Geneva Templeton Yopp

Geneva Templeton Yopp, 86, of Paragould died Wednesday, August 1, 2007, at the Senath Nursing Home in Senath, Missouri. Mrs. Yopp was born on December 13, 1920, in Paragould, Arkansas. She was a homemaker and a member of the Third Ave. Baptist Church.

Survivors include three sons, Anthony Templeton, Murl Templeton, Randy Templeton; two daughters, Jeanetta Yarbrough and Debra Mitchell, all of Paragould; one sister-in-law: Oma Monroe of Paragould; nine grandchildren; three step grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.
Mrs. Yopp was preceded in death by her son, Gary Don Templeton; her parents, John Henry Monroe and Gertie Ann Monroe; three sisters and six brothers.

 
Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Bob Lee and Jon Stricklin officiating. Burial will follow at the Wood’s Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Friday at the Mitchell Funeral Home in Paragould.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Yarbrough, Kent West, Shawn Templeton, Neil Templeton, Brad Templeton and Tim Straub.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Walter Johnson Branch

Walter Johnson 'Bud" Branch, 82, of Paragould died Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007 at his residence.

He was born May 1, 1925, in Paragould to the late William Andrew and Buelah Diggs Branch.

He was a World War II Navy veteran, was retired from Arkansas Employment Security Division and was a member of the Paragould Kiwanis Club for 50 years with 48 years of perfect attendance. Bud was club secretary for 16 years, a past president and past lieutenant governor of Division 16, a deacon of First Baptist Church and was on the board of directors of the Mission Outreach.

His brother, Buster Branch; and three sisters, Lorene Williams, Frances Walls and Jean Lane, also preceded him in death.

Survivors include his loving wife, Christene Barton Branch; a son, William A. Branch II "Andy" of Monette, Mo.; daughters, Kim Branch Smith of North Little Rock and Lynn Branch Holzhauer of Gillett; brothers, Ed, James, Bob and Ben, all of Paragould; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in First Baptist Church at Paragould with the Rev. Joe Marsden officiating. Burial will follow in Brown's Chapel Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-9 tonight in Heath Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Trey Grooms, Blake Holzhauer, William Branch, Walter J. Branch II, Jeremy Ross, Russell Semon and Scott Pressley. Honorary pallbearers will be Paragould Kiwanis Club.

Memorials may be made to the Pickney Scholarship Fund at First Baptist Church; and Baptist Collegiate Ministries, care of Arliss Dickerson, P.O. Box 730, State University 72467.

Elvis Cooper

Elvis Cooper, 70, of Paragould, died Friday, August 3, 2007, at his son’s home. He was born July 8, 1937, in Paragould, to Charlie and Deller Cooper. Mr. Cooper was retired from the City of Paragould Sanitation Department and a member of Brighton Community Church.

Survivors include five sons, Charlie Cooper and wife, Jamie, Elvis Cooper, Jr. and wife, Carolyn, Tim Cooper and wife, Lisa, all of Paragould, Jim Cooper of Mountain View, and Terry Cooper of Fulton, Missouri. He is also survived by two daughters, Shelia Norman, and husband, Roger, of Paragould, and Ann Gibbons of Lubbock, Texas; one brother, J.C. Cooper; one sister, Wilma Cooper, both of Paragould; twenty grandchildren; and by nine great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Cooper; his parents; one brother, Preston Cooper; one sister, Hazel Ezell; and by a daughter-in-law, Nancy Cooper.

Visitation will be Sunday evening from 6:00 to 9:00, at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.
The funeral service will be 1:30 p.m., Monday, August 6th, at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, with David White officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain Home Cemetery, Paragould.
Tommy Jewell, John Carlile, Jim Keas, Danny Forbs, T. J. Jewell, and Paul Hayes will serve as pallbearers.

Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Raymond Hugh McCaghren

Raymond Hugh McCaghren, (lovingly called "Papa Mac"), 86 of Paragould, Arkansas passed from this life on August 2, 2007 at Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born on March 29, 1921 to Henry and Olive McCaghren. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, two sisters and a granddaughter. He was a member of the Hillcrest Church of Christ. Raymond was retired from his life's work after 30 plus years in ministry where he served at churches in N.M., Ark., Tenn., Ill., Mo. and Texas.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Raymond proudly served his country from April 1944 to March 1946 as part of Company E, 341st Infantry Regiment, 86th Division, in both the European and Asiatic Pacific Theaters. He received many awards including the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantryman Badge. On September 12, 2006, a flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of his military service.

To cherish his memories and celebrate his life, he leaves his wife of 65 years, Mary; sons and daughters-in-law: Dan and Betty of Tulsa, Okla., Jerry and Nancy of Longview, Texas, Tim and Debra of Cumby, Texas, John and Elaine of Commerce, Texas; son, Roger of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; a daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and C.H. Overbay of Jonesboro, 19 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, a brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Delores McCaghren of Dallas, Texas, and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. and the funeral service will be Sunday, August 5, at 1:30 p.m. at Heath Funeral Home in Paragould, Ark. with Gary Cremeens officiating. Interment will be at Greene County Memorial Gardens. His grandsons and grandsons-in-law will be pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to the charity of giver's choice.

