepest sympathy and love for you all.
Rick and Susie
I am sorry for your loss, I know how it feels to lose your best friend. Just know she will be with you always in your memories. Share them with others.
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Your sweet wife was such a special person with a vibrant outgoing and loving personality, Prayers for the entire family and especially for Gary, her children and grandchildren.
Gary, I am so sorry to hear about Nappies' passing. I pray that God will give you the strength for the new chapter in your life. Be safe.
I knew Neppie in high school at Harding Academy. Neppie & other friends from her Class of '73 & I were in 1st period Art class. We laughed a lot & accomplished very little art work, but the hour we spent together not taking life too seriously will never be forgotten. Neppie always had a twinkle in her eyes when she laughed. I know she is well & watching over her family. Our thoughts & prayers are with Gary & her family.
Gary, I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jack & Faye
For the family and friends. am so sorry for your loss and broken hearts. For Neppie, my sweet friend from Jr high school and the old neighborhoods, I know you're basking in the presence of Jesus and enjoying the best coffee ever.
Gary, I have heard and saw so many good things about your wife. I am sorry that I didn't have the pleasure of meeting her. My prayers for you and family that you will have peace in your heart.
Neppie and I go way back, about 56 or 57 years. We attended Jr. High & High school together. She was funny, delightful, and just a beautiful friend. My prayers go out to Gary, her children, & grandchildren. She was a Meme and I am a Mimi! She proudly bragged and praised her grands! I will miss her sweet soul. Love you Neppie!
My deepest condolences to you and your family Gary,, Many prayers..
“Sent with love and remembrance of your loved one”
I only met you once or twice , but I knew you were a Special loving lady . You will be missed by your husband & family & friends . Rest in love .
So sorry for the family loss , Gary she was a great wife and mother who loved ya so much , this sweet lady will be missed .
I had the pleasure of getting to know Neppie as she lovingly cared for Mrs. Ray. I’m so saddened to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Gary, Michelle and the entire family.
My heart goes out to Cordell and Ray family! I remember the days when The Cordell's lived on Scottwood. Neppie was a very sweet lady! I always saw her at the baseball games for many years when my best friend Gary was coaching. I love this family dearly and heaven just received another angel. Gary, Barry, and Michelle may God comfort you in the days to come. God Bless!
Prayers for Gary's wife and family, she was a great lady.
Love the Cordell family,
Andy Luttrell
I have had a brief encounter as a nurse with Miss Neppie and her family in her home but for some reason Miss Neppie and I bonded immediately! Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of the lovely Miss Neppie! Prayers offered to Gary and the family for strength and healing in Jesus almighty name.. RIP Miss Neppie. I just know that you are in glory right now
I have known Neppie for over 20 years having worked with her at Lipscomb and PItts, she was always so fun to be around and always had the biggest smiles for everyone she ever met. I will miss her very much. I would like to say a verse that I read somewhere a long time ago.
" When I am gone, don't cry for me for in my father's arms I'll be. Safe and Warm and Loved for an Eternity"
My prayers go out to her husband, Gary, her whole family and her many friends during this most difficult time. Love, Deb
My heart is broken, I am so thankful and honored to have had the pleasure of working with Neppie and also blessed to call her a friend. She lit up a room and always had a smile on her face and always, always made others laugh. Never a dull moment when she was around and what a cook she was!!!! I will miss you and love you always.
I had the pleasure to meet Neppie at Lipscomb & Pitts. My condolences to the family.
Gary, I am so very sorry for the loss of Neppie. She was truly a treasure to all that knew and loved her. She was the perfect Mrs. Santa Claus! I'll be praying for you, Barry and Michelle and all your babies.
Sorry to hear about your loss and pray you will be given the courage you will need in the future.
I had the pleasure of meeting Neppie when she joined the West Memphis Christian School Grand Parents group when her daughter joined the staff & her grandchildren became students.
She brought such wonderful ideas for our endeavors to raise money, feed the teachers monthly and helping with any efforts needed by the school or its students.
Everyone that knew Nettie will miss her charm & friendship.
May God grant her family & friends peace & comfort.
My heart is sad. There could never be another Neppie. She was kind, fun, smart, talented, and all of those other adjectives that mean great things. My prayers are with all of you, Gary, kids, and grandkids. Love y’all.
Gary may God bless you and Michelle and Barry and their families with comfort and peace. Neppie will be greatly missed by all family and friends.
My deepest sympathy for you Gary, your children and family.
During this difficult time, I pray GOD, family and friends bring you peace.