Roy Johnston
Roy Johnston, 91, of Brookland died Sunday April 1, 2007, at Arkansas Methodist Hospital
in Paragould.
He was born in Brookland and lived his lifetime there. He was a retired owner-operator
truck driver and was of the Methodist belief.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Prezzie Johnston and Hattie Crittenden Johnston,
and one son, Gene Johnston.
Survivors include his wife, Nellie Johnston of the home; one son, Jerry Johnston of
Brookland; one daughter, Donna Childers and her husband Frank of Brookland; one
daughter-in-law, Martha Johnston of Jonesboro; one brother, John L. Johnston of Las Vegas;
one sister Mabel Enright of Las Vegas; nine grandchildren, Scott Childers, Melanie Clark,
Holly Baltz, Bradley Childers, Ronny Johnston, Phillip Johnston, Lela Ann Duhon, Stacy
Johnston and Heather Tilley; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Pine Log Cemetery with the Rev.
James Wainscott officiating. Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro in charge of arrangements.
Visitation will be from 5-- 7 this evening at Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro.
The family requests that lasting memorials be made to Brookland United Methodist Church,
c/o Murleen Davenport, P.O. Box 361, Brookland 72417, or Pine Log Cemetery Association.
To sign an online guest book, go to www.emersonfuneralhome.com
Mary Dee Somers
Mary Dee Somers, 84, of Paragould, formerly of Kennett, died Monday, April 2, 2007, at
Arkansas Methodist Medical Center.
Born September 10, 1922, in Paragould, she was a homemaker, and a member of the Shady
Grove Baptist Church, Piggott.
Survivors include one son, Larry Horton of Paragould; one brother, Henry Horton of La
Farge, Wisconsin; three sisters, Nita Bowden of Paragould, Jewel Cooper of Goobertown, and
Catherine Whitlock of Kennett; four grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.
Mrs. Somers was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Somers; her parents, Walter and
Ethel Horton; one daughter, Pat Tarry; two brothers, Curt Horton, J. W. Horton; two
sisters, Martha Edrington, Thora Lawrence; and one great grandson, Aaron Tarry.
Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.
Funeral services will be 1:30 P.M., Thursday, April 5th, at the Mitchell Funeral Home
Chapel with Joel McMasters officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial
Gardens Cemetery.
Glen Whitlock, Gary Whitlock, Will Tarry, Jacob Tarry, Dennis Cooper, and John Lawrence
will serve as pallbearers.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com
Susan Renee England
Susan Renee Shockley England, 34, of Paragould went to her heavenly home on Monday, April
2, 2007.
She was born on Aug. 3, 1972, in Dearborn, Mich., to Gary and Lila Shockley.
She had worked at First National Bank for the past 10 years and was a member of First
Church of God in Paragould.
She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Olivia Catherine England, and her
grandfather, O.Z. Shockley of Rector.
Survivors include her husband, Christopher Harmon England, and one son, Lane Alan England,
both of the home; her mother and father, Gary and Lila Shockley of Paragould; her brother
and his wife, Jason and Carmen Shockley of Austin, Texas; grandmother, Helen Shockley, and
uncle, Scott Shockley, both of Rector; and mother-in-law, Wanda England of Paragould.
Visitation will be Thursday from 6-9 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be Friday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home Center Hill Chapel, with
Kevin Edgar officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery at Paragould.
Pallbearers will be Gary Cothren, Frank Cothren, David Wolz, Kelly Wright, Donald Guinn
and Jeff Cupples.
Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Tory Stallcup, Dr. Stacey Noel and William Brewer.
The family would also like to acknowledge Debbie Brehmer and Dr. Kristina Wenger for their
unfailing support and care.
Memorials may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 904 Autumn Dr.,
Suite 500, Little Rock, 72211 (www.komenarkansas.org).
Online guest book: www.phillipsfuneral.net
Genive Greer
Genive Greer, 72, of Paragould, passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2007, at her residence.
Born February 14, 1935, in Lawrence County, Mrs. Greer retired from G.E. in Jonesboro, and
had previously worked as a waitress in Independence, Kansas, and Paragould. She was a
member of Greater Vision Church of Paragould.
Survivors include three sons, Claude J. Greer of Paragould, Rickey D. Greer of Piggott,
and Steve L. Greer of Independence, Kansas; two daughters, Beverly A. Howard and Jennifer
S. Barrington, both of Paragould. She is also survived by two brothers, Rex Gentry of
Walnut Ridge, and Gene Gentry of O’Kean; three sisters, Geraldine Ragsdell and
Shirley Ball, both of O’Kean, and Sue Sullinger of Maynard; sixteen grandchildren;
and by four great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Claude C. Greer; three brothers, and two
sisters.
Visitation will be Thursday, from 6:00- 9:00 p.m., at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.
Funeral services will be Friday, April 6th, at 10:30 a.m. at the Mitchell Funeral Home
Chapel with Ricky Ethridge and Bill Gray officiating.
Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Memorials to P.A.W.S., 1103 E Kingshighway, Paragould, AR 72450, would be appreciated.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com
Bobby Lee Thurman
Bobby Lee Thurman, 49, of Paragould, died Thursday, April 5, 2007.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Sue Thurman, and a brother, Jerry Thurman.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m., Saturday at the Heath Colonial Chapel with the Rev. Marc
Reeves officiating. Burial will follow at New Friendship Cemetery. Visitation will be from
6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday at Heath Funeral Home.
John Slatton Jr.
John D. "Humpy" Slatton Jr., 81, was born in Jonesboro Sept. 23, 1925, and died
Thursday, April 5, 2007, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.
He was the son of John D. and Pauline Warfield Slatton. He attended school in Jonesboro
and also lived in Nettleton and Kansas City, Mo., where he worked at Dixon's Chili Parlor.
He worked at Wolverine in Jonesboro.
John was a sergeant, 103rd Infantry, U.S. Army, as communications lineman and wire chief
during World War II in England, France, Germany and Austria, participating in the battles
of Ardennes, Ruhr and Central Germany, and was in the Army occupation. He was awarded the
Good Conduct Medal, European Theater Ribbon, Victory Ribbon, Marksmanship Medal, Combat
Infantryman's Badge and three Battle Stars.
John was a lifetime member of the VFW. He was preceded in death by his parents; his
brothers, Claude and Buster; and a sister, Virginia.
Survivors include one sister, Carolyn Walls of Carlsbad, Calif.; two daughters, Debbie Coy
Stapleton and Shirley Painter Waller, both of Jonesboro; four grandchildren, Shanna Pulley
of Jonesboro, Heather Ricketts and Tommy Ricketts, both of Kansas City, and Kate McClure
of Jonesboro; one great-grandson, Kayden Pulley; one sister-in-law, Joyce Slatton of
Dalhart, Texas; six nieces and nephews, Wendy Hill of Oceanside, Calif., Cindy Barham of
Amarillo, Texas, Michael Slatton of Dalhart, Ricky Slatton of Amarillo, Chris Slatton of
Oklahoma and Billy Joe Slatton of Love's Park, Ill.; best friend, Louis Gann of Jonesboro;
and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 11 in Emerson Memorial Chapel. Private
burial will be in Finch Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday morning from 10-11 in the funeral home chapel.
