Mrs. Mary Belle (Dunaway) Cuchens, age 94, passed away September 1, 2023.  She was born on September 18, 1928 in Point Washington, Florida to Jessie (Shiver) Dunaway and James Curtis Dunaway, Sr.

Mary Belle grew up between two brothers, James Curtis and Sam Dunaway. She worked hard to keep up with the both of them and never stopped. She could chop wood, shoot guns (straight), and ride horses with the best of them.

She met the love of her life, Eugene Cuchens of Freeport, Florida, early in her life and married him after his return from World War II. They were a team in whatever effort that came along-wiring an apartment for their granddaughter, building homes, first for their son, Ro, and then for Mary Belle's sister and husband. Clearing land using a chainsaw for her daughter and her husband was a challenge readily accepted and accomplished. Just tell her she could not do something, and stand back-because she would do it.

Mary Belle is survived by her three children- Vida Brinson (Aaron), Racheal Hulion (Ken), and Ro Cuchens (Kasey)- all of Freeport, Florida; grandchildren: Adam Brinson, Scott Hulion (Leslie), Ben Smith (Mandy), Amy Rasz, Kevin Hulion (Morgan), Nathan Smith (Jenni), and Rosier Cuchens,III; great-grandchildren: Trent Hulion, Phoebe Rasz, Callie Hulion, Milo Rasz, LaRae Smith, Samuel Smith, Theone Rasz, and Norah Belle Smith. She is also survived by her beloved sister Barbara Dills, along with many revered nieces and nephews.

Mary Belle was preceded in death by her mother and father, her husband of 68 years, Eugene, brothers Thomas, James Curtis, Samuel Harrison, and Donell Dunaway, and sisters Margaret Wright Wesley, Allie Evans and Belita Gail Waliser.

Her work career spanned three decades, starting with creative work bringing beauty in the lives and stories of those she spent time with as a beautician. With her beauty salon adjoining her home, she was able to be there for her children, as she was with her next job of driving a school bus. Many friends and interesting miles later, she left the school bus and went to work for the U.S Department of Defense, and, after making her impact there, retired to spend time with her grandchildren. Making Ewok costumes for Halloween was a piece of cake for her!

She was a Christian by faith, thanking Jesus for a wonderful life and praising Him up to and through her last days. She lived, she loved, and she left a big hole in this world when she took her lively, fun, spunky spirit with her to join our Jesus.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to Chautauqua Springs Nursing Facility and Gentiva Hospice for making our beloved one feel comfortable and special in her last days. Angels include Mary Lancaster, Patsy Myrick, Wes, Robin and many others whose sweet loving spirits will always be remembered.

A time of visitation will be held from 3:30-4:30 PM, Friday, September 8, 2023 at Clary-Glenn Freeport Chapel Funeral Home; 150 East Highway 20 East, Freeport, Florida 32439.

Funeral Services will be held at 4:30 PM, Friday, September 8,2023 at Clary-Glenn Freeport Chapel Funeral Home; with Reverend Joel Glenn officiating.

Flowers are being accepted.

Burial will be held at Hatcher Cemetery.

You may view funeral services live at https://www.facebook.com/claryglennfh/