Manashi Okunbor

Manashi Okunbor, 76, of Benton, Arkansas, peacefully entered her heavenly home on Friday, June 26, 2026. She was born on February 14, 1950, in Delta State, Nigeria, to Robert Obi and Sylvia Nwanze, who instilled in her the faith, strength, and values that would become the foundation of her remarkable life.

Manashi was a woman of unwavering faith, quiet strength, and extraordinary resilience. A God-fearing woman, she trusted the Lord throughout every season of life and lived each day with grace, humility, and compassion. She faced life's challenges with courage, always placing her family before herself and finding joy in caring for those she loved.

Family was the very center of Manashi's life. She was the heart of her home, the glue that held her family together, and a source of unwavering love and encouragement to everyone blessed to know her. Her daughter, Kikanwa, was not only her greatest pride but also her very best friend. Their bond was one built on unconditional love, trust, and countless cherished memories.

Her grandchildren, Danielle and David, were truly her world. From the day they were born, Manashi lovingly helped raise them, devoting herself to their care and nurturing them with endless patience, wisdom, and affection. To them, she was simply "Gramma"; their protector, greatest supporter, and one of life's greatest blessings. The love they shared is a legacy that will live on forever.

Manashi believed that love was best expressed through caring for others. Nothing brought her greater happiness than preparing large, delicious meals and gathering family around her table. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, and fellowship, where everyone was welcomed with open arms. Whether related by blood or simply loved like family, once you were part of Manashi's circle, you belonged forever. She was fiercely loyal and protective, always ready to stand beside those she loved without hesitation.

A gifted seamstress, Manashi owned her own sewing business and possessed an incredible talent for creating beautiful garments. Nearly everything she wore was thoughtfully designed and sewn by her own hands. She took pride in presenting herself with elegance, always enjoying dressing well, looking her best, and carrying herself with dignity. Her sewing room, where she spent countless happy hours creating, reflected both her creativity and her hardworking spirit.

Above all, Manashi will be remembered for the love she gave so freely. Her kindness, strength, generosity, unwavering faith, and steadfast devotion to her family shaped generations and touched countless lives. Though her presence will be deeply missed, the example she set and the love she shared will remain in the hearts of those who knew her for years to come.

She is lovingly survived by her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Kikanwa and Felix Osih; her beloved grandchildren, Danielle and David Osih; her siblings: Grace Okolie; Michael, Joseph, and Monday Nwanze; numerous nieces and nephews she completely adored, especially her cherished nieces, Ndidi and Bendu, whom she loved as her own daughters; her in-laws who became her close family; and a host of extended family members and many dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, Martin Okunbor; her parents; and her siblings Ben, Asua, Eze, Gladys, Ana, and Nosike.

A wake will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Smith Family Funeral Home in Benton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Benton, with interment to follow at Mount Harmony Cemetery in Haskell.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. & Mrs. Orewa, Mrs. Ayomoh, and Lady Obidike for the love, unwavering support, kindness, and friendship they shared with Manashi and her family throughout the years. Your compassion and presence have been a lasting blessing and will never be forgotten.

While her family grieves her absence, they find comfort in knowing that Manashi's legacy lives on through the family she loved so completely, the faith she lived so faithfully, and the countless lives she blessed through her unwavering love and selfless heart.