Ira Lynn Faulk

Ira Lynn Faulk, 55, of Lake City, (Dixie community) died Friday August 3, 2007 at his residence. He was born February 20, 1952 in Paragould the son of the late Shirley Ellis and Wilma Rozella Jeffers Faulk. He was employed at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center and was a collector of Indian artifacts. He was a member of the Dixie Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Porshey Whitlock Faulk of the home; daughters and sons-in-law, Kala and Shannon East and Courtney and Brian Meier of Jonesboro; brothers, Danny Faulk of Paragould and Gaylon Faulk of St. Louis, Mo.; one sister, Sue Freeman of Paragould; a granddaughter, Allyson (Ally Graze) East of Jonesboro; the Whitlock family, several nieces and nephews; and his dog, Apple Jack.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m., Sunday at the Heath Colonial Chapel with Reverend Brandon Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Log Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Saturday at Heath Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Gary Whitney, Blake Lawrence, Wesley Lawrence, Jackie Winningham, Pete Whitlock and William R. Whitlock; Honorary Pallbearers: Galen Lawrence, Shannon East, Brian Meier, Marlene Jones, Betty Michael, David Bellamy, Phillip Hairell, and brothers-in-law.

Autumn Nicole Morgan

Autumn Nicole Morgan, 17, of Paragould died Friday, Aug. 3, at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock.

Autumn was a special ed student in the Paragould School District.

Survivors include her parents, Brenda and Kregray Levergne of Paragould; sisters, Amanda Morgan of Paragould and Summer Crochet of Jacksonville, Fla.; brothers, Josh Levergne of Paragould and Matthew Levergne of Crowley, La.; maternal grandmother, Doris Woods of St. Louis; and paternal grandmother, Jean Levergne of Weatherford, Texas.

Autumn was preceded in death by maternal and paternal grandfathers, Howard Maley and Henry Levergne; and an uncle, Howard Maley Jr.

Visitation will be Monday from 6-9 p.m. in Heath Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the Heath Colonial Chapel with the Rev. Jerry Hays officiating. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Pallbearers will be Chris Newman, Chad Newman, Tryson Hutson, Billy Knight, Matthew Smith and Ronald Maley.

Evelyn Beaton Cole

Evelyn Beaton Cole, 80, of Paragould, died Saturday, August 4, 2007, at the Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mountain Home. Born October 28, 1926, in White Oak, Missouri, Mrs. Cole was a retired registered nurse. She was a member of the 1st Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include one son, Zane Gray Beaton, Jr. of Collierville, Tennessee; one daughter, Cecilia Lovelady of Mountain Home; one brother, Ronald Johnson of Metairie, Louisiana; one sister, Aline Johnson of Cape Girardeau; four grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Mrs. Cole was preceded in death by her parents, J.R. and Bertha Johnson; her first husband, Zane Beaton; her second husband, H.T. Cole; and by one son, Bari Beaton.

Visitation will be from 6:00-9:00 p.m., Thursday, at Mitchell Funeral Home.
A private family memorial service will be conducted at a later date. Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould, is in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Joe Mark Killough

Joe Mark Killough, 44, of Paragould, died Sunday, August 5, 2007, at his residence.

He was born in Leachville. He loved to go hiking and camping around Buffalo River and enjoyed reading about history.

Survivors include his mother, Sharon George of Paragould; father, Joe Killough of Porum, Okla.; two sisters, Jennifer Pugh of Blytheville and Suzanne Jones of Jonesboro; a nephew, Phillip Pugh; and four nieces, Samantha King, Megan Emmons, Kama Strickland and Alyssa Jones.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Becky Emmons and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Lasting memorials can be given to the American Diabetes Association.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Gregg Funeral Home of Jonesboro.

Personal condolences may be sent to the Killough family at www.greggfunerals.com

Patricia Faye Smith

Patricia Faye Smith, 73, of Paragould, died Monday, Aug. 6, 2007, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center.

She was born March 16, 1934, in Paragould, the daughter of Everett P. and Pansy Taylor Cox. She was a homemaker and a member of the New Haven Baptist Church.

Patricia is preceded in death by her parents; one son, Kenny Smith; and brothers, Everett Jr., Price and Chester Cox. Survivors include her husband, Bob Smith of the home; daughter, Julie Williams of Jonesboro; son, Robert Smith of Rector; daughter-in-law, Sally Smith of Paragould; brother, Larry Cox of Paragould; sisters, Lou Etta Boza of Freeburg, Ill., Flora Sullivan of Warrenton, Mo., Peggy Phillips of Germantown, Tenn., and Carolyn Manuel of Paragould; nine grandchildren, Amanda Smith, Laura Manuel, Jacob Williams, Robert Andrew Smith, Kenneth Daniel Smith, Jonathan Smith, Christina Smith, Ryan Williams and James David Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the New Haven Baptist Church with the Revs. Ron Pickney and Junior Vester officiating. Burial will follow at New Friendship Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday at Heath Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Dewayne Kirby, Cecil Nelson, Roy Davenport, Randle Graves, J.R. Gore and Dick Hefner.

Memorials may be made to the New Haven Baptist Church.

