Elner Marie Early

Marie Early, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2023, at the age of 98. She was born on May 16, 1924, to George and Mary Dyess Hilliard and raised her eight brothers after her mother passed away at a young age.

Marie was married to Russell Dean Early for many years and together they had a dairy farm. She was a loving wife and mother who devoted her life to caring for her family. She was renowned for her delicious cooking, especially her biscuits and cornbread. Her unwavering devotion to her family was a testament to her strong character. Her faith was also a key part of her life and played a central role in shaping her values and beliefs.

Marie was a country girl at heart and loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply. Although they sometimes drove her crazy with their door-opening and door-closing antics. Her favorite pastime was watching hummingbirds outside her window. During holidays, she enjoyed talking about the past with her family and her face would light up with joy when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived to visit.

Preceding her in death are her husband, Russell Dean Early; her parents; and her brothers.  Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Jerry Early and wife, Karina and Richard Early; daughters, Mary Nell Graves, Beverly Ann Graves and husband, James, Bobbye Marie Bartlett, and Thresa Lynn Sepulvado; and a host of grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Kilpatrick's Rose-Neath Chapel in Mansfield, Louisiana. Visitation will take place from 8:30 am to 11:00 am and the funeral service will begin at 11:00 am, with Reverend Glen Howard and Tommy Early officiating. She will be laid to rest at Spring Ridge Cemetery in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana.

Honoring Marie as pallbearers will be Ryan Walker, Nick Walker, Kevin Murray, Russel Graves, Jeremy Dollar, Jr., and Randy Hilliard.

Marie Early will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace and may her memory live on forever.