Online registry at www.emersonfuneralhome.com
William Weeks Sr.
William Lawson Weeks Sr., 55, of Paragould died Friday, April 6, 2007,at Arkansas
Methodist Hospital.
Born August 22, 1955, in Patterson, he was an owner-operator truck driver and of the
Pentecostal belief.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.
He is survived by his wife and loving companion, Martha Tipton; four sons, William Weeks
Jr. of Floyd and Donald, Jessie and Tommy Weeks, all of Beebe; one daughter, Derenda
Roberts of Beebe; four brothers, David, Larry and Gary Weeks, all of Patterson, and
Charles Weeks of Hampton; and nine grandchildren.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date by Emerson Funeral Home.
Noel Winn Whistle
Noel Winn Whistle, 78, of the Lorado community died Friday, April 6, 2007, in Jonesboro.
He was an artist, avid horseman, Korean War veteran and member of Liberty Church of
Christ.
His wife, Phyllis of the home, survives him.
His parents, Areatis "Doc" and Tommie Whistle; and his brothers, Gerald and Paul
Whistle, preceded him in death.
His life will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Heath Colonial Chapel with Maurice Hurd
and Gene Wood officiating.
Burial in Pine Knot Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, at Heath Funeral Home.
Memorials may be sent to the Shriner's Burn Institute of Shriner's Hospital for Crippled
Children.
Brittany Jean Newell
Brittany Newell, 16, of Paragould, formerly of Marmaduke, passed away Saturday, April 7,
2007, at her residence.
She was born Sept. 21, 1990, to Robert Newell Jr. and Tammy Jean Walls.
She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Buster Walls and Clyde and Ola
Farmer.
She is survived by her father, Robert Newell Jr. of Marmaduke; her mother and her
companion, Tammy Jean Walls and Robert Davis, both of Paragould; her little sister, Nicole
Davis; grandparents, Dewayne and Betty Walls of Paragould and Robert and Betty Newell of
Marmaduke; great-grandmother, Bonnie Walls of Paragould; and her aunt and uncle, Connie
McDowell and Larry Walls.
The funeral will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Irby Funeral Home in Marmaduke.
Visitation will be this evening at 6 in the chapel. Burial will be in Hartsoe Cemetery
near Marmaduke.
John W. "Henry" Hazlewood
John Wesley "Henry" Hazlewood, 61, of Jonesboro, passed away Saturday, April 8,
at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.
He was born April 23, 1945, in Paragould and lived in Jonesboro most of his life. He was
the owner-operator of JPS of Jonesboro and was a U.S. service-connected, disabled Navy
Vietnam veteran, having served from 1962-65 aboard the USS Hopewell DD 681.
He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, of which he was past
post commander, president of the NEA Volks-Folks, the lead singer and bus driver for the
gospel group Intercession that traveled many states for 10 years and a member of the
Gideon's. He was a member of the Jonesboro Church of God Seventh-Day Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Susie Hazlewood; one sister, Wanda
Watkins; brothers, Jack and Sam Hazlewood; half-sister, Susie Chandler; and one daughter,
Cyndi Holt.
He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Hazlewood of the home; four sons, Kelly White of
Pensacola, Fla., Wesley Wayne Hazlewood and his wife Karla of Jonesboro, Lorne Edgar
Hazlewood and his wife Jodi of Bono and Brandon Shae Hazlewood of Jonesboro; one daughter,
Quiara Hazlewood of Bono; three brothers, Vernon Hazlewood of Jonesboro, Sidney Hazlewood
of Sarasota, Fla., and M.L. Hazlewood of Michigan; four sisters, Merle Wymer of
Bentonville, Judy Sawyer of Kansas, Pat Stallings and Marilee Lewis, both of Jonesboro;
two grandchildren, Shaun O'Quinn and Samantha Sullivan; and one great-grandchild, Bryndyn
Rafe Sullivan.
Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Dewayne
Ford, Mac Daniel and the Rev. Jerry Reed officiating. Burial will be in Pine Log Cemetery
near Brookland.
Visitation will be this evening from 5-8 p.m. in the Emerson Funeral Home Chapel at
Jonesboro with Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro in charge of arrangements.
Active pallbearers will be Matt Judd, John Judd, John Mahaffey, Anthony Cline, David Cupp,
Rick Tribble and Randy Knuckles.
Honorary pallbearers will be the NEA Volks-Folks, American Legion, Thursday night Blue
Grass Pickers, members of the Church of God Seventh-Day Church, Claude Williams, Johnny
Faiva, Greg Totty, Joe Little, St. Bernards Health Care Workers and numerous praying
friends.
The family requests that lasting memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research
Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis 38105.
To sign online guest book go to www.emersonfuneralhome.com
Donald Wayne Jones
Donald Wayne Jones, 67, of Paragould, passed away early Monday morning, April 9, 2007.
Born April 30, 1939, in Hoxie, he was the son of Hubert and Sarah Vaughn Jones. He was a
carpenter and member of Assembly of God Church.
Survivors include his wife, Melba Jones of the home; daughters, Donna Christian of
Paragould and Tammy Cox of Paragould; granddaughters, Crystal Tedder and Danielle Cox;
brothers, Carl Jones, Dale Jones and Jimmy Jones, all of Paragould; and sisters, Jean
Jackson of Paragould and Linda Pelkey of Jonesboro.
A memorial service will be announced later by Bryan Funeral Home.
Ruth L. Lott
Ruth L. Lott, 76, of Paragould, died Tuesday, April 10, 2007, at Greene Acres Nursing
Home.
Born June 30, 1930, in Mississippi County, Mrs. Lott was a homemaker, and a member of Lake
Street Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Hughie Lott of Paragould; one son, Danny Ray Lott of
Martin, Michigan; one brother, Carl Caperton of Otsego, Michigan; one sister, Robbie Neil
Floyd of Indianapolis, Indiana; and two half-sisters, Yvonne Clay of Daingerfield, Texas,
and Joan Romain of Ash Flat. She is also survived by three grandchildren; and five great
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Mittie Caperton; and by one son,
Hughie Welford Lott.
Visitation will be Thursday from 6:00-9:00 p.m., at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m., Friday, April 13th, in the Mitchell
Funeral Home Chapel, with Wayne Faulkner officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County
Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com
Henry Ford Kennedy
Longtime Rector Fire Department chief Henry Ford Kennedy died Wednesday, April 11, 2007,
at his home at age 85.
Born Oct. 16, 1921, in Macon, Ga., to the late Enoch Boyd and Vesta Ann Boyd (Jackson), he
also was retired as a journeyman electrician with Entergy Corp. He was married March 3,
1943, to Arena Charlene Kennedy, who preceded him in death.