Jerris Charlene Williams

Jerris Charlene Garrard Williams, 70, of Paragould passed away Monday, Aug. 6, 2007, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center.

She was born Aug. 12, 1936, on Parker’s Island north of Cardwell, Mo., to Fred and Jewel Higginbotham Garrard of Cardwell. She was of the Baptist faith, joining Forrest Grove Baptist Church of Cardwell at an early age. She was educated and graduated from Cardwell High School with the class of 1955.

She was married to B.L. ‘Pop’ Williams on June 2, 1964, in Okeechobee, Fla. She moved to Paragould in 1994 from Belle Glade, Fla., to make her home. She was a homemaker and manager of a convenience store for several years.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, B.L. Williams; and her parents, Fred and Jewel Garrard.

She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Freddie Darlene and Lloyd Haff of Paragould; a very dear friend, Veronica Jaramillo Olson of Austin, Texas; and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in Heath Colonial Chapel at Paragould with the Rev. Royce Schanda and Joanne Schanda officiating. Burial will follow in Cardwell Cemetery.

Visitation will be held this evening from 6-9 in Heath Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Cardwell Cemetery fund.

Sceles Bette Jean Hall

Sceles Bette Jean Hall, 68, of Paragould, died Wednesday, August 8, 2007, at Greene Acres Nursing Home. She was born February 3, 1939, in Knobel, and was of the Baptist faith. Mrs. Hall retired from the Housekeeping department of Arkansas Methodist Medical Center.

She is survived by two sons, Alan Wayne Cody of Marmaduke, and Tony Ray Hall of Paragould; three sisters, Micki Fraine of Knobel, Shirley Crafton of Grove, Oklahoma, Joyce Greer of Piggott; a devoted and loving niece, Sherrie Bryant and her husband, Wayne, of Paragould; and by a host of family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Nadean Hickson; one brother, Danny Hickson; and by her beloved son, James Rodney Cody.

Graveside services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 10th, at Shiloh Cemetery, with Tony Ray Hall officiating. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. No public visitation is scheduled.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Truman Holland

Truman Holland, 69, of Paragould, died Wednesday, August 8, 2007, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. Mr. Holland was born June 26, 1938. A retired truck driver, Mr. Holland was an Army field medic during the Korean War, and of the Primitive Baptist faith.

 
Survivors include seven sons, Michael Holland of Little Rock, Micah Holland of Griffin, Georgia, Samuel Rosamond of Somerville, Texas, James Cooper, Jerry Cooper, Gary Cooper, and Robert Cooper, all of Paragould; four daughters, Connie Loe of Little Rock, Carla Carelock of Atkins, Arkansas, Shirley Thomas of Paragould, and Wilma Pierce of Cabot.

He is also survived by two brothers, Gary Holland of Little Rock, Ronnie Holland of Fayetteville; one sister, Carolyn Fowler of Damascus, Arkansas; his companion, Lucille Edwards of the home; his former wife, Nancy Holland of Conyers, Georgia; stepsons, James Hall of Covington, Georgia, Floyd Hall of Conyers, Georgia; stepdaughters, Cindy Ferrell of Monticello, Kathy Harmon of Lake Village, Arkansas; and by 43 grandchildren; and 30 great grandchildren.

Mr. Holland was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Verla Holland.
Visitation will be from 6:00-9:00 p.m., Friday, at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.
A graveside service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 11th, at the Mountain Home Cemetery, Paragould. The procession will leave Mitchell Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m., Saturday.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

James S. Haney

James S. ‘Buddy’ Haney, 64, of Paragould died Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007 at his residence. Mr. Haney was born May 27, 1943

He worked as a truck driver for Angelo Manufacturing for many years, was a veteran of the United States Army and was of the Pentecostal belief. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and stock car racing; his number was UFO.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Faye Haney of the home; five sons, Charlie Haney, Jamie Haney, Jackie Haney, Troy Haney and Shawn Haney, all of Jonesboro; five daughters, Kim Cannon, Marcella Haney, Vickie Miller, Cindy Britt and Chrystal Jones, all of Jonesboro; his mother, Stella Combs Haney of Jonesboro; a brother, Dan Haney of Jonesboro; two sisters, Margaret Scholl of Jonesboro and Martha Cox of Annieville; 19 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Haney; a son, Curtis Haney; and a sister, Mildred Wise.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. today in Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home with Melvin Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery, Jonesboro, AR.

Pallbearers will include his sons and Tommy Cunningham.

Visitation will be today from noon-3 p.m. at the funeral home.

Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

Irene Frances Bailey

Irene Frances Phelps Bailey was born Dec. 11, 1917, in Brighton. She was taken home by our Lord and Saviour on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007, at Greene Acres Nursing Home, in Paragould.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Gerald Bailey; sons, Dale, Larry and Gary Bailey; granddaughter, Debbie Bailey; parents, James and Rebecca Phelps; brothers, Elmer, Henry, Ebb, Jess, Jim and George Phelps; and sisters, Martha Joyner, Laura Gresham, Clartha Cupp, Ora Edwards and Annie Phelps.

