Herman W. Toombs 

Herman W. Toombs, 89, of Paragould, died at the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, Saturday, December 1, 2007. 
Herman was born on September 3, 1918 in Cardwell, Missouri, to Luther and Vinnie McClure Toombs. Having lived most of his adult life in Greene County, he was a farmer and a founding member of the Schugtown Co-Op Gin, and was a member of Christ United Methodist Church. 

Herman is survived by his wife of seventy years, Hazel Davis Toombs of the home; three daughters and sons-in-law, Patsy Toombs Yates and husband J. D. of Jonesboro, Linda Toombs Terry and husband Jerry, and Karen Toombs Daniels and husband Jerry “Butch” of Paragould; six grandchildren, Steve Crockett, Scott Crockett, Kim Crockett, Stacy Terry, Danita Terry Gibson and Grayson Daniels; five great grandchildren, Misty Crockett, Maxy Crockett, Nicholas Papachristou, Morgan Crockett, and Davis Charlton Gibson; he is also survived by one sister, Alice Toombs Stahl of Flushing, Michigan. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Ernest Toombs and Norman “Perry” Toombs, and two sisters, Eugenia Harper and Edra Pruett.

 
Funeral Services will be Tuesday, December 4, 1:30 P. M. at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Revs. Michael Sutton and Tommy Toombs officiating. Burial will be in Greene County Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Monday, 6:00 P. M. until 8:00 P. M. at Mitchell Funeral Home. 
Pallbearers will be Ralph Routon, Tommy Toombs, Jr., Tommy Wofford, Chuck Wofford, Brandon Wofford, and Jerry “Bub” Toombs. 
Memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church.

Thomas Lee Kimmett 

Thomas Lee “Tom” Kimmett, 66, of rural Paragould died Saturday, December 1, 2007 at Arkansas Methodist Hospital at Paragould. 

Born at July 29, 1941, Powell, WY., Tom lived at Pontotoc, MS., before moving to the Paragould area in 2003. He was retired from the U.S. Navy where he was a veteran of the Vietnam War. 

Tom was a Catholic but attended Finch Baptist Church. 

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Chatman Kimmett of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Kirk and Erin Kimmett of Hampton, Va., and Chad Patrick Kimmett of Paragould; four brothers, William Kimmett of Louisville, Colo., Clarence Kimmett and George Kimmett, both of Denver, and Louis Kimmett of Idaho; one sister, Marcelline Staniewicz of Rogers; three grandsons, Zak, Jake and Austin Kimmett, all of Pontotoc. 

Funeral services will be Tuesday afternoon at 1 in Emerson Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Terry Gage officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery. 

Visitation will be held tonight from 5-7 in Emerson Funeral Home at Jonesboro. 

Online registry at: www.emersonfuneralhome.com

Stanford Robert Branch 

Stanford Robert Branch, 46, passed away December 1, 2007, in Paragould.

He is survived by his parents, Bennie and Gerie Branch, a daughter, Nicole Branch and an uncle, Kenneth Branch and his family, all of Paragould.

His body will be cremated.

Online guestbook: www.phillipsfuneral.net

Walter Henry "Buddy" Anders

Walter Henry “Buddy” Anders, 88, of Paragould died Saturday, December 1, 2007 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. He was born April 5, 1919 in Campbell, Mo. the son of the late William Claude and Bertha Pace Anders. He was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Eula Anders, and his brother, Vernon Anders. He was a retired farmer and an Air Force WWII veteran. 

He is survived by his wife, Mary, of the home; sons, Billy Ray Anders of Peach Orchard and Harlan Baston of Conway; sisters, Helen Ray and Dorothy Crump, both of Paragould and Maxine Haggett of Cahokia, Ill.; several special nieces and nephews and friends and neighbors. 

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Heath Funeral home. His life will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Monday at Heath Colonial Chapel with burial following at Greene County Memorial Gardens. His nephews will be pallbearers.

Paul White

Paul White, of Neelyville was born Jan. 31, 1946 in St. Louis, MO., son of Salis Paul and Minnie Chitty White.

He died in Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, Paragould, Saturday, December 1, 2007. He was 61 years of age.

A construction worker, he enjoyed playing the guitar, working in the garden and playing Bingo.

