Mary Inez Askins

Mary Inez Askins of Paris, Arkansas, died Saturday, August 9, 2025 in Paris. She was born on June 24, 1938, in Ozark, Arkansas, to the late Truman and Belle Nichols Cagle. She was 87 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of almost 60 years, Harold Leon Askins; four sisters, Jettie Davis Williams, Lois Jones, Sula Barham, and Alma Molton; and a brother, John William “JW” Cagle.

Mary was a 1956 graduate of Ozark High School. For many years, Mary and Leon owned and operated Askins Dairy Cream in Paris. Mary worked several years in downtown Paris at the Leader Store and First National Bank before retiring at Paris Elementary School where she worked with children in the Special Education Department. Mary emphasized her love for the school staff and above all her love for the children.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 13th at First Baptist Church in Paris, with Pastor Harlin Brewton officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Ozark, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home in Paris.

Mary Inez Askins is survived by her three loving children and their spouses, Deanna “Dee Dee” Lee and husband Scott of Ratliff, Dewayne “Bubba” Askins and wife Leigh Ann of Paris, and Janet Chronister and husband Ron of Lavaca; five grandchildren, Tara Willis, Brandon Lee, Kylie Daniels, Chase Askins, and Devyn Paden; and six great-grandchildren, Graham, Barrett and Vivian Willis, Hayden and Brooks Daniels, and Cam Askins. They all greatly loved their Nana.

Pallbearers are Brandon Lee, Chase Askins, Tyler Daniels, Forrest Paden, Don Willis, and Ryan Cravens.

Honorary pallbearers are David Molton and Zac Myers.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.