She is survived by two sons, James Bailey of Ashland City, Tenn., and Kim Bailey of Paragould; and four daughters, Betty White of St. Louis, Alda Wells of Tulsa, Okla., Sharon Langley of Paragould and Janice Pruitt of Cardwell, Mo. Irene had 31 grandchildren, 68 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.

Visitation will be tonight from 6-9 in Heath Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Monday at 10 a.m. in Heath Colonial Chapel with the Revs. Arthur Phelps and Jim Dement officiating. Burial will follow in Cardwell Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Bernard Hospice in Jonesboro.

A very special thanks from the family goes to all the wonderful personnel at Greene Acres Nursing Home.

Dolly Faye Leach

Dolly Faye Leach, Corning, was born in Elsinore, MO, September 24, 1924 to Saul and Melissa Niswonger~Elliott. Mrs. Leach passed away Saturday, August 11, 2007 in Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, Paragould, she was 82.

A homemaker and member of House of Prayer. On June 6, 1942 she married Ira Leach who preceded her in death in 1982.
Survivors are five sons, Bob Leach, Jack Leach, Harold Leach, Ronnie Leach and Dennis Leach all of Corning; five daughters, Louise Thackston, Hernando, MS, Geraldine Berry, Maynard, Bonnie Ogden and Mary Davis both of Corning, Ann Clark, Tonawonda, NY; one stepdaughter June Dodd, Doniphan, MO; 22 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; two sisters Dealie Crook, Poplar Bluff, MO, and Elizabeth Jane Barton, St. Louis, MO.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; two stepsons Weldon and Babe LEACH; one stepdaughter Laura Eschenbrenner; one granddaughter Shellie; two brothers Marvin Elliott and Willie Elliott; one sister Pearl Horne.

Visitation will be tonight from 6-9 in Ermert Funeral Home Chapel at Corning.

Services will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Corning Cemetery under the direction of Ermert Funeral Home at Corning. Reverend Jimmy McMasters officiating.

Marjorie Lane Tyner

Marjorie Lane Tyner, 81, of Paragould peacefully passed on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007.

She was born in Mayfield, Ky., on Nov. 5, 1925. She was a member of Walcott Baptist Church and a charter member of the Shining Light Sunday School Class, established 1968.

She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star in Paragould, Chapter 297, and was past Worthy Matron and Grand Representative to Iowa.

Mrs. Tyner obtained her driver’s license at the age of 46 and the following year earned her GED. She was very proud of both these accomplishments.

She is survived by five children and their spouses, Diana Pope of Greenbrier, Peggy Scoville of Stockton, Mo., Jan Sims and Pee Wee Fultner of Paragould, Stan and Cindy Tyner of House Springs, Mo., and Tony and Lou Ann Foster of Paragould; seven grandchildren, Fay Sims, Jenn McKenzie, Sammy Beasley, Jeremiah Raver, Josh Scoville, Valerie Watson and Logan Foster; four great-granddaughters; and numerous relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, J.L. Tyner; her parents, Sam Brantley and Helen Jones; and sister, Joan Arena.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Walcott Baptist Church with the Revs. Michael Poe, James Swafford and Glen Hoselton officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Zion Cemetery under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home.

Visitation will be tonight, 6-9, in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider the Eastern Star Scholarship Fund or Walcott Baptist Church.

She was best remembered and loved by the many people she fed at her table.

Sign an online register at: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Sylvia Midgett

Sylvia Midgett, 91, died Sunday, Aug. 12, 2007 at Walnut Ridge.

A lifetime resident of O’Kean, she was a homemaker, retired store clerk, an Avon representative and a member of O’Kean Freewill Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Midgett; and a brother.

She is survived by her children, Eunice Wheeler and Vernon Midgett; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. in House-Gregg Funeral Home of Walnut Ridge with Melvin Shelton officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens near Paragould.

Visitation will be from noon-2 p.m. before services.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Fred A. Roy

Fred A. Roy, of Paris, Texas died at his home on August 13, 2007 at the age of 83. He was born February 27, 1924 in Paragould. He was employed for many years at Arrow Feed Co. in Dallas, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie (Pat) and Lena Sanders Roy, and his first wife, Eugenia Hogland Roy.

He is survived by his wife, Katy Roy, of the home; two sons, Marc Roy of New Orleans, La., and Marty Roy of Allen, Texas; two stepdaughters, Lyn Herring, and Tonya McDaniel, of Miss.; three grandsons, Josh, Tyler and Morgan Roy; and six step-grandchildren.

He is also survived by one brother, Charles Roy of Hixson, Tenn.; and four sisters, Marge Maag, of Taylorville, Ill., Judy Milis of Paragould, Pattie Miller of Clarksdale, Miss., and Faye Sparkman of Kansas City, Mo.

Memorial Services will be today at Starret Funeral Home in Paris, Texas with cremation rites following the service.

Jimmie Herman Rothe

Mr. Jimmie Herman Rothe, of Delaplaine, passed away on Wednesday, August 15, 2007, at the age of 69. He was born on March 29, 1938, to Clyde Rothe, Sr. and Opal Butler Rothe. He graduated from Delaplaine High School in 1956, and married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Jean Coe on April 13, 1957.

