Albert Steven (Jody) Mann, 77, of Newport departed this life on January 5, 2024. He was born to Earnest Preston and Mamie Lee (Price) Mann on March 16, 1946.
Family was the cornerstone of his life, and he reveled in the love of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who affectionately called him “Pop.” His heart overflowed with joy as he embraced the roles of grandfather and great-grandfather, finding immense fulfillment in the laughter and presence of the younger generations. His love for his wife, Esther, was evident with the couple sharing 59 years of marital bliss.
The great outdoors beckoned to him, and he found solace in the simplicity of fishing, and hunting. After retiring from farming, he still enjoyed making his daily rounds to the shop, oftentimes with his brothers.
His spiritual home was Central Baptist on Melody Lane in Newport, where he not only worshipped but found kinship with his Church family. The fellowship, shared beliefs, and communal spirit added a profound layer to his life.
As a self-employed farmer, he cultivated not only crops but a legacy of hard work and dedication. His connection to the land mirrored his rootedness in family and faith, creating a life rich in simple pleasures and profound meaning. Today, we celebrate a man who found richness in the love of family, the embrace of faith, and the beauty of a life lived close to the earth.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Bobby Mann, Cecil Mann, Wayne Mann; sisters-in-law, Shirley Mann, and Martha Mann; and brothers-in-law, Hershel Miller and Woody Martin.
He is survived by his wife, Esther Mann of the home; his son, Dennis Mann (Christy) of Newport; his daughter, Stephanie (David) McAllister of Newport; his brothers, Neal Mann (Lola) of Newport and Jimmy Mann (Pearl) of Beedeville; his sisters, Maxine Miller of Newport, Judy Carlisle (Woody) of Heber Springs, Brenda Martin of Jonesoro, Marlene McWilliams of Amagon and Sister-in-law, Veronica Evans of Floral; grandchildren, Cody Mann(Tessa) of Beedeville, Tyler Mann of Newport, Daryn Mann of Newport, Libby Mann of Nashville, Tennessee, Keysia Hastings of Bradford, Sarah Nicholson (Alex) of Newport, Breanna McAllister of Walnut Ridge; great-grandchildren, Kensley Bradley, Price Mann, Lillie Mann, Brayden Hastings, Colton Hastings and Josie Brown.
Service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel with interment at Eight Mile Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 7, 2024.