He also was preceded in death by four brothers, Archie, Bill, Terrell and Dee, and two
sisters, Lillie and Dessie.
He was a member of Blooming Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a deacon. He was
a World War II Army veteran, having served in the European and Pacific theaters, and was a
member of the American Legion.
Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Gary Ford and Joan Kennedy of
Gaithersburg, Md., and Roger O. and Jennifer Kennedy of Clarksville; one daughter and
son-in-law, Jane Ladonna and Clarence Huffman; 10 grandchildren, Michael Kennedy, Heather
Huffman, Michele Romito, Cobi Hendrix, Chanda Anderson, Jon Huffman, Casey Kennedy, Amber
Kennedy, Rudy Kennedy and Allyson Kennedy, and nine great-grandchildren, Sawyer Hendrix,
Isabella Romito, Parker Hendrick, Cameron Kennedy, Molly Anderson, John Ford Hendrix,
Sophie Romito, Carter Kennedy and Isabella Anderson.
Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Friday, April 13, at Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Rector
with Don Morris officiating. Burial was in Cudd Cemetery at Marmaduke. Pallbearers were
Earl Clayton, James Lyles, J.D. Chadwick, Hoss Phillips, Mike Dowdy, John Emerson and
Doran Thompson.
Irby Funeral Home of Rector was in charge of all arrangements.
Essie May
Mrs. Essie Newsom May, age 99, of Walcott died Wednesday, April 11, 2007.
Mrs. May was looking forward to her 100th birthday. She was born to the late R.A.
"Ab" and Dora Newsom. She was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church and a
longtime resident of Walcott.
She was preceded in death by her husband, W.F. "Bid" May.
Survivors include her sons, Argene May and his wife Carma Dean of Jonesboro, Dean May and
his wife Gaye of Walcott and Jackie May and his wife Mary of Paragould; daughter, Patsy J.
Evans and her husband Charles of Jacksonville; sister, Pearlie Wilcoxson of Long Island,
N.Y.; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and
many other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be at Heath Funeral Home this evening from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Walcott with
burial in Mount Zion Cemetery.
Gary Wayne Jackson
Gary Wayne Jackson, 57, of Orange, California, formerly of Paragould, died Wednesday,
April 11, 2007, at Paso Robles, California.
Born February 1, 1950, in Paragould, Mr. Jackson was a Marine Corps veteran, and vice
president of Deb Construction Company.
He is survived by two brothers, Barry Don Jackson of Paragould, and Robert Lester Jackson
of Louisiana; two sisters, Leslie Throesch of Pocahontas, and Rhonda Swink of Imboden; his
former wife, Dewanna Jackson of Tennessee; two stepsons, Victor Borrego of Tennessee, and
Jason Borrego of California; and by one step granddaughter, Sydney Elizabeth Borrego.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Imogene Jackson.
Visitation will be Sunday, April 15th, at 1:00 p.m. with a memorial service immediately
following at 2:00 p.m., at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel in Paragould.
Anyone wishing to leave a lasting memorial may give to the American Heart Association.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com
Clifton Edwards
Clifton Edwards, 84, of Beech Grove died Wednesday, April 11, 2007, at Arkansas Methodist
Medical Center.
He was born April 23, 1922, in Beech Grove. He served his country in the U.S. Army and was
a World War II veteran. He was a retired farmer and member of Cornerstone Southern Baptist
Church.
Clifton is preceded in death by his parents, W.L. and Martha Davidson Edwards; one
brother, Ray Edwards; and one sister, Imogene Stallcup.
Survivors include his loving wife, Geneva Askins Edwards of the home; a daughter, Margaret
Russom; son, Jerry Edwards; and two brothers, Billy and Houston Edwards, all of Paragould;
four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today at Heath Colonial Chapel with the Rev.
Jay Hicks officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Don Edwards, Gary Edwards, Chris Camp, Byron Edwards, Mike Rogers and
Brandon Russom.
Honorary pallbearers will include men of Cornerstone Southern Baptist Church and Carlton
Smith, Gaylon Williams, Ted Cunningham, Dennis Owen, Randall Williams, Tim McKelvey, Bill
Lovelady, Dennis Breckenridge, Franklin Williams and Gale Breckenridge.
Memorials may be made to Cornerstone Southern Baptist Church.
John David Kelley
John David Kelley, 87, of West Memphis, AR passed away Saturday April 14, 2007 in Memphis,
TN.
Born January 17, 1920, Mr. Kelley was a retired Train Conductor for Union Pacific
Railroad, a member of Second Baptist Church in West Helena, AR, was a 54 year member of
the Paragould Masonic Lodge #368, was a Lifetime member of the United Transportation Union
and a World War II Army Veteran.
There will be a visitation Monday April 16, 2007 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Roller-Citizens
Funeral Home in West Memphis, AR as well as a visitation Tuesday April 17, 2007 from 11:00
A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at Mitchell Funeral Home in Paragould, AR with a Graveside service
following at 2:00 P.M. in Greene County Memorial Gardens in Paragould.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Goldie Phelps Kelley and granddaughter, Kelley Lynn
Blackburn.
Mr. Kelley is survived by his daughter, Pat Kelley England of Heber Springs, AR; two sons,
Johnny Kelley of West Memphis, AR and Mike Kelley of Marion, AR; one brother, Jackie
Starnes of Munford, TN; seven grandchildren, Kim Kelley Nichols of West Memphis, AR,
Melissa Kelley of Manchester, TN, Lesa Kelley Proffitt of West Memphis, AR, Mike Kelley,
Jr. of Pensacola, FL, Ken Kelley of Bryant, AR, Bridgette McNabb of Conway, AR and John
David Kelley of Conway, AR and four great-grandchildren, Nick Worch of Manchester, TN,
Jessica Nichols of West Memphis, AR, Emily McNabb of Conway, AR and Thomas McNabb of
Conway, AR.
The family requests that any memorials be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or
the Charity of Choice.
Albert Allen Eno
Albert Allen "Bert " Eno, 73, died at St. Bernards Medical Center in
Jonesboro on Friday, April 13, 2007.
Bert was born November 21, 1933 at Round Pond, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his
wife, Josephine Rhama Eno; his parents, William and Celeste Eno; and brother, Joe Eno.
Bert served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He worked for the Dr. Pepper
plant in Paragould, and retired after 43 years of faithful service.
Survivors include two daughters, Deborah Eno of Paragould, and Diane Aguilar of Woodlawn,
Tennessee; two sons, Charles Eno of Paragould, and Tommy Eno of Cabot; three sisters,
Jennie Dulaney of Portia, Sue Slayton of Hoxie, and Dixie Pulliam of Walnut Ridge; one
brother, Bill Eno of Batesville; eight grandchildren, Matthew Eno, Nathan Eno, Rebekah
Eno, Destiny Eno, Aaron Eno, and Logan Clark, all of Paragould, Dawn Tucker of Woodlawn,
Tennessee, and Tommy Meier of Illinois; and two great-grandchildren, Caitlyn Tucker and
Shawn Tucker Jr,. both of Woodlawn, Tennessee.