Jimmie was a devoted member of the Evening Star Church of Christ. He was a licensed pilot, enjoyed volunteering his time and talents for the Children’s Home of Paragould, and loved spending time with his family and friends. He retired in 2000 after working in many different fields throughout his career.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Bonnie Rothe; his father, Clyde Rothe, Sr.; and brothers, Marion and Mark Rothe.

Jimmie is survived by his mother, Opal Rothe of Delaplaine; two sons and daughters-in-law, Wesley and Rise Rothe of Jonesboro, and Phillip and Amy Rothe of Delaplaine; six grandchildren, Staci Rothe, Katie Rothe, Derek Rothe, Maggie Rothe, Karena Barlow, and Luke Barlow; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Max and Christine Rothe of Searcy, Clyde Jr. and Cathy Rothe of Paragould, and Coleman and Sharon Rothe of Paragould; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Carol and Don Rawls of Paragould, Cindy and Rob Barnett of Paragould, Brenda Shrewsbury of Detroit, Michigan, and June and Larry Cameron of Atlantic Beach, Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-9:00 p.m., Friday at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould. Services will be held at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, Saturday, August 18th, at 10:00 a.m., with Bud Whitmire and L.R. Smith officiating. Interment will be at Morrow Cemetery in Beech Grove.

Serving as pallbearers are Kenneth White, Kent McBroom, James Compton, Stan Sullinger, Joe Stayton, and Gary Cupp. Honorary pallbearers include Emory Clifton, Mac Latham, Bill Lovelady, Charles McClellan, Austin White, and James Shipman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be sent to Children’s Homes of Paragould, Crowley’s Ridge Academy, or India Missions Fund, c/oCentral Church of Christ, 711 N 2nd St., Lufkin, TX 75901.
Sign an online register at: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Orville “O.C.” Cox

Orville “O.C.” Cox , 96, of Millstadt, IL., formerly of Paragould, died Wednesday, Aug, 15, 2007, at Memorial Hospital in Delleville, Ill.

He was born Feb. 17, 1911, the son of the late G.N. and Leva Eunice Howard Cox. He was a farmer and retired minister. He was the founder and former minister of the First Freewill Baptist Church in Paragould in the early 1950s. He was an ordained minister in the Baptist Association of First Freewill Baptist Church for almost 60 years.

O.C. was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Provie M. Cox; two sons, Clarence Laverne Cox and James Leroy Cox; and one brother, Leslie Ray Cox.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Charles R. and Evelyn Cox of Branson, Mo.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Nina J. and Julius Null of Overland, Mo., and Regina M. and Cletus Bailey of Millstadt; 17 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Saturday in Heath Colonial Chapel at Paragould with the Rev. Paul Bean officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Zion Cemetery at Walcott.

The family will receive friends from 5-8 tonight in Heath Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to First Freewill Baptist Church.

Wanda Bradsher Scruggs

Wanda Bradsher Scruggs, 91, of Raleigh, N.C. died on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 with her family by her side.
A native of Paragould, she was born on November 21, 1915 to the late William Claude and Mamie Patishall Bradsher. In addition to her parents, her husband, Leonard Scruggs and sister, Louise Winer also preceded her in death.

Wanda was a graduate of Paragould High School and attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, for two years. She was very active in her social life and gave of her time for the good of others. Wanda was a member and past President of the Georgia Division of the National Federation of Music Clubs, a member of College Park First United Methodist Church, a member of the United Methodist Women and the College Park Women’s Club. Additionally, she volunteered at Wesley Homes, where she was honored in 1976. She was a volunteer with Christian City, giving five hundred hours of service playing the piano for the Alzheimer’s unit.

Surviving are her sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Linda Scruggs of Hendersonville, N.C. and Randy and Verna Scruggs of Raleigh, N.C.; brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Mary Bradsher of Gladstone, Mo.; as well as seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Her life will be celebrated at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 18, 2007 at the Heath Funeral Home with Reverend Dan McFarland officiating. Burial will be at Linwood Cemetery.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to: College Park First United Methodist Church, 3726 E. Main Street, College Park, GA 30337.

Luke Moore

Luke Moore of Paragould, infant son of Joel and Michelle Moore, died Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007, at St. Bernards Medical Center.

In addition to his parents, he is also survived by one sister, Faith Moore; paternal grandparents, Jack and Anne Moore of Newark; maternal grandparents, Tony and Carolyn Brown of Jonesboro; and his maternal great-grandmother, Opal Odom of Jonesboro.

A private family service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Philadelphia Cemetery with Breck Freeman officiating. There will be no visitation. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home.

Memorials to either the Benjamin Project, an organization to assist families in Northeast Arkansas who have lost young children, 2906 Newcastle Drive, Paragould 72450, or to the Make A Wish Foundation would be appreciated.

Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Ulys Fairchild

Ulys Fairchild, 80, of Knobel died Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould.