On January 28, 1968,  he married Barbara Hall in East St. Louis, MO.,  and she survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Paul White, Jr., of Neelyville and Randy Wayne (Pamela) White, of Corning, one daughter Tina Marie (Ray) White, Corning, three sisters, Patricia Pettie, Fenton, MO., Trudy Brooks, Sikeston, MO., and Loretta Langley, Poplar Bluff, MO., two brothers Larry Wayne White, Granite City, IL., and James White, Cape Giradeau, MO., five grandchildren, Brittany, Randy II, Christopher, Ashley and Tyler; two step-grandchildren Scotty and John; one great grandchild, Emilia and a close friend, James Gardner.

Bronnie Dee Tate 

Bronnie Dee Tate, 84, of Paragould, died December 2, 2007 at St. Bernard’s Medical Center. Born March 12, 1923 at Guy, Arkansas, she was a retired beautician and former owner of Tate’s Beauty Shop, and was a member of Second and Walnut Church of Christ. 

She is survived by one daughter, Sandra Willcockson of Paragould; three grandchildren, Dianna Goodman, Dawnelle Boling, and Randy Willcockson; seven grandchildren, Steven, Jeffrey, Joshua, and Jacob Goodman, and Dillon, Kaylee, and Libby Willcockson; two great grandchildren, Madyson and Conner Goodman. 
She was preceded in death by her parents, H. R. and Myrl Nadine Lane. 

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 5, at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with James A. Brown officiating. Burial will be in Greene County Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Tuesday, 6:00 P. M. until 9:00 P. M.

 
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Jo Ann Branch 

Jo Ann Branch, 72, of Paragould died Monday, December 3, 2007, at St. Bernards Medical Center. 

She was born December 14, 1934, the first child of Hobert and Etta Eagle Dortch. She grew up in the Rector, Marmaduke area as well as in Detroit. She was a graduate of Marmaduke High School, where she was a cheerleader. 

She was employed by the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service until the birth of her first children when she became a consummate homemaker, a craft at which she excelled. 

She and her husband, Robert B. Branch Sr., had four children, Bruce Branch and Crete Rhodes, twins, Jeff Branch and Alice Lee. Jo and Bob have eight grandchildren. 

Jo was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, June Gibson; and brother, Jerry Dortch. 

She is survived by her husband, her four children and eight grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Larry Dortch. 

Funeral services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. in Paragould First United Methodist Church under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home. Interment will be in Linwood Cemetery. There will be no public visitation. 

Lasting memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church, 400 West Main St., Paragould 72450, or Mission Outreach of Northeast Arkansas, P.O. Box 1122, Paragould 72451. 

Online guest book: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Edward Franklin Rushing 

Edward Franklin Rushing, 81, died Monday, December 3, 2007, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Walnut Ridge. 

He was born May 12, 1926, in Leachville, Mo., the son of the late Ben and Nellie Boyd Rushing. He was a boilermaker-welder for the Local 27 in St. Louis and an Army veteran of World War II. He was of the Baptist faith. 

Survivors include his wife, Frances Williamson Rushing of the home; sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry Don and Connie Clifford of Lafe, Terry and Kim Clifford of Paragould and Scott Rushing of Fort Wayne, Ind.; one daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Lee Gray of Paragould; brother, Ralph Rushing of Malden, Mo.; sisters, Bernice Hamm of Missouri and Bernita Johnson of St. Charles, Mo.; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. 

Edward was also preceded in death by two daughters, Carolyn Walker and Carolyn Pollock. 

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at the First Baptist Church in Hoxie with the Rev. Lynn Garmroth officiating. Burial will follow in Shiloh Cemetery at Paragould. 

Pallbearers will be Jerry Pollock, Joshua Pollock, Brad Gray, Lee Gray, Jerry Don Clifford and Terry Clifford. 

Honorary pallbearers will include Terry James Clifford, Gary Lee Pollock and deacons of First Baptist Church. 

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

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Hoxie.

Judy Carol Johnston 

Judy Carol Johnston, 65, Paragould, died Wednesday, December 5, 2007, at her residence. 
Born October 21, 1942, in Leachville, Arkansas, Mrs. Johnston was a homemaker, and a member of East Side Baptist Church. 

Survivors include her husband, Dale Johnston of the home; one son, Brent Johnston; and one daughter and son-in-law, Julie and James Whitney, all of Paragould. She is also survived by one brother, Larry Brown of Leachville; one sister, Charlene Kimbrell of Caraway; three grandchildren, Jennifer and Jonathan Whitney, and Kadyn Phillips, all of Paragould; two aunts, Edith Gooch of St. Louis, and Eva St. Clair of Farmington, Missouri; and by a niece, Kim Kelton of Caraway. 
She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Brown; and by her mother, Beatrice Hipps Brown. 