Visitation will be Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home in Paragould. A
Chapel service will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home with Jesse Dollars
officiating, followed by burial with military honors at Greene County Memorial Gardens in
Paragould.
Pallbearers include Kenneth Dulaney, Boyd McMaster, Josh McMaster, Jimmy Rousseau, Bryan
Easley, and David Easley. Honorary pallbearers are Darrell Butler and Harold Wagner.
www.phillipsfuneral.net
Kevin Donald Mathis
Kevin Donald Mathis, 36, of Conway, died April 13, 2007. He was born April 6, 1971, in
Paragould.
He is survived by his mother, Karen Sue Burgess Burchfield and step-father, Kenneth L.
Burchfield, of Wooster; father Donald Lee Mathis, of Tenn.; brother Steven Mathis, of
Corpus Christi Texas; three step-brothers and four step-sisters, all of the Benton area;
and by an uncle and aunt, Dave and Sandy Taylor, of Louisiana.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Milburn and Billie Burgess, Ben and Faye
Mathis; and great grandparents Dove and Henry Burgess,
Family will be receiving friends at the Karen and Kenneth Burchfield home in Wooster, 32
Church Circle.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m., Monday, April 16, at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in
Wooster with Brother Freddie Mark Wilcox officiating.
Funeral arrangements are by Bishop-Griffin Funeral Home of Greenbrier (501)-679-4400.
Pamela Barrow Palmison
Pamela Barrow Palmison, of Texas, passed away April 13, 2007, at her home.
Born Oct. 6, 1953, to Mabel Faulkner of Paragould, and the late Jack Barrow.
She is survived by her husband, Mike; her children, Dameon and Molly; her sisters, Ruth
Wheelan, Karen Moore and Rhonda King; a brother, Ronnie Barrow; her step-mother, Anna
Barrow; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Molly and Tom Barrow and Guv and Nannie
Faulkner; and a brother, Roger Barrow.
Memorial services will be Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at Campground Methodist Church in
Paragould at 6 p.m. A potluck supper will follow for family and friends.
Lucille Hinton
Lucille Hinton, 85, born in Paragould and widow of Earl L. Hinton, who was retired from
Missouri Pacific Railroad, died Saturday, April 14, 2007, at St. Francis Nursing Home.
Services will be held at Heath Colonial Chapel in Paragould at 1:30 p.m. today.
Mrs. Hinton leaves her daughter, Jean Ward-Jones of Memphis; her son-in-law, Stanton
Jones; a sister, Zena Risher of Decatur, Ala.; and a brother, C.L. Cox of Little Rock. She
will be greatly missed by her two grandsons and their families, Curtis Ward of Memphis and
Kelly Ward of Houston.
Her blended family also includes a granddaughter, Anita Arguelles of Biloxi, Miss.; and
grandsons, Duane and Greg Jones, both of Memphis; six great-grandchildren; and two
great-great-grandchildren.
Carl Martin Love
Carl Martin Love, 69, of Paragould, formerly of Blytheville, died Saturday, April 14,
2007, at St. Bernards Medical Center.
He was born in Greenville, MS., and had lived most of his life in Blytheville. He was a
painter and of the Baptist belief.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth Williams Love of the home; six daughters, Susan and a
very special son-in-law, Chris Burroughs of Paragould, Carla Love, Robin Love, Lisa and
son-in-law George Gomez, and Wendy and son-in-law Jose "Papo" Agrinsoni, all of
Chicago, and Pamela Bowles of Paragould; two sons, Trenton Love of Chicago and Keith
Bowles of Paragould; 19 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by
a host of nieces, nephews, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Howard Love and Jessie Alice Allbritton
Love; six brothers, Lawrence "Earl," Charles "Mack," Robert, T.J.,
John and Gene Love; one sister, Frances Curtis; and one grandson, Arron Love.
Pallbearers will be Brian Burroughs, Jose "Papo" Agrinsoni, George Gomez,
Bufford Williams, Chad Yuvanavattana and Trenton Love.
Honorary pallbearers will include Alex, Connor, Blake and Chris Burroughs and Keith
Bowles.
The family would like to extend their thanks to all the doctors and nurses at St. Bernards
for their constant care, support and concern during his illness. They would also like to
extend a very special thank you to Dr. Daniel Stevenson and Terisia Graddy.
Funeral services will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Phillips Funeral Home in Paragould,
with Gary Hyde and Stacy Prater officiating. Burial will be in Gainsville Cemetery.
The family will receive visitors Friday evening from 6-9 at the funeral home.
www.phillipsfuneral.net
Velma Virginia Wooten
Velma Virginia Wooten, 78, of Paragould died Sunday, April 15, 2007, in Paragould.
She was born Oct. 12, 1928, in Greene County the daughter of the late Claude Alexander and
Bertha May Phillips.
She is also preceded in death by her husband, Willard Roy Wooten; several brothers and
sisters; and a great grandchild.
She, along with her husband, was owner and operator of Wooten's Gulf Station and a member
of Seventh and Mueller Church of Christ.
She is survived by her sons, Freddy Roy Wooten and Kenyon Trent Wooten of Paragould;
daughter, Willa Joyce Dunnam of Paragould; sister, Ruby Pearl McCutchins of Wichita, Kan.;
brothers, Burel Winford Phillips of Rockford, Ill., and Marvin Phillips of California; 15
grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Heath Funeral Home.
Her life will be celebrated Friday at 1 p.m. at Heath Colonial Chapel with the Rev. Bruce
Stone officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Mike Dunnam, Tony Dunnam, Raymond Dunnam, Billy Wooten, James Carrier
and David Todd.
Memorials may be sent to Children's Homes Inc. in Paragould, 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould
72450.
Jay Reddick
Jay Reddick, 75, of Paragould died Monday, April 16, 2007, at St. Bernards Medical Center
in Jonesboro.
He was born Aug. 18, 1931, in Peach Orchard. He was retired from Ed White Jr. Shoe
Factory, Jay's Shoe Repair and was currently employed with Dixie Cleaners. Jay was a
member of West View Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Opal Waits Reddick; brothers, O'Neal,
Rudolph and Lloyd Reddick; and sister, Almeria McDaniel.
Survivors include his wife, Janice of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Dana and Glen
Patraw of Columbia, Tenn.; sisters, Imodell Parsons of California and Peggy Moore of
Maybee, Mich.; brothers, Hulon Reddick of Rector and Bobby Reddick of Niceville, Fla.; and
special cousins, Jerry Estopy of McAllen, Texas, and Gaylon Estopy of Fayetteville.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Heath Colonial Chapel with the Rev.
