Mari-Beth McArthur

Mari-Beth McArthur, March 4, 1961 - February 27, 2026

Mari-Beth McArthur passed away peacefully February 27, 2026, in Cleveland, Mississippi. She was 64.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Cleveland First United Methodist Church.Visitation will take place at 1:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall, followed by the service at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. A graveside service at North Cleveland Cemetery will immediately follow.

A lifelong Mississippian, Mari-Beth loved the Delta—its wide open skies, breathtaking farmland and rich musical heritage. She found joy in listening to live performances, gathering with friends and spending time with her family.

A gifted photographer, she had a discerning eye for light and landscape and took particular pleasure in capturing images of the people and places she cherished. Beyond music and photography, she appreciated art in its many forms and believed in supporting the artists and traditions that sustained the cultural life of her community.

Mari-Beth was born March 4, 1961, to Martha Thornton McArthur and Bobby Dan McArthur. She attended Bayou Academy and Cleveland High School and later earned her degree from Delta State University. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a lifelong Methodist. She often attended Merigold Methodist Church, where her grandparents, Thomas Henry “Ramsey” and Mattie Zoe Thornton, were longtime members.

Mari-Beth was an avid and accomplished horsewoman and spent countless hours riding and caring for her horses. Over the years she also cherished time with her many pets and was particularly devoted to her cat Maui.

She is survived by her parents; her beloved brother, Bob McArthur; and a devoted extended family. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Carlton L. McArthur and Lola Williams McArthur; her maternal grandparents, Thomas Henry “Ramsey” Thornton and Mattie Zoe Thornton; maternal aunt, Beth Thornton Segrest; and paternal aunts and uncles, Carlton Luthyra Camise, Eularene Camp, Juanita Hutchison and William Nelson "Billy" McArthur.