She was reared in church by God fearing parents and attended church every Sunday regardless of denomination. She accepted the Christian faith at the age of 12. She attended schools in Lacey, AR and Drew High School in Monticello. She was employed at Drew Memorial Hospital for 38 years. There she worked as a housekeeper and a nurse's aide. The job she most enjoyed was working in the nursery and spoiling many babies around Drew County and the surrounding area.
She was an active member of Pilgrim Rest where she was a member of the choir, a Sunday School teacher, stewardess, class leader, member of Mary E. Lee Missionary Society where she served as secretary and President. She was also inducted into the conference Women's Missionary Society Hall of Fame.
She made her heavenly transition from earth to heaven on July 2 at Drew Memorial Hospital.
She will surely be missed by her three siblings, two brothers: Joe Lee Woods (Michelle) of Seagarville, TX; Alven Woods (Jeanette) of Chicago, IL; one sister, Pearlie Burns of Warren, AR.
She was married to Cleophis Ridgell (deceased) and from this union were five children; Belinda Matthews of Monticello; Don Ridgell of Grand Rapids, MI; Deborah Daniels of Fountain Hill, Cherry Arnold of Hamburg and Deon Ridgell (Tiffany) of LaPlace, LA.
She had seven grandchildren, Sharon Matthew of Jacksonville, AR; Dontrail Ridgell of Dallas, TX; Darnesha Daniels of West Monroe, LA; Sydney Daniels of Fountain Hill, AR; Rodney Trotter, Jr. and Lance Ridgell of Monticello; Tavarius Binns of Conway, AR; two great grandchildren, Makaila Burks and Aleiya Trotter. Nieces and nephews that she helped raise, Kelvin Phillips of Buckeye, AZ; Carolyn Harris of Huntsville, AL; Rosalind Davis (Micheal) of Houston, TX; LaTreas Ingram-Watts of Irvin, TX and Chuka Khun Williams of Magnolia, AR , Marchello Davis (Nancy) of Denver, CO, and Brandon Woods of Houston, TX. One special child who she considered as a great grandson, Zachary Jacobs, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Condolences(13)
Wonda Chestnut
Rosenberg, TX Wednesday, July 9, 2014 Ms. Ridgell was such a sweet and charming lady. May God bless each of you during this time of bereavement.Kris Morgan
Portland, AR Sunday, July 6, 2014 What a wonderful person Mary Lou was. I worked with her several years ago and enjoyed every minute of it. She took wonderful care of her babies. I was able to visit with her a few months ago. She was the same Mary Lou. I know she will be looking down from above over her family. My prayers are with you.Carol Ricks-Owens
Monticello, AR Saturday, July 5, 2014 Belinda, Don & family, I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a very sweet & caring lady. Heaven has gained a lovely angel. Prayers of comfort for all of you.Betty Hammock
Monticello, AR Friday, July 4, 2014 She was a wonderful, kind and caring person. She spoiled my children when they were little. She will be missed greatly. To the family of Mrs. Mary I'm sorry for your loss. She was terrific woman with a caring heart.Donna Hedwood
Valdosta, GA Friday, July 4, 2014 Sorry for your loss,praying for the family.Karon Beavers
Monticello, AR Friday, July 4, 2014 Belinda and family, may The Lord wrap his loving arms around each of you! Mary Lou was so kind and a very special "Lady."Brenda Jacobs
Monticello, AR Friday, July 4, 2014 Such a sweet lady, we are certainly going to miss. Prayers for the family!The Jamisons
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 3, 2014 To the Ridgell Family:The chain has been broken in your family as well as our church family. Mrs. Ridgell will be missed. We will miss seeing her in her spot at church on Sundays at Pilgrim Rest. May God comfort you at this time and shield you through this valley of sorrow.
With our deepest sympathy,
Paul and Gaynell Jamison
Barbara Benton
Warren, AR Thursday, July 3, 2014 I was so sorry to hear about Miss Ridgell's death. I have known her for many years and remember her working in the nursery at the hospital. She sat at the same table with my mom at the Woods Nursing Home. One thing that I admired the most about her was how she still tried to be independent even when she didn't feel her best. I am so glad my granddaughter and grandson had the opportunity to meet her. They got a kick out of pushing her to her room, and they were heartbroken to learn about her passing.The passing of a loved one leaves a void that is almost impossible to explain. I truly do understand the grief you are experiencing because I lost my dad a month ago, and I feel lost and alone. My prayer is that God will keep you in His care.
Barbara Benton & grandchildren
Samuel Williams & Family
, AR Thursday, July 3, 2014 We send our deepest condolences &prayers to the family at this time and may the lord comfort you one day at a timeCornelia Anderson
Warren, AR Thursday, July 3, 2014 May God bless you during this time of sorrow. Remember that God opens His heart and opens His arms, you are not alone.....He is with you. May you find peace during this difficult time. With Sympathy.Cornelia Anderson
Donna McDougald
Clanton, AL Thursday, July 3, 2014 Belinda and family, sorry to read of your Mothers passing. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrowBishop Sam Wherry
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 3, 2014 Mrs. Mary Lue Ridgell was one fine outstanding Christian Lady of the Almighty God. The fruits of her vineyard are proof positive what a single mom in the heart of the Lower Mississippi Delta/Mid-South give validity thereof what is exemplified in her children of whom are professional and vocation specialist. The death or passing from mortality into immortality for her is not in vain, but an open door that leads her into eternal life with Jesus Christ whom she Loved, Cherish to the uttermost. The children and family the example laid, portrayed and implemented by Mrs. Mary Lou Ridgell is one legacy that you can only be proud of for this Servant of God well done. Continued Blessings/Favor/Prosperity to and upon you as result of her.