Visitation will be Friday, from 6:00- 9:00 p.m., at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould. 
Funeral services will be Saturday, December 8th, at 1:30 p.m. at the East Side Baptist Church, Paragould, with Greg Addison, Jason Noel and Dennis Scudder officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery. 
Bryant Marshall, Mark Rowland, Joe Reeves, Bill Oliver, Bob Parks, and Mike Ford will serve as pallbearers. 

Lasting memorials to Missions through East Side Baptist Church or to the Grace Mission Bible Training Center would be appreciated. 

Online guest book: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

John W. Wagster Sr. 

John William Wagster Sr., 94, of Walnut Ridge died Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at Walnut Ridge. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Elsie Marie Wagster; and his mother, Carrie Elliott. 

He is survived by his wife, Margie of Walnut Ridge; son, John Wagster Jr.; and grandson, Lee Wagster, both of Hartwell, Ga. 

Visitation will be tonight from 6-8 at Heath Funeral Home. 

His life will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday in Heath Colonial Chapel with Rick Ethridge officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens.

Elouise Roswell 

Elouise Roswell, 89, of Paragould, died Thursday, December 6, 2007, at the Paragould Nursing Center. 

She was born May 13, 1918, in Batesville, Arkansas, to James and Alice Carlile. Mrs. Roswell was a former employee of Bud’s Flower Shop, and a member of Village Creek Church of Christ. 
Survivors include one son, Gale Roswell and his wife, Linda, of Mountain Home; three daughters and sons-in-law, Fayrene and Charles Shipp of Paragould, Louise and Melvin Terry of Burton, MI., Glenda and Jim Bruce of Paragould; and a daughter-in-law, Sharon Roswell of Paragould; She is also survived by fourteen grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren; and by eleven great great grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Odis Roswell; one son, Sonny Roswell; four brothers; and three sisters. 
Visitation will be Saturday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould. 

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 9th, at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, with Zane Gray officiating. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery. 
Anthony Roswell, Tim Roswell, Keith Roswell, Michael Terry, Terry Don Roswell, Chuck Remagen, Chad Biggs, and Junior Terry will serve as pallbearers. 
Online guest book: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Paul Edward Stone 

Paul Edward Stone, 51, of Paragould died December 6, 2007, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. 

He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. 

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Stone of the home; daughter, Jennifer Chipmon of Centerton; and four grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother. 

Funeral services will be Monday at 2 p.m. at Heath Colonial Chapel with the Rev. Bruce Stone and the Rev. Pat Graham officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Heath Funeral Home.

Mary Nima Mercing 

Mary Nima (Guiltner) Mercing, 89, of Sherwood, AR., passed away in her home Thursday, December 6, 2007. She was born January 23, 1918, in Greene County, AR.

Nima, a retired cosmetologist, enjoyed quilting with the Cabot Nimble Thimble Quilting Guild. She participated in Sherwood’s Senior Citizen Center and was a member of Friendship Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by husbands, J.F. “Dobe” Guiltner and Edwin Mercing; a sister, Marie Johnson, three brothers, Bud, Dalton, and Lloyd McDonald. She is survived by two sons and their wives, Jerry and Shirley Guiltner, of Oklahoma City, and Jay and Betty Guiltner of Marion, Ark.; eight grandchildren, Scott Guiltner, Clay Guiltner, Erica Frederiksen, Jason Guiltner, Steve Davis, Julie Greene, Ken Davis, Keith Davis; 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Irene Holcomb, of Benton, and Wilma Pigue, of Huntsville, Ala.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Senior Citizens Benevolence Fund at Friendship Baptist Church, 10150 Brockington Road, Sherwood, AR 72120.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Monday at Friendship Baptist Church with Rev. Roy Thompson officiating. Burial will be 3:00 P.M. at Linwood Cemetery in Paragould. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. 

Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com

Randy Bowers

Randy Bowers, 47, was born in Paragould, April 18, 1960, son of Euene and Carolyn (Hays) Bowers. He died in Rebsamen Medical Center, Jacksonville, Friday,  December 7, 2007.

A supervisor for Briggs and Stratton, he enjoyed fishing, trout fishing and watching water sports.

Survivors include his wife, LaVonna Lee Staratton-Bowers whom he married, May 26, 1984.

