Mary Arnold Cash Burton passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025 with her family by her side. Diagnosed with esophagus cancer in July 2024 and at the time given only a few months to live, Mary never complained of her illness and continued to live her life with the dignity and happiness she had displayed all of her years.
Born August 20, 1937 near Plumerville, Arkansas, Mary was the elder child of Samuel Lee Arnold and Lora Mae Jones Arnold. In her early years the family lived near Morrilton, Arkansas and during this time Mary attended school in rural Conway County. While in the first grade Mary contracted rheumatic fever and during the illness her mother thought twice her young daughter had died. After a miraculous recovery, Mary had to learn to walk again and throughout her life adversity would only make her stronger.
With her father serving in the military during WW2 and the later death of her mother, Mary and her younger siblings would be raised by her grandparents. Her grandparents family farm was located along the Arkansas River at Oppelo, Arkansas and during the 1940’s her grandparents decided to relocate to south Arkansas ultimately settling near Rison in Cleveland County.
In May of 1953, Mary married James D. Cash of Cleveland County. During this time Mary and J.D. joined Center Missionary Baptist Church and were members of the Church until his death in 2013. Mary and J.D. greatly enjoyed gospel and country music, often traveling around the state to attend music events where they would sometime perform. During these years Mary would volunteer her services at Jefferson Regional Hospital in Pine Bluff and was later employed at Simmons Bank at Pine Bluff until her retirement.
In June 2015, Mary married Gerald Burton of Warren, Arkansas. Mary later moved her membership to Warren Baptist Church where Gerald was a member and where she remained a member until her death. Mary and Gerald had a full life together and were very active in the community often volunteering for events and services in Warren.
Mary was proceeded in death by her parents, sister Gail Green Black, and brothers Archie Arnold and Frank Arnold.
Mary is survived by her only child, James Wayne Cash (Rita), only grandchild, Tyler Wayne Cash, and only g-grandchild, Laythan James Cash, all of the Woodlawn Community. Her Husband, Gerald Burton, formally from Warren, his daughters Diane Dockery of White Hall, Karen Place (Scott) of Gillett, and Gerald’s grandchildren Shawn McDougale, Seth Place, and Tyler Place. Her sisters, Lavonne Green Terry (Bobby) and Ann Green McElroy (Wayne) of Sheridan, Brothers, Pete Green (Monnie) of Atkins, and James Green (Brenda) of Rison.
Pallbearers include Mary’s Nephews, David Stover, Jerry Stover, Dewayne Arnold, Randy Arnold, and Seth Place, Tyler Place.
Honorary Pallbearers include nephew: Homer Wilson, and great nephews: Brandon Arnold, Dalton Arnold, Matt Arnold, Bradley Walker, and John Brandon Walker.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday July 26 at Center Missionary Baptist Church at Rowell, Arkansas with Brother Doney Blackerby officiating. A visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Church with the Funeral Service following at 2:00p.m. Interment will be at the Rowell Cemetery located next to the Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to: Rowell Cemetery Association 12740 Hwy 63, Rison, AR 71665.
The Family wishes to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to the entire staff of Dalton’s Place in Star City for their love and care of Mary and Gerald during this final year of Mary’s live.
Arrangements under the care of Frazer Funeral Home of Warren, Arkansas (870) 226-2633.