Marc Reeves and Mayor Mike Gaskill officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County
Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 6-9 this evening at Heath Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Mike Gaskill, Gary Rogers, Doug Wigginton, Ralph Forbis, Keith Hill
and Jamie Hill.
Honorary pallbearers will include senior adult mens' Sunday school class.
Memorials may be made to West View Baptist Church.
Engel Lee Burkett
Engel Lee Burkett, born Sept. 19, 1923, died Monday, April 16, 2007.
A native of Greene County, she was the daughter of Cephas Autrey and Mary Elizabeth
Fitzgerald. She was a 42-year resident of Searcy, graduated from Harding College in 1946
and retired from the Searcy Medical Center.
She is survived by her husband Thomas and daughters, Phyllis Burkett of Jonesboro, Martha
Nash of Lake Wales, Fla., and Susan Shai of Tampa, Fla.
Memorial service will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. in the Powell Funeral Home Beebe
Capps-Expressway in Searcy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to The Paragould
Children's Home or the Public Library in Jonesboro.
Margerie Sue Chism
Margerie Sue Chism, 77, of Paragould, died Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at Arkansas Methodist
Medical Center. She was born Aug. 26, 1929, in Kennett, Mo. and was a homemaker. She was
of the Baptist belief.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Henry Ellington; parents, James Donald and
Beulah (Johnson) McClure; sisters, Betty Gossett and June McLaughlin; and a brother, Burl
McClure.
Surviving are her husband, Fondus Chism; and one sister, Mary Jo Eaton of Paragould.
Graveside services will be held 10 a.m., Thursday at the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Kennett,
Mo. with the Rev. Kim Bridges officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be from
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. tonight at Heath Funeral Home.
Ardena L. Maupin
Ardena L. Maupin, age 92, died Tuesday, April 17, 2007, in Monette.
She was born in Marmaduke, graduated from Marmaduke High School and was of Baptist belief.
She lived a number of years in Paragould and in Memphis. She was a substitute teacher
while in Paragould and was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Earl Maupin; parents, Charles and Ora
Ellen Hubbard; two brothers, Burrell Hubbard and Oscar Hubbard; and one sister, Hazel
Carey.
She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Priscilla and Lynn LeFevre of Memphis
and Kaye and Mickey Brewer of Paragould; two grandchildren, Carrie Nease of Mission Viejo,
Calif., and Sgt. Bradley Brewer of Morrilton, currently serving with the 875th in Iraq.
Mrs. Maupin is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Matthew Nease, Brandon Nease,
Kayla Nease, Colton Huggins, Braxton Varvill, Colby Brewer and Halle Brewer.
Visitation will be Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Heath Funeral Home.
Graveside services, conducted by Owen Evans, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Harvey's
Chapel Cemetery in Marmaduke.
William Tritch Lewis
William Tritch "Bill" Lewis, 62, of Paragould died Thursday, April 19, 2007.
He was born Sept. 27, 1944, in Paragould, the son of the late Mack and Irene Lewis. He was
a loving brother, uncle and great-uncle. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran
faith and was a charter member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church. He attended Focus Inc. and
participated in the Special Olympics for 30 years.
Survivors include three sisters, Mary Frances Lewis, Ann Batey and husband Norman, and
Rita Smalling and husband Tom, all of Paragould; nieces and nephews, Leigha and Shawn
Roleson of Paragould, Kelly Batey of Memphis, Jaime and Shannon Freeman of Brookland and
Jacob Smalling of Little Rock; great-nieces and nephews, Brittian and Reese Roleson, both
of Paragould, Sam and Maggie Freeman, both of Brookland; and a host of cousins, aunts and
uncles and friends.
Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Redeemer Lutheran Church with
Pastor John Bischof officiating. Burial will follow at Greene County Memorial Gardens. The
family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Friday at Heath Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Wilbert Tritch, Benny Lueker, Junior Lange, Dennis Tritch, Ronnie
Tritch, Orion Tritch, Gary Tritch, Donnie Brasher, Philip Brasher, Chris Brasher and Randy
Tritch.
Memorials may be made to the Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Dean Oneal Young
Dean Oneal Young, 72, passed away Thursday, April 19, 2007, at his residence in Paragould.
Born at Moro, he was raised in Brinkley. Mr. Young served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and
retired from Southern Pacific-Cottonbelt Railroad after 32 years. He was employed at
Gazaway Lumber in Paragould.
Survivors include his wife, Laura Jane Chandler Young of the home; two sons, Gary Dean
Young of Independence, Mo., and Richie Marion Young of Beech Grove; and two grandchildren,
Molly Elizabeth Young and Devon Oneal Young.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lena Young; one brother, James
Whitfield Young Jr.; and one sister, Eloise Mills.
Visitation will be Sunday from 3-6 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be Monday at 1 p.m. at Phillips Center Hill Chapel, with Bob Wells
officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Greene County Memorial Gardens in
Paragould.
Pallbearers will be Ken Guthrie, Matt Gordon, Joel Clark, Robert West, Bill Burkhart and
Moud Gazaway.
Memorials may be made to Children's Homes of Paragould Inc.
www.phillipsfuneral.net
Margaret Louise (Scott) Gieseke
Margaret Louise (Scott) Gieseke, 74, of Petersburg, Ill., formerly of Springfield and
Peoria, Ill., died April 20, 2007, at Sunny Acres Nursing Home.
She was born March 31, 1933, in Paragould, the daughter of Pauline (Gatlin) and Virgil
Scott. Her parents preceded her in death.
Margaret graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1951. She married
James Blakey in 1956. She later married H. Dean Gieseke in 1986. He preceded her in death.
She retired from Memorial Medical Center after several years of service. She was a
Certified Nursing Assistant in Brunswick, Maine, where she previously resided.
Margaret is survived by five daughters, Paula Roberts (Stephen) of Diamondhead, Miss.,
Pamela Kinney of Creve Coeur, Ill., Theresa Goddard (George) of Melbourne, Fla., Carol L.
Reese of Bartonville, Ill., and Bernadette Juarez (Tony) of Bellevue, Ill.; a sister,
Lucie E. Caron of Springfield, Ill.; a brother, Bobby Peacher of Palm Bay, Fla.; an aunt,
Eloise Kominski of Peoria, Ill.; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several
nieces and nephews.
A memorial graveside service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, May 19, at Linwood Cemetery
under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home.
Online registry: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com
Glenda Fern (Hagood) Baker
Glenda Fern Baker, of St. James, Mo., passed away at the Phelps County Regional Medical
Center Saturday, April 21, 2007. She was 68 years old. Glenda was born March 10, 1939, in
Paragould to William and Verty (Sheffield) Hagood. She was united in marriage to Clarence
Baker, and through this union four children were born.
Preceding Glenda in death were her parents, William and Verty Sheffield Hagood; and two
brothers, Marion and Verlle Hagood.