Other survivors are one son, David Hooper, Little Rock; one daughter Tabitha Slack, Little Rock; one sister Joyce Kirby, Corning; one brother Mike Bowers, Corning; two grandchildren Haley and Alexea.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law Donald Stratton.

Funeral services were conducted Mon. Dec. 10, 2007 in the chapel of Ermert Funeral Home with Rev. Ernest Bennett officiating. Burial in Berger Cemetery, Oglesville, MO.

Patricia Edith Johnson 

Patricia Edith (Copeland) Johnson, 71 of Paragould, died Saturday, December 8, 2007 at her residence. Mrs. Johnson was born January 21, 1936 in Harrisburg, Arkansas. She was a homemaker and a member of the Grace United General Baptist Church.

 
Survivors include her husband; Sherman Franklin Johnson of the home, three daughters and son-in-laws; Nancy and Earl Wilkins of Paragould, Elgina and Gary Bennett of Walls, Mississippi, Teresa and Robert Brown of Paragould, two step sons and step daughter-in-law; Tim and Cynthia Johnson and Mark Johnson all of Sacramento, California, one brother; Jack Copeland of Paragould, four sisters and brother-in-laws: Ruby White of Morris Chapel, Tennessee, Era Secrease of Harrisburg, Arkansas, Vera and Ray Martinez of Stockton, California, Sylvia Moss of Buncomb, Illinois, three sister-in-laws Carol Copeland of Paragould, Earlene Copeland of Paragould, Pat Hall of Magalia, California, a brother-in-law; Bob Johnson of Paragould, one grandson: Cody Brown of Paragould, four step grand daughters: Stephanie Crigler of Jonesboro, Sarah Griffin of Kaiser, Arkansas, Angela Johnson of Sacramento, California, Jaquline Johnson of Sacramento, California, one step grandson; Josh Bennett of Osceola, Arkansas and three step great grandchildren. 

Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by: her parents; Ollie Elmer and Nancy Viola Copeland, four brothers; Robert David Copeland, Edward Howard Copeland, Johnnie Floyd Copeland and James Madison Copeland. 

Funeral services will be at 1:30 P.M Tuesday, December 11, 2007 in the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Royce Schanda and Glen Smith officiating, burial will follow in the New Friendship Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Monday at the Mitchell Funeral Home in Paragould. 
Online guest book: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Ann Blackshear

Ann Hildegarde Bebout Blackshear, 89, formerly of Paragould, died Saturday, December 8, 2007 in Little Rock, AR. Mrs. Blackshear was born on October 30, 1918, in Caruthersville, MO., where she fell in love with Jack Blackshear, Sr. of Paragould. They were married over 67 years and had a wonderful life together. A devoted Christian, wife and mother, she exhibited the qualities of Proverbs 31.

Hildegarde is survived by her husband, Jack Blackshear, Sr. of Little Rock; sons and daughters-in-law, Jack and Bobbie Blackshear , Bill and Christy Blackshear and Bob and Eva Blackshear; seven grandchildren; her sister, Marion Swader and special nieces, Tina Musgrave and Barbara Neeley.

Visitation will be today from 2-5 p.m. at Heath Funeral Home.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Paragould with Revs. Tom Letchworth and Zach Roberts officiating, following a private family burial service.

The family has requested that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church, 404 West Main St. in Paragould, AR 72450 or Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 North Shackleford, Little Rock, AR 72211.

The Blackshear family would like to express thanks to Parkway Village Nursing Center in Little Rock and Dr. Claudia Tolleson and her staff for their loving care over the past 5 years. 
Heath Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Kenneth Cooper

Kenneth A. Cooper, 84, of Jonesboro, AR., formerly of Kennett, MO., died Saturday, December 8, 2007, at Skill Care Nursing Home in Jonesboro. 

Born April 24, 1923, in Marmaduke, AR., son of the late Joseph Arnold and Ira Lyrl Newsom Cooper, he was a U.S. Navy veteran, having served in WWII, a graduate of Kennett High School and was employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. 

On Oct. 15, 1949, he married Olga M. Harris, who preceded him in death on May 18, 2006. He was also preceded in death by one sister, Betty Sue Kaiser. 

Survivors include one brother, Chester Cooper, of Florissant, Mo., and one sister, Vera Craft, of Jonesboro. 

Graveside services were held at 1:30 p.m., today, Tuesday, Dec. 11, in the Memorial Gardens Cemetery at Kennett with the Rev. Dale Rickman officiating. 