He is survived by two daughters, Bernice Arnold of Corning and Barbara Fairchild Morris of Branson, Mo.; son, Charles Fairchild of Corning; six sisters, Wanda “Midge” Pate of Bono, Josie Vines and Shirley Sparling of Little Rock, Nona Penny and Rosie Cannon of Paragould and Pat Arnold of Whitley, Ky.; two brothers, Tom Fairchild of Paragould and A.W. Fairchild of Batesville; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

He was united in marriage to Opal (Archie) Fairchild; she preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death are his parents, Harry and Mazy Fairchild, brother, Harry Fairchild Jr., sister, Daphane Bullington; and two infant children, Harmon and Nathaniel Fairchild.

Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. Tuesday in Ermert Funeral Home at Corning.

Services will be Wednesday at 2 p.m., with burial in Hosea Cemetery at Knobel.

Doyce Harold Pickens

Doyce Harold Pickens, 78, of Paragould died Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007 at his home.

He was retired from Monroe Auto Equipment and was a member of Paragould Missionary Baptist Church. He was the son of the late John and Alta Brewer Pickens.

He is survived by his wife, Vivian Johnson Pickens of the home; daughter, Dianne Barr of Powhatan; sister, Velba Jean Spencer of Jonesboro; three grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 this evening at Heath Funeral Home.

His life will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Heath Colonial Chapel with the Rev. Eddie Gene Wright officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Dennis Barr, Jon Barr, Mark Harrison, Aaron Pillow, Jeff Pillow and Tim Boozer.

Memorials may be sent to the Texarkana Baptist Orphanage, P.O. Box 611, Texarkana, Ark. 75504, or the charity of your choice.

Veda Pearl Brazzell

Veda Pearl Brazzell, 85, of Paragould died Sunday evening in Monette Manor Nursing Center in Monette.

She was born on Jan. 4, 1922 in Malden, Mo., the daughter of the late Seburn and Ethel Skelton Williams. She was united in marriage to Bob Brazzell March 17, 1945, in Mt. Home. He preceded in her in death in November 1993.

Mrs. Brazzell was a homemaker and a member of Bethel Station Baptist Church since 1954.

Survivors include, one sister, Ruthy Davis of Moses Lake, Wash., two brothers, Evert Newton of Greenbrier, and Marvin Newton of Viola, several nieces, nephews, and many special friends and church family members.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007 at Bethel Station Baptist Church in Paragould with Dennis Vowell officiating. Burial to follow in Wood Chapel Cemetery under direction of Higginbotham Funeral Service in Walnut Ridge.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time.

Debbie Sibert

Debbie Sibert, 39, of Paragould, passed away at her home, Monday, August 20, 2007, after a long battle with cancer.
Mrs. Sibert was born November 28, 1967, in Newport. She was employed at KNL Holdings (Peerless) for 21 years, and a member of East Side Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Janice Smith; her maternal grandparents, Earner “Bud” and Verdie Kent; her paternal grandfather, W.E. “Smitty” Smith; two aunts and two uncles.
Survivors include her husband, Scott of the home; her father and step-mother, Bill and Sue Smith of Paragould; a brother and sister-in-law, Gene & Terri Smith of Paragould; two sisters-in-laws and their husbands, Angie and Terry Combs of Paragould, and Tracy and Scott Bryan of Marion. She is also survived by her paternal grandmother, Dorothy Smith; two nieces, Olivia Combs of Paragould and Zoe Bryan of Marion; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Janette and Elton Smith of Brookland; several aunts, uncles, cousins; and by lots of friends.

Visitation will be at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., Tuesday.
Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, August 22nd, at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Richard Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Shiloh Cemetery.

Blaine Nunn, Kenny Cox, Ron Hinkle, Jesse Everett, John Farley, and David Romine will serve as pallbearers.
Memorials to Hope Circle, NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation, PO Box 1960, Jonesboro, AR 72403, would be appreciated.
Sign an online register at: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Mildred “Bernice” Williams

Mildred “Bernice” Williams, 95, of Paragould died at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007.

She was born Jan. 21, 1912, in Walcott, the daughter of the late Charles and Lucy Arnold Newberry. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Williams; and her brothers, Woodrow Newberry, Wallace Newberry and Wilburn “Bill” Newberry.

She was a charter member of Stanford Baptist Church, enjoyed gardening and taking care of children at the East Court and South 15th Avenue bus stop.

Bernice is survived by her daughter, Bettie June Williams of Paragould; two sisters, Nola Allison and Pearl Hamilton, both of Paragould; two brothers and their wives, Tommie and Peggie Newberry of Lewisburg, Tenn., and Frank and Clara Newberry of Jonesboro; and several nieces and nephews.

Her family will receive friends from 6-8 tonight in Heath Funeral Home.

Her life will be celebrated on Friday at 10 a.m. in Heath Colonial Chapel with the Rev. Marion Gramling and the Rev. Sam Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Zion Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Stanford Baptist Church.

Earline Cooper

Earline Cooper, of Paragould Nursing Center, formerly of Osceola, died Tuesday, August 21, 2007, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center.

Survivors include two sons, Johnny Harris and Arthur Dabney, Jr., both of Osceola; and two grandchildren.
Visitation will be Monday from 9:00-9:45 a.m., at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.