She is survived by her husband, Clarence Baker; two sons, Clarence Baker, II., and wife
Bridget of High Ridge, Mo., and Kenneth Dale Baker and wife, Susan, of Nevarre, Fla.; two
daughters, Barbara Oprean and husband, David, of St. James, Mo., and Crystal Latricia
Sheeh, and husband, Allen, of O’Fallon, Mo.; two brothers, Thomas Hagood of
Paragould, Dean Hagood of Cooksville, Tenn.; and one sister, Willa Congleton of
Farmington, Mo.
Memorial services were conducted at Broadway Baptist Church of rural St. James, Mo.
Donna Van Valkenburg
Donna Van Valkenburg, 72, formerly of Paragould, died Sunday, April 22, 2007, at her
daughter’s home in Hot Springs.
Born November 23, 1934, in St. Johns, Newfoundland, she was a homemaker, and devoted
mother and grandmother. She was of the Catholic faith. Earlier in life, she loved to read
and write poetry. She also enjoyed traveling to Newfoundland and visiting with family and
friends. She touched so many lives by her kindness and sweet spirit. We will miss her
greatly.
Mrs. Van Valkenburg was preceded in death by an infant son, Danny Van Valkenburg; her
parents, Kay and Jack Deveraux; three brothers, Michael, Randy and Melvie Deveraux;
sister, Maureen Devareaux; and by a granddaughter, Rebecca McNeil.
Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Derrick and Gwynn Van Valkenburg of Little
Rock; two daughters and sons-in-law, Dina and Mike Wunderlin of Hot Springs, Dawn and Joey
McNeil of Paragould; and the father of her children, Dewey Van Valkenburg of Ash Flat. She
is also survived by seven sisters and brothers-in-law, Kay and Tommy Hinze of Hot Springs,
Maureen Haynes of West Memphis, Valerie and Jerry Barker of Benton, Barbie and Jim Dorsey
of Boise, Idaho, Mary and Jim Oliver of Torbay, Newfoundland, and Shelly and Robert Hookey
and Liz and Danny Breen, all of St. Johns, Newfoundland; two brothers and sisters-in-law,
Tommy and Barb Deveraux, and Johnny and Debbie Deveraux, all of Torbay, Newfoundland; six
grandchildren, Madalyn Van Valkenburg and Tim Wunderlin, both of Little Rock, Ashley
Garner and Nathan Kieffner, both of Hot Springs, Cameron McNeil of Paragould, and Leslie
Assegaf of Bryant. Surviving great grandchildren are Peyton and Jordan Garner, Brody
Kieffner, Rainey Dalrymple, Taylor Muse, and Lily Assegaf.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 6:00-9:00 p.m., at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel,
Paragould, with a rosary service at 6:30 p.m.
Funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, April 25th, 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s
Catholic Church with Father Matthew Garrison officiating. Burial will follow in Greene
County Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to The Helping Hands Day Treatment Program with Mid-South Health
Systems.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com
Marilyn Nadine Boling
Marilyn Nadine Boling, 64, of Paragould died Monday, April 23 at St. Bernards Regional
Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was born May 31, 1942 in Marmaduke to the late Jessie
Clarence and Zelma Horne Russom. She was preceded in death by one son, Shawn Boling;
brothers, James and J. C. Russom; a sister, Artie Mae Russom and one great grandson, Caden
Boling.
Marilyn was employed at Sams Club in Jonesboro and was formerly employed by Kroger.
Survivors include her sons, Rob Boling of Clarksville, Tennessee and Mark Boling of
Paragould; one daughter, Lisa Boling of Paragould; sisters, Carolyn Cupp of Paragould and
Doris McDonald of Peoria, Illinois; eleven grandchildren, Brandon, Kenneth, Heather,
Nathan, Whitley, Shauna, Adrianna and Bradley Boling, Brett Banks, Courtney and Nicholas
Cox; one great granddaughter, Lacey Boling.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Heath Colonial Chapel with the
Reverends Dennis Bradley and Jerry Hays officiating. Burial will follow at Greene County
Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6-9 pm, Wednesday at Heath Funeral
Home.
Pallbearers will be: Brandon, Nathan and Kenneth Boling, Bret Banks, Eric Hagood, Heather
and Whitley Boling.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Marilyn S. Alexander
Marilyn Stowers Alexander, 73, of Paragould, died peacefully at home April 24, 2007. The
daughter of William and Adria Inabinet Stowers, she was born in Memphis on July 15, 1933.
She graduated from Central High School and from Rhodes College with a degree in Music in
1955. She was a member of Kappa Delta sorority and AAUW.
In 1956, she married Robert Alexander of Paragould. An accomplished pianist, she taught
piano at the Memphis College of Music and played the piano for special events at First
Baptist Church of Paragould for a number of years. She also used her time and musical
talents to play for the Paragould Nursing Home and for Belles and Beaux. Mrs. Alexander
was a very active volunteer in her community and served as a Girl Scout leader and as a
Cub Scout den mother. She also served on the Greene County Library Board and on the State
of Arkansas Library Board for seven years. She was an avid bridge player, a pilot, and a
world traveler who loved to entertain and spend time with her family and friends. Marilyn
Alexander rarely met anyone she didn’t like.
Mrs. Alexander is survived by her husband of fifty years, Robert C. Alexander of
Paragould; three children Wiltz Alexander of Carrollton, Texas, Adrianne Alexander Hays of
Marietta, Ga., and Bill Alexander of Searcy; her son-in-law, Woody Hays of Marietta, Ga.,
and daughter-in-law, Allison Meador Alexander of Searcy; two brothers: Richard Stowers of
Angleton, Texas and James Stowers of Mobile, Ala. She had seven grandchildren, Emily,
Will, Christopher and Ellen Hays, and Bob, Sally, and Jimmy Alexander. Marilyn was a
wonderful, loving, and devoted wife and mother. She will be truly missed.
Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Paragould with the Rev.
Bill Steeger officiating. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery on Thursday. The family
will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, at Heath Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Greene County Public Library.
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh
from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.”
Opal Viola Golliver
Opal Viola Golliver, age 82, of Peach Orchard died Tuesday, April 24, 2007, in Paragould.
She was born on Dec. 19, 1924, in the Fender Community. She was the daughter of the late
William Robert and Tiny Fay Byers Archer. She was united in marriage to Carl Franklin
Golliver in 1940; he preceded her in death on March 9, 1981. Mrs. Golliver was a homemaker
and member of Peach Orchard Pentecostal Church in Peach Orchard.
Survivors include one daughter, Carlene Mitchell of Doniphan, Mo.; two sons, Clarence
Golliver of Paragould and Kenny Golliver of Noble; nine grandchildren; 21
great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be Friday at 10 a.m. in Higginbotham Chapel at Walnut Ridge with the
Rev. Carl McKinney officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens at Paragould under
the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Service of Walnut Ridge.
Visitation will be this evening from 6-8 in the funeral home.
