Mary Lee Manard

Mary L. Manard, 62, entered into to the Kingdom of Heaven on October 1, 2018. In previous years, she was owner and operator of Calcasieu Carriers, Inc., but her true calling was writing and singing gospel music. In 1998, she was named Songwriter of the Year for her first album, It’s Amazing, which was the title song that she wrote at age 12. In 1999, she received the honor of Songwriter of the year for the same album and also the honor of Traditional Gospel Songs of the Year as well as the separate honor of Songwriter of the year for Traditional Gospel Music. Mary also received seven Shakespeare Awards for original poetry and free lance writing. She worked for the Southwest Daily News until the onset of her heart illness, after which was forced to retire.

Mary is survived by her brother, Mike Manard of Shreveport, LA; her sister, Vicky Alexander who was faithful to care for her during her time of her illness and husband James; her best friend and loyal caregiver, Peggy Arebalo; 3 nephews, Jeremy Leger and wife Jeannie, Jason Leger and wife Sherri, and Bryan Manard; and niece, Bridgette Bizette. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Manard.

Funeral Services will be held at Johnson and Robison Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday October 4, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. with  burial at Mimosa Pines South Cemetery in Carlyss under the direction of Johnson and Robison Funeral Home. Dr. Ronnie Burke will be presiding over her services assisted by Bro. Charlie Watson. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 from 5-8 P.M. at the funeral home with visitation continuing on Thursday, October 4, at  11 A.M. until time of the service. In lieu of flowers, her request is for donations to be made to the Ministry of Caring of Maplewood First Baptist Church.

Her favorite Bible verse, even before her illness began was Romans 8:18

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”