A graveside service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 27th, at Linwood Cemetery, with Dennis Scudder officiating. The procession will leave Mitchell Funeral Home at 9:45 a.m.
Sign our online register at: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Emma Dee Ellington

Emma Dee Ellington, age 79, of Brookland, passed away on August 22, 2007 at her home. Mrs. Ellington was born August 15, 1928. She was retired from Brookland schools and was a member of Brookland Baptist Church.

She is survived by two sons, Scott Ellington and Christopher Ellington; two daughters, Shelia Brown and Terria Davison; a sister, Marie Pegg; nine grandchildren, Michael Lane, Alisa Gunn, Nicholas Brown, Jack Ellington, Jacob Ellington, Andrew Ellington, Jordan McBride, Bradley McBride and Brandon Davison; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, E.D. (Cotton) Ellington and her parents, Mose and Kate Carter~Rhea.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Sunday, August 26, 2007 at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home Chapel with Mike Blackwood officiating. Burial will follow at Clark’s Chapel Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include Homer Lenderman, Daniel Hathcoat, Dennis Ellington, Wyndol Elder, Brandon Davison and Mark Graftenreed.

Vistitation was held yesterday at Roller-Farmers Funeral Home.
Lasting memorials can be made to the Brookland Baptist Church Building Fund or Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.

To sign our online guestbook, go to www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

Mondra Bell

Mondra Marie Cecil Bell, 89, of Lafe, Ark., formerly of the Hayti, Mo. area, died Thursday, Aug. 23, 2007, at her residence.
Born July 14, 1918, in Paragould, Ark., daughter of the late Amos Monroe and Lizzie Belle Santie Evett, she was a homemaker.

On Nov. 17, 1932, in Bragg City, Mo., she married Lawrence Cecil, who preceded her in death on Jan. 19, 1960. She later married Uvious Bell on June 16, 1966, in Blytheville, Ark. He preceded her in death on Feb. 16, 1990. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Robert, Raymond and Clinton Evett and one sister as an infant, Helen Inez Cecil.

Survivors include four sons, Melvin Cecil, of Caruthersville, Gene Cecil, of Hayti, Paul Cecil, of Neelyville, Mo., and Charles Cecil, of Bragg City; eight daughters, Dorothy Reed, of Jonesville, La., Evelyn Deloach and Alice Davidson, both of Lafe, Wanda Watts, of Mobile, Ala., Linda Aliceson, of Steele, Mo., Glenna Baker, of Forkland, Ala., Brenda Littleton, of Hayti and Kathy Lewis, of Gallion, Ala.; one sister, Rheva Ledbetter, of Lexington, Ky.; 41 grandchildren; 73 great-grandchildren and 29 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 25, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caruthersville with Father Randolph Tochtrop officiating.
Burial was in the Little Prairie Cemetery at Caruthersville.

Pallbearers were Jimmy Reed, Mark Littleton, Greg Davidson, Brad and Ronnie Cecil and Alan Aliceson.
Honorary pallbearers were Mike, Danny, David and Robert Alan Cecil, Ricky, Kevin and Gregg Reed and Buss Tate.
Bradshaw Funeral Home of Hayti was in charge of arrangements.

Jerry D. Taylor

Jerry D. Taylor, 70, of Lorado passed away on Friday, Aug. 24, 2007 at his home.

He was born at Stanford on May 24, 1937, into the family of Coe and Viva Morrow Taylor. He was retired from General Electric and known to his friends as Ichabod. He graduated from Stanford High School in 1955 and was affiliated with Lorado Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Taylor; one son, Steven Taylor; two sisters, Patsy Clifton and Brenda Ortcutter; and one brother, Eddie Taylor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Coe and Viva Taylor.

Graveside services and burial will be at 2 p.m. today in Lorado Cemetery with Kenny Johnson officiating.

Active pallbearers will include Keith Clark, Benny Mitchell, Benny Martin, Chad Taylor and Shawn Taylor.

Honorary pallbearers will include Bud Myers, David Klingensmith, John Clark and Larry Taylor.

To sign our online guestbook, go to www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

Horace A. Mitchem

Horace A. Mitchem, 78, of Paragould, went to be with our Lord on August 24, 2007, in Paragould. He was born February 20, 1929, in Walnut Ridge, the son of Willie L. Mitchem and Maudie Mitchell Mitchem King and stepson of Arthur Joy King.
Mr. Mitchem was a long standing member of the Western Cherokee Nation of Arkansas and Missouri; and an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict.

He was preceded in death by his parents; maternal grandparents, Joe and Emma Wagnon Mitchell; his paternal grandparents, Sam and Sarah Mitchem; and by five brothers, Earnest Mitchem, A. J. King, Lonnie King, Ervin King and John A. King.
He is survived by his children, Robby C. Mitchem of Paragould, Sandra Bogan of Brookland, Robert L. Mitchem of Paragould, Thomas Mitchem of Paragould, Lynda Mitchem Cooper of Jonesboro, Jerry Dill of Paragould, Suzanne Elrod of Dice; a sister, Asalee Mitchem Bolick of Lafe; 53 grandchildren and great grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 p.m., Sunday, August 26th, at Mitchell Funeral Home. A Memorial service will be conducted Sunday, at 3:00 p.m., in the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Dennis Strope officiating.
Memorials may be sent to the Western Cherokee Nation of Arkansas and Missouri at P.O. Box 1327, Paragould, AR 72451-1327.