Virginia Hobbs
Virginia Hobbs, 93, formerly of Knobel, passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2007, at her
daughter's home in Paragould.
She was born Sept. 30, 1913, in Tennessee. On Aug. 19, 1941, she married Clarence Hobbs in
Knobel. He preceded her in death Dec. 15, 1989.
Survivors include three sons, Sylvester Hobbs of Spanish Fort, Ala., Wayne Hobbs of Knobel
and Jim Agnew of Dayton, Nev.; two daughters, Evelyn Clements of Paragould and Becky Reed
of Rector; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law; several nieces and
nephews; and many friends.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Lottie Trull; her youngest son,
Joe; five brothers; and one sister.
Visitation will be from 6-9 tonight in Ermert Funeral Home at Corning.
The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Friday in Union Church at Knobel. Burial will be
in Hosea Cemetery at Knobel.
Phyllis June Higgins
Phyllis June Higgins, 54, of Paragould, passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2007, from a long
illness. She was born Jan. 23, 1953, in Paragould.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Lynn & Essie Mitchell and Josh &
Myrtle Pemberton; an aunt, Nadine Mitchell, and two uncles, Gerald Mitchell and Earl
Pemberton.
Survivors include her parents, Bill & June Pemberton; two daughters and a son-in-law,
Tammy Gray, Shelly & Bondie Hood of Paragould; a son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy &
Shelia Higgins of Paragould; seven grandchildren, Brieanna and Destynee Spurlock, Sasha,
Brooke and Skylar Gray, and Shayla and Jorden Higgins, all of Paragould; a
great-grandchild, Makinzie Gray, of Paragould; and a sister and brother-in-law, Donna
& Robert Dixon, of Paragould.
Other survivors are aunts and uncles, Gloria and Bud Jones of Cardwell, Mo., Bobbie
Pemberton of Paragould, and Helen and Jimmy Rowe of St. Charles, Mo.; cousins Kimberly and
Joshua Dowler, Ronnie and Linda Pemberton, Linda and Johnny Lawrence, and Patty Johnson,
all of Paragould, and Jim Rowe, Jr. of St. Charles; two nephews and a niece, Kevin and
Michelle Dixon, and Brian Dixon; three great nephews & three great nieces, Matt and
Kristy West, Tyler, Cherish, Angel, and Dalton Dixon; and a great-great niece, Dixie West,
all of Paragould. She also leaves behind many other cousins, relatives, and friends,
including a best friend, Dorothy Lackey of Paragould.
A grave side service will be held for family and friends at Mt. Home Cemetery in
Paragould, Sat., April 28, 2007, at 2 p.m.
James Weldon Smith
James Weldon Smith, 72, of Kirkwood, Mo., formerly of Beech Grove, passed away.
He was born April 29, 1934, to Euna (Rawls) Smith and the late James Oatis Smith. He was
the life partner of Julie Bemis; devoted father of David Thompson (Akemi), Sharon Smith,
Kathy Collins, Jamie VanValin (Steve) and Matthew Smith; beloved grandfather of 12;
great-grandfather of four; and dear brother of Eldon Edward Smith (Betty) and the late
Genelda Smith. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mr. Smith was a sergeant in the Clayton, Mo. Police Department, and retired after 27 years
of service. He then worked for Grey Eagle Distributors in Maryland Heights for 13 years.
The family is being served by the Baue Funeral and Memorial Center, 3950 West Clay, St.
Charles, Mo., where visitation will be Saturday, April 28, from 11 a.m. to noon, with a
memorial service at noon at the Baue Funeral and Memorial Center Chapel. There will be a
private burial.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Backstoppers.
Share your condolences and memories at www.baue.com.
Landreth Wayne Crafton
Landreth Wayne Crafton, 83, of Paragould died Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at the Arkansas
Methodist Medical Center. He was born January 24, 1924, in Hollywood, Mo. He retired from
construction at a rock and gravel plant.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Tannia Crafton; and several brothers
and sisters.
Survivors include his loving wife, Mary Alice Crafton of Paragould; a daughter and
son-in-law, Melody and Wayland Miller of Little Rock; a son; and a grandson, Justin Miller
of Paragould.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the Heath Colonial Chapel with the
Rev. Royce Boling officiating. Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery. The family will
receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Heath Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Richard Payne, Justin Miller, Wayland Miller, Bobby Jackson, Leonard
Hill and Jesse Foster.
James N. McDonald
James N. McDonald, 60, of Phoenix, Ariz., passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2007. He was
born in Biddeford, Maine on Sept 7, 1946, and was a Maint. Machinist at the Portsmouth
Naval Shipyard for 30 years. After retiring, he moved to Paragould, Ark.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Diana; a son, Matthew James McDonald (Trisha); a
brother Patrick of Acton, Maine; and grandchildren, Kendra and Hailey.
Juanita Evans Martin VanHorn
Juanita Evans Martin VanHorn, 80, of Forrest City, Arkansas died April 26, 2007. She was
born Oct. 17, 1926, to the late Walter and Flossie Evans at Mounds, Ark. She was a
resident of Forrest City since 1958, and a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. She worked
at the Forrest Memorial Hospital as a Licensed Practical Nurse for a number of years.
Her husband, L.C. Martin, Jr; a sister Esta Mae Harvey; and a great-grandchild, Fallon
Mace, also precede her in death.
Survivors include her husband, Allen VanHorn of Forrest City; three sons, Richard Martin
and wife, Liz of Paragould, Dennis Martin and Wife, Suk of Vine Grove, Kentucky and Walter
Martin and wife, Tammy of Jefferson, Texas; a step son, Riley VanHorn; two
brothers-in-law: Harold Harvey of Youngsville, N.C., and Gene Martin and wife, Lois of
Germantown, Tenn.; a sister-in-law, Wilma Martin of Jonesboro; three grandchildren,
Courtney Mace and husband, Jason of Paragould, Lena Martin of Jefferson, Texas, and Amber
and Jason Martin of Vine Grove, Ky.; and two great-grandchildren, Callie and Garrett Mace
of Paragould.
Graveside services will be held at Harvey’s Chapel Cemetery in Marmaduke at 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 28, with the Rev. Alan Payne officiating. No visitation is planned.
Hubert L Elmore
Hubert L. Elmore, 90, of Paragould, passed away Thursday, April 26, 2007, at Arkansas
Methodist Medical Center.
Born February 15, 1917, in Webb, Alabama, Mr. Elmore retired as a road grader operator in
Okeechobee, Florida. He was an Air Force veteran and of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Stephen Elmore, his mother, Bessie Lee
(Maddox) Elmore; and by two brothers, Robert E. and Virgil B. Elmore.
Survivors include three sons, Wesley H. Elmore, Roy E. Elmore, and Larry J. Elmore; two
daughters, Evelyn Diane England and Sharon K. Sessums; and his former wife, Mary Louise
Hall, all of Paragould. He is also survived by his sister, Mildred Ruth Tuttle of
Sarasota, Florida; nine grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. Visitation will be
Saturday, 6:00 P. M. until 8:00 P. M. at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould. Funeral
services will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, with Chad
Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com
Carl E. Crockett Sr.
