Mary Frances Kersey was born at home on December 5, 1954 to the family of Joseph and Annie Norwood. They lived in the small community of Buckhorn, Arkansas before moving to Monroe, where they remained until Mary was 14. At that time, they chose to relocate to Clarendon where Mary attended school.

Clarendon was located along the White River and the popular place to hang out during the summer. The sandbars even had concessions stands and in 1981 during the July 4th celebration, Mary was introduced to Charles Kersey.  They enjoyed 43 years together and shared in the joy of two sons, Charles Jr., and Josh. Mary and Charles were officially united in marriage on October 14, 2017.

Mary worked outside the home with her career beginning at the Briarwood Shoe Factory in Clarendon, then the Belleville Shoe Factory in Dewitt. As a dedicated employee Mary worked a combined total of 35 years before accepting a position at the Van Heusen Shirt Factory in Brinkley. She would punch the clock for two more years before choosing to step away from public work and retired on September 22, 2010.

Mary's greatest joy came from spending time with her family. Her grandkids were not only the light of her life, but her heart and soul. She felt truly blessed at the number of children that called her mimi.

On August 14, 2024 Mary passed away at the Baptist Health Center in Little Rock at the age of 69. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Joseph and Annie Anderson Norwood, grandchildren, Maria Kersey, Dymond Kersey, Jessica Self and siblings, Delbert Norwood, Albert Norwood, Alice Norwood, and Janie Norwood.

She is survived by her husband Charles Kersey of Clarendon, sons, Charles Kersey Jr., and Kira of Clarendon and Josh Kersey and Mary of Blackton, stepchildren, Ronnie Kersey and wife Beverly of Stuttgart, Betty McIntosh  and husband Malcom of DeValls Bluff,  Janie Lazarus and husband Jerry of Lake Village, and siblings, Robert Norwood, Betty Edwards of Clarendon, Christina Norwood of McRae and 15 grandchildren, Savannah Mayville, Bryan Kersey, Kayla Kersey, Selena Kersey, Kaylan Kersey, Shyloh Mayville, Sammy Kersey, Autumn Kersey, Aden Brownell, Maverick Denney, Joshua Lopez, Adley Mayville, Maddox Mayville, Nylan Kersey and Silas Amos and along with a host of step grandchildren. .