Sign our online register at: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

William Douglas Kelley

William Douglas Kelley, 78 of Paragould died Friday, August 24, 2007 at St. Bernard's Medical Center. Mr. Kelley was born March 10, 1929, he was a retired lawyer and a veteran of the Korean War.

Survivors include his wife Eva Kelley. Funeral service will be private.

Mitchell Funeral Home of Paragould was in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook:: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Robert G. Hampton

Robert G. Hampton, 78, of Piggott passed away Monday, August, 27, 2007, at Arkansas Methodist Hospital.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Charlotte Hardcastle Hampton; daughters, Melida Baureis of Jonesboro and Charlotte Wilhite of Piggott; son-in-law, Blane Wilhite; grandsons, Christopher Shane Alan Morris of Gainsville, Fla.; Richard Matthew Baureis of Jonesboro, John Erik Baureis of Little Rock; brother, Ralph Hampton, Jr. of Russellville; brother-in-law, Tommy Hardcastle and wife Nancy of Piggott; sister-in-law, Thelma Hopkins and husband John of St. Louis, Mo.
He was preceded in death by a son Robert Alan Hampton.
Visitation will begin at 5:30 p.m. today at Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 30 at the First Baptist Church in Piggott. Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home of Piggott is in charge of the arrangements.

Cynthia Ann Gage

Cynthia Ann Gage, 44, of Paragould, died Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007, at her residence. She was born in Paragould, August 16, 1963, and was a homemaker.
She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Tiffany Gage; one brother, Rod Church; two sisters, Melissa Alsup and Krickett Lenderman; and by one granddaughter, Madison Gage, all of Paragould.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Margie Church.
Visitation will be today, from 6-9 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Friday, August 31, 2007 graveside, at Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The procession will leave Mitchell Funeral Home at 9:45 a.m.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Matthew Scott Holbrook

Matthew Scott Holbrook, 31, of Paragould, died Wednesday, August 29, 2007, at St. Bernard's Medical Center. Born June 15, 1976, in Jonesboro, he was a waiter and of the Baptist faith. Survivors include his father, David Scott Holbrook of Humble, Texas; his mother, Cheryl Davis of Paragould; one son, Xavier Holbrook of Humble, Texas; one daughter, Harlee Holbrook of Humble, Texas; the mother of his children, Sabrina Holbrook; one sister, Candi Adams and her husband, Ryan of Camden, Arkansas; grandparents, David and Shirley Holbrook of Jonesboro; and special friend, Jamie Graddy of Jonesboro.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Floyd and Alberta Rogers.

Visitation will be Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 1st, at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Walcott, with Charles Stoddard officiating. The procession will leave Mitchell Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m., Saturday.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Eric Grant Hyde

Eric Grant Hyde was born in Pontotoc County, Mississippi on February 25, 1920 to William Robert and Irma Hodges Hyde. He departed this life in Little Rock, Arkansas on August 30, 2007 at the age of 87.

When he was 18, his family moved to Greene County, Arkansas where he met Mary Ann Vaudean (Deane) Rogers. They were married December 20, 1941. For 52 of their more than 65 years together, they lived on Country Club Road in Paragould. Mr. Hyde was an employee for 43 years at the Hurt Grocer Company. His sales routes took him throughout northeast Arkansas, where he made many friends through his kind and friendly nature.
Mr. Hyde was a committed Baptist deacon, having had membership in the East Side, West View (charter member), and First Baptist churches.

He is survived by his loving wife, Deane Hyde and three sons: Hugh Leslie and his wife Angela of Houston, Texas; Stephen Grant and Jean of Clifton, Virginia; and Randy Lee and Janet of Little Rock. In addition, he is survived by seven grandchildren: Cynthia Barson, Chris Hyde, Jason Hyde, Nathan Hyde, Dylan Hyde, Emily Newberry, and Timothy Hyde. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, as well as a nephew and niece.

 
Visitation will be held at the Mitchell Funeral Home in Paragould on Sunday, September 2, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A service of grateful remembrance will be conducted at the funeral home Monday, September 3, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Paragould Emergency Receiving Home, c/o the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes, P. O. Box 552, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-0552.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Willard Bedford Allison

Willard Bedford Allison, 77, of Beech Grove has gone to be with his Lord on Friday, Aug. 31, 2007, in Little Rock.

He was born March 5, 1930, in Beech Grove.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Flossie Barron Allison; sister, Lucille Shearer; and brother, Bobby Allison.

Willard is survived by his loving wife, Connie Allison of the home; and his children, Diane and Donald Condray, William and Tanya Allison, Kenny and Lisa Allison, Anita and Danny McClung, all of Beech Grove. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who loved him dearly.

Honoring their grandfather as pallbearers will be Keith Condray, Randy Condray, Jarod Allison, Kevin Allison, Scotty Allison and John Jenkins.

Visitation will be Monday from 6-9 p.m. in Heath Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Beech Grove Baptist Church with the Revs. Eric Newberry and Richard Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Beech Grove Baptist Church.