Carl E. Crockett, 62, of Paragould entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Thursday, April 26,
2007, at 11:18 p.m. at his residence after being diagnosed with cancer April 18, 2007.
Carl was born June 17, 1944, to Marvin Crockett and Martha Bennett-Crockett, also of
Paragould. Carl married his faithful and loving wife, Florence Miller-Crockett, on Sept.
7, 1963, and reared five children.
Carl is survived by Melissa Crockett, Ronda Taylor and Vonda Nieburgge, all of Paragould,
Bonnie Warner of DeWitt, Iowa, and Carl Crockett Jr. of Morris, Ill.; grandchildren,
Erica, Christa, Nicholas and Eric Newberry Jr., Whitney, Zakhary and William Warner,
Trevor, Payton and Ashton Taylor, Alexis, Casey, Cayli and Justin Crockett, Tasha Simmons,
Dustin Gant, Jennifer, Brianna and Brody Nieburgge, Tony and Shawna Vick and Matthew
Hooks; brothers, Eudors, Randall and Sterling Crockett of Illinois; sisters, Wanda Bush
and Lucille Rothe of Illinois, Louis Miller of Virginia; his aunt, Jackie Ragsdell of
Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Carl was a moral-based, hardworking man who dedicated 38 years of his life as a foreman
for Chicago Bridge and Iron traveling across the United States building water towers. Carl
retired from CBI in 2003 and built his retirement home here in Paragould.
Carl was a well-respected man who based his life on the honesty of a man's word. Carl was
the most giving man we will ever know, giving not only material things, but the giving of
good knowledge and a lifetime of wisdom, leaving his legacy on many people.
Carl was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Crockett; his parents, Marvin and Martha
Crockett; and many brothers and sisters, Marie Henson, Mozell Graydanus, J.W. Crockett,
Bonnie Jean Crockett, Randall Virgil Crockett, Kenneth Crockett and Stanley Crockett.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held May 6 at 2 p.m. at Rob's Chapel. All
donations can be made to Rob's Chapel or St. Bernards Hospice Foundation in memory of Carl
Crockett Sr.
Heath Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Ola Mae Carson
Ola Mae Carson, age 93, of Paragould, formerly of Hoxie, died Friday, April 27, 2007, at
Arkansas Methodist Hospital in Paragould.
She was born on Jan. 23, 1914, at Brookland, the daughter of the late Charlie Albert and
Mary Alma Marshall West. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include three sisters, Lillie Snyder, Pauline Shannon and Nettie Riggsbee, all
of Paragould; and two brothers, Robert West of Hillsboro, Mo., and Paul Franklin West of
Paragould. Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive.
Funeral services will be Tuesday at 1 p.m. in Higginbotham Chapel at Walnut Ridge with the
Rev. Lynn Garmroth officiating. Burial to follow in Paragould Memorial Garden under
direction of Higginbotham Funeral Service in Walnut Ridge.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday at Higginbotham Chapel.
Nadine
Gazaway
Nadine
Gazaway, 86, of Paragould, died Saturday, April 28, 2007, at Greene Acres Nursing Home.
Born January 5, 1921, in Mounds, Oklahoma, she was a homemaker and of the Assembly of God
faith.
Survivors include two
daughters, Marsha Lindsey of Henderson, Nevada, and Bonnie Harp of St. Louis. Mrs. Gazaway
is also survived by one stepson, Jim Gazaway of Festus, Missouri; two stepdaughters,
Violet England of Paragould, and Shirley Morton of Doniphan, Missouri; one sister, Cloetta
Hubbs of St. Louis; and by two grandchildren.
She was preceded in
death by her parents, Raymond and Myrtle Hurt; and by her husband, Woodrow Gazaway, March
23, 2007.
Visitation will be
Monday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.
Funeral services will
be 10: 30 A.M. Tuesday, May 1st, in the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, with Larry McFadden
officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be
Jan Lindsey, Scott Lindsey, Michael Harp, Elijah Church, Roger Boggs, and William Jackson.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com
Michael John Jeffries
Michael John Jeffries, 34, of Paragould died Saturday, April 28, 2007, at his residence.
He was born July 3, 1972, in Rapid City, S.D., and a graduate of Greene County Tech High
School. He attended Mid-South Health Systems, the Helping Hands Program and the Beech
Grove Church Of the Nazarene.
Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim and Elaine Jeffries of Grand
Junction, Colo.
Survivors include his parents, John and Patsy Jeffries of Paragould; two step sisters,
Deborah R. Abbott of Marmaduke and Leigh Ann Carter of Bay; two Uncles, Jim Jeffries of
Bellingham, Wash., and Dean Jeffries of Cheyenne, Wyo.; four cousins; three nieces; and a
nephew.
Memorial services will be held at 4:30 p.m., Sunday at the Heath Colonial Chapel with
Pastor Jon Bischof officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation at 3:30
p.m. Sunday at Heath Funeral Home.
William "Bill" Rooker
Bill Rooker 72, of Marmaduke, departed this life Sunday, April 29,
2007, at his home with his family by his side. Bill gave a very courageous battle with
cancer for four years.
He was born in Delaplaine, Nov. 2, 1934, and was a 1953 graduate of
Paragould High School. He moved to Flint, Mich., and soon joined the Air Force where he
spent four years during the Korean War. After returning home from service, he was a
construction worker for Flint Asphalt and Paving.
Bill married Ruth Sears on June 13, 1959. He started his trucking
business, Rooker and Sons Trucking, in 1967. The family moved to Corpus Christi, Texas in
1982, and brought his business back to Arkansas in 1985. Bill loved his work as a dump
truck driver, and was well-known for miles around. He was a member of Union Central Church
of Christ, and a lifetime member of the V.F.W.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Margarette Rooker
of Sikeston, Mo.; two infant brothers; and his mother and father-in-law, George and Millie
Miller, who loved him dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of the home; two sons, Michael
“Micky” Rooker of the home, and Bill Rooker, Jr., of Corpus Christi, Texas; two
brothers, Edward Rooker and wife, Edith of Dexter, Mo., and Eugene Rooker of Marmaduke; a
sister, Loretta Buddhu of Cherokee Village, Ark.; a brother-in-law, Bill Sears and wife,
Velma of Cathedral City, Calif.; a very special friend, Rene Gonzalez of Corpus Christi; a
granddaughter, Kristal Rooker of Aurora, Colo.; two grandsons, Michael and Mick Rooker of
Orange City, Fla.; a great-granddaughter, Mickelle Teho of Colorado; and several nieces,
nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be today from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Irby Funeral
Home Chapel in Marmaduke. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the funeral
home. Bro. Kim Bridges will officiate. Cremation will follow.
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