of Conway, AR
October 21, 1935 - September 6, 2025
Mary Marcella Knowlton went to her heavenly home on September 6, 2025. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born October 21, 1935 in Hickoria, Arkansas to parents, David Crawford and Lessie (Banks) Crawford. She often recalled her childhood in the cotton fields around Corning where she would work alongside her family. On June 30, 1953, she married The Reverend Carl F. Knowlton, Sr. in the town of Success and they began a life together that would soon be filled with children and ministry. She spent many years serving and caring for others; first, as a wife and mother, then as a pastor's wife. Together, she and her husband started many home mission churches around Illinois and Arkansas as members of the United Pentecostal Church International fellowship. She was a faithful member and giver at Lake Hills in Russellville, Arkansas for many years and in recent years, she continued her devotion and support at The Pentecostals of Greenbrier in Greenbrier, Arkansas.
Though she was formally known as Mary, many friends and family called her Marcella. You may have even known her as Peen, but her most popular name was Mawmaw. For almost 50 years, she was Mawmaw to anyone who needed one. If they needed a best friend, a grandmother or just a listening ear, she was prepared to be just that. Her love for God shined through her love toward people.
Before Mawmaw was a mawmaw, she found great joy in being a homemaker and raising her nine children. They filled their home with love, music and prayers, all of which remain at the core of the Knowlton family decades later. She had a knack for a punch-line, a love for quilting and puzzles and a talent for making everyone feel at home.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband; brother, Howard Addis Crawford; sister, Wanda Lee Crawford Cook; brother, Tommy Austin Crawford and son, Roger Dale Knowlton.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Carolyn Reynolds (Tony), Delinda Reynolds (Terry), Taleda McKee (Gary), Carl Knowlton, Jr. (Melanie); daughter-in-love, Deneen Knowlton (wife of the late Roger Knowlton), Davida Summit, David Knowlton (Doylene), Saundra Corrons (Jay), LaTasha Hanks (Jay); Grandchildren, Tina, Terra, Josh, T.J., Heath, Carey, Nacole, Caleb, Natalie, Cody, Nathanial, Kaitlyn, Ethan, Rachel, Madeline, Emily, Jacob, Sarah and their respective spouses; 33 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Pallbearers
TJ Reynolds, Heath Reynolds, Nacole Fulfer, Ethan McKee, Carey Knowlton, Cody Knowlton, Jacob Knowlton, Jonathan Starks, Nathaniel Corrons and Anttwon White
Honorary Pallbearers
Mason Talbert, Harrison Talbert, Avery Perez, Tucker Reynolds, Jacob Fulfer, Maddox Fulfer, Andrew Knowlton, Casey Knowlton and Jaxon LeMaire
Sign Guestbook
16 Condolence(s)
Becky long
Friday, September 12, 2025
I am so sorry in hearing of the passing of your mom , she will always be remembered to me as a very sweet Godly lady with always the biggest smile on her face , your family will always be know to me as friends , i love you all and am praying for you in this difficult time .
James Mullenax
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Prayers for the family
James Mullenax
Helen Arrants
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
So sorry for all of your loss. Praying for God's peace & comfort to surround you. The tribute written for Mary was so beautiful. Know all the prayers she has prayed for you are in the throne room of God And still cover you since she has joined the "great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) in Heaven. Praying for you.
Boyd Osborne
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
My love and prayers for this precious family. The tribute is remarkable. Obviously your Mawmaw touched many lives. May your precious memories guide and inspire you to run your race well. Fix your eyes on Jesus.
Lucille Martin
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Truly sorry for your great loss
But heaven is getting sweeter all the time. Such an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. A great gift to many. Prayers for all of her family.
May God send the comfort, strength and peace that passes all understanding. 🙏🥰❤️
Wilma Mckenzie Mike Cranford
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Aunt peen was more than my aunt she was a inspiration to me She will be joined by all her friends and family how believed in the lord and will rejoice with her Mike Cranford 🙏 ❤️
Wilma Mckenzie
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
I only met her one time about three weeks ago she made me fill like we new each other for years and I was loved right then I am Mike Crawfords Girl friend so sorry for your family's loss love you and God bless ✝️🙌 ❤️
Lisa K Shuffield
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
She was a precious lady..I had the privilege of knowing for 30ish years..Her daughter Taleda is my sweet sister-friend..
Nora Cooney
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
May God comfort each of you' May all the precious and timeless memories forever be stored inside of your '
Cyndee Moody
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Many prayers for your family during this time of loss. My heart goes out to each and every one of you. I remember her as always being such a sweet and kind lady. Much love ❤️
Mary Lee Cook Broughton
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
She named me, my mother was her older sister. She was so dearly loved and I will miss her so much. The best aunt I ever had! She was the only aunt left but we know where she's gone.
April Andrews
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
She was always so sweet I only new her as memaw from her grandchildren she was so loving my prayers are with her family . I know. She is rejoicing in heaven
Lenny Reynolds
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Heartfelt condolences to the Knowlton family/friends at the passing of their mother. May you always keep her memory, precious in your hearts.
Emerson Family
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
We loved her dearly and enjoyed many wonderful times of praying, singing and worshiping the ONE (Jesus) she served so faithfully plus all the fun and Laughter. She and Bro. Knowlton had a great impact on our life. There will never be another friend to compare with Mary Marcella Knowlton!!!! Love all of you and thankful you have such a great heritage. ' and 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
LaCarol Clement
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Oh what a legacy Mawmaw has left for us.
She was one of a kind. She was a perfect example of a Godly woman.
She was always quick witted and loved to laugh. She will be missed.
Praying for the Knowlton Family!
Love,
LaCarol
Elijah Emmanuel Crawford
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
I'm truly blessed to have Mary as my cousin.