Vyriee Sandidge Creel, also known as Mama, Maw, Mammaw, or Oldest Mammaw, was ushered into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at The Columns Community Care Center in Jonesville, La. She was born in Enterprise, La., on March 02, 1931, to Riley and Jenny Sandidge as a 10 ½ pound bouncing bundle. It was then that the search was on for her name. The story is that an uncle named her “Vyriee” and declared that it meant “pretty baby”. She grew up on the hill in Enterprise with her five siblings. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed helping her dad with outside activities. She attended Enterprise High School and was a member of the EHS basketball team. Many stories were told of her years there with classmates, teammates, and coaches she loved. She was a member of the 1948 graduating class of EHS. Upon graduating, she moved to Lafayette where she took a job and lived with her beloved uncle and aunt of whom were like brother and sister being so close in age. It was here that she met the love of her life while attending the “Minnie Pearl” show. She caught the eye of a young lad from Manifest, LA, by the name of Daniel Alden Creel. They were later married, and so the legacy began that would last for over 70 years. After the lad graduated from Southwestern University, now known as ULL, they embarked upon their journey together first in Kilbourne, La., then later returning to Catahoula Parish. Two sons were born within a year of each other. Then nine years later, a daughter would arrive upon the scene. The family made their home on the hill in Enterprise.

Mrs. Vyriee served Jesus, her family, and community. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a fixture of New Ouachita Baptist Church where she served as Sunday School teacher, teaching children in word and in song. At times, she would fill in as congregational song leader. In younger years, she also sang in a quartet. She loved singing praises to her Savior. Even as her health declined, she always kept a song in her heart.

In earlier years, her care-taking skills were put into use when she worked at the Catahoula Parish Hospital in Jonesville, La. She was in her element there as she had always longed to be a nurse. Later, she would work at Enterprise High School as a para-professional where she worked with youngsters who still remember her fondly today.

Mostly she was a wonderful example of a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. She was most happy taking care of her family. Her grandchildren remember her homemade pumpkin pies and chocolate pies. There were many memorable trips loading up in the truck and heading to the hills with grandchildren to pick blackberries and then return to make her delicious fresh blackberry cobbler. She enjoyed working alongside “Paw” raising potatoes, pumpkins, and other bounty. In early years, the grandsons would come in after a day of rambunctious play on the hillside to her “real cheese” sandwiches and the famous French toast, which the boys named, “The Recipe”.

As her health declined in recent years, she remained strong in her unwavering faith. In spite of the many physical obstacles she faced, she displayed an amazing strength. She looked forward to going to her Heavenly home especially after she lost her beloved “Paw”. Now we are rejoicing that they are reunited and forever together!

Vyriee is preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 70 years, Daniel Alden Creel, her parents, and five siblings: Jodie Sandidge, Delbert Sandidge, C.D. “Bud” Sandidge, Mildred Reitzammer, and Jean Miletello; grandson – Broc Creel, great-granddaughter – Brittany White, sister-in-law/brother-in-law – Audrey and Ed Cotton.

She is survived by her children, Kent (Vicky) of Harrisonburg, La., Calvin (Nancy) of Vidalia, La., daughter Velita (Todd) of Columbia, La.; nine grandchildren: Brian Creel, Brad Creel, Amy Creel, Brent Creel (Stacy), Gavin Creel (Natalie), Tate Creel, April Bass (Dallas) and Daniel Griffin (Margo), and 20 great grandchildren. She leaves behind very special friends Jerry, Joyce, and Justin Eubanks who have devoted endless hours of love and support to this family. She also leaves behind her beloved first cousin (like a sister) Madlon Chisum.

Pallbearers will be Justin Eubanks, James Sandidge, Neal Sandidge, Earnie Sandidge, William Miletello, Glen McCormack, Nathan Roark, and Jimbo Lewis. Honorary pallbearers are NOBC deacons and Lavon Smith and RE McGuffee. The family would like to give special thanks to caregivers: Margaret Franklin, Linda Higgenbotham, Rhonda Smith, Cassie Sandidge (for filling in during school break), and Sandra Simmons for their devotion and care. Also, thanks to others who have helped over the last few years. Thank you to Ms. Peggy King for all the Saturday at-home hairdos over the last few years. Special thanks to All Saints Hospice for their kind and compassionate care (Taylor and Lacy). A very special thanks to Chandice Boothe for her unwavering devotion during our mom’s stay at The Columns. Thanks to all staff members at The Columns Community Care.

The family will receive friends at New Ouachita Baptist Church in Enterprise, La., on Sunday, November 01, 2020, from 12 pm until time of service at 2 pm with Bro. James King officiating. Interment will follow at Old Catahoula Cemetery in Enterprise, La., under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home of Jonesville, La. Memorial donations may be made to Old Catahoula Church Cemetery fund.