Martha Jo Poteet Mansell, affectionately known as Susie, passed away Sunday, July 28, 2024 at the North Mississippi Medical Center. She was 86 years old. Susie was born July 30, 1937 in Itawamba County, the daughter of Whitt and Fern Stevens Poteet. Her life was devoted to caring for her family and home. On July 24, 1957 she married the love of her life, William Robert “Spec” Mansell and they shared 61 wonderful years together before his passing on January 11, 2018. In her golden years, Susie enjoyed playing cards, dominoes, and thrifting. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially the grandkids.
Susie leaves behind three children, Lisa Mansell of Saltillo, Jeff Mansell (Sandra) and Jay Mansell (Cindy), all of Tupelo; five grandchildren, Kirk Mansell (Chrisa), Kyle Mansell (Melissa), Katie Gaston (Dameion), Matthew Mansell (Jordan), and Mandi Davis (Eric); 12 great-grandchildren, Charleigh Kate Mansell, Addilyn Mansell, Emma Davis, Sawyer Mansell, Ben Mansell, Cohen Mansell, Remi Jewell Gaston, Rhett Mansell, Grant Mansell, Eli Davis, Doss Mansell, and another great-grandson due in September; and her sister, Janice “Baby Dear” McKay of Lansing, Michigan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Whitt and Fern Poteet; her husband, Spec Mansell; a great-granddaughter, Caroline Mansell; five sisters and five brothers.
Visitation will be 1 until 3 p.m. Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Pegues Funeral Directors in Tupelo. Services celebrating Susie’s memory will follow at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Jefferson Street Chapel with Rev. Jesse Huggins officiating. Burial will be in Tupelo Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Rodney Poteet, Mike Hawkins, Kenny Hawkins, Jimmy Hawkins, Chet Johnson, Cotton Johnson, and Larry Dodson.
The family will honor the memory of George Poteet as an honorary pallbearer.
Memorials may be made to Parkway Baptist Church, 1302 Lee Street, Tupelo MS 38804.
