Lessa Nell Mankins

 Lessa Nell Martin Mankins, age 59, of Detroit, passed away, Monday, November 13, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer.  Lessa was born, January 21, 1964, in Clarksville to Joe and Alice Mauldin Martin, the 7th of 8 children.  Lessa graduated from Rivercrest High School in 1982 and married her high school sweetheart, Neil Mankins in November 1983.  Once her kids were in school, Lessa went back to school herself, obtaining a teaching degree in 1997.  She was a beloved and respected teacher in Detroit Independent School District for 25 years.  Lessa was preceded in death by her parents and an older sister, Nancy Jane Puckett; and a brother-in-law, Jimmy Puckett.

Survivors include her husband, Neil Mankins; her daughter, Katie Nichols and husband, EC and their children, Ella and Kade; her son, Jeremy Mankins and wife, Crystal and their child, Wesley; 3 sisters, Mary Jo Whatley and friend, Dale Rhodes, Sue Ann Bennett and husband, Ronny, Ellen Harville and husband, Larry; 3 brothers, Dewayne Martin and friend, Stacy Glass, Dennis Martin and wife, Janice and James Martin and wife, Misty; extended family, Toad and Chrissy Witmer; her special sisters, Marti Sisson and Sherry Allums, numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Clarksville Funeral Home.

Funeral services are set for 10:00 A.M. Thursday, November 16, 2023, in Lindeman Chapel of Clarksville Funeral Home with Rev. Don Shovan officiating.  Burial will follow in Cuthand Cemetery under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers are Michael Witmer, Jeff Marris, Craig Fletcher, Thurman Russell, Scotty Coleman, Kenny Greer, Brandon Nix and Alan Hudson.  Honorary pallbearers are her nephews, Chad Martin, Erric Martin, Aaron Martin, Joey Hanna, Jesse Hanna, Dalton Martin and Ethan King.

In lieu of Flowers, donations and memorials may be made to the Hope Lodge of Dallas, 210 N Hall St. Dallas Tx. 75226 or Cuthand Cemetery Association, 5797 FR 910 Clarksville Tx. 75426.

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