McDaniel Funeral Home of Kennett was in charge of arrangements.

Caleb James Twitty 

Caleb James Twitty, of Marmaduke was born October 6, 2007. He went home to be with the Lord, on Sunday, December 9, 2007
Survivors include his parents, DeBrent and Misty Twitty of the home; one brother, Brayden Julian Twitty of the home; paternal grandparents, Bill and Wava Twitty of Marmaduke; and maternal grandparents, Stan and Sharon Nichols of West Memphis. He is also survived by maternal great grandparents, James Duffel of Jonesboro, and James and Myrtle Nichols of Marion; and numerous aunts and uncles. 
He was preceded in death by his great grandparents, Herbert and Ilonia Morgan and Charles and Lillian Twitty. Visitation will be from 6:00-9:00 p.m., Thursday, at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould. 
The funeral service will be conducted Friday, December 14th, at the Greater Vision Church of Paragould, with Rick Ethridge and Scott Trayler officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery. 

Memorials to the Benjamin Project, an organization to assist families in Northeast Arkansas who have lost young children, 2906 New Castle Drive, Paragould, AR 72450, would be appreciated. 
Online guest book: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Chester Earl Mason 

Chester Earl Mason, 72, of Paragould died December 10, 2007, at his residence. 

He was born April 14, 1935, in Marmaduke the son of the late John and Maude Roberts Mason. He was a retired car dealer and of the Pentecostal belief. 

He is also preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters. 

Survivors include his daughters, Linda Payton and Teresa Clark, both of Paragould, Patricia Powers of Cardwell, Mo., Mary Young of Jonesboro and Janet Stallings of Marmaduke; brother, Clinton Mason of Paragould; 17 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Heath Colonial Chapel with the Rev. Bob Marsh officiating. Burial will follow in Hartsoe Cemetery. 

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

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Juanita Elenore Lange 

Juanita Elenore Lange, 80, of Lafe, died Tuesday, December 11, 2007, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould. 
She was born in Lafe, on August 24, 1927, to Oswald and Martha Tritch. Juanita was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers, Robert, Donald, Ray and James Tritch, all of Lafe. 
She was a life-long member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Lafe, where, on April 11, 1948, she married Edward Lange. They were blessed with five children. Mr. Lange passed away, while still actively involved in farming, on July 15, 1995. 

Juanita was a homemaker and also worked for Crowley’s Ridge Development Council for 25 years. 
Survivors include her five children, their spouses, seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren: Sharon Anderson, husband Tom, their sons Steven and Brian, and Brian’s wife Gina and daughter Kylie, Carolyn Franzen, husband Tom and their son Kyle, Allen Lange, wife Rita, daughter Jessica and son Jeremy, his wife Christina and their children Allisyn and Hunter, Betty Hedge and husband Randy, David Lange, wife Lorie Whitby, and their sons Jacob and Luke. 

Visitation will be Wednesday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., at the Mitchell Funeral Home in Paragould. 
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 13th, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lafe, with Pastor Curt Dwyer officiating. 
Gary Gerdes, Greg Gerdes, Jerry Scheer, Wayne Tritch, Ronnie Tritch and Orion Tritch will serve as pallbearers. 
Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church. 
Online guest book: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Chester Hester Swafford

Charles Hester Swafford, 81, of Paragould, died Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at Poplar Bluff.

A WW-II Army veteran, he retired from Foremost Dairy and was a Baptist.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Linwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until service time at Mitchell Funeral Home.

Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Bland Robert “Bob” Harper Jr. 

Bland Robert “Bob” Harper Jr., 62, of Monette, died Tuesday, December 11, 2007, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro. 

He was born October 9, 1945, in Paragould to the late Dr. B.R. and Thera Harper Sr. He was a self-employed salesman. Bob was a loving and devoted husband and father. He was an avid outdoorsman, athlete and Hogs fan. 

Survivors include his wife, Carrie Harper of the home; two sons, Houston Robert Harper of St. Louis and Richard Andrew Harper of Little Rock. 

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Michael Parsons Harper; a sister, Judith Jan Harper; and his grandparents, Dr. T.P. and Anna Harper. 

A celebration of his life will be held today at 3 p.m. at the Gregg Funeral Home Chapel in Monette with the Rev. Jerry Reed officiating. Burial will follow in Monette Memorial Cemetery. 

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Matt Modelevsky, W.T. Bibb, Bill Craig, Dennis Finch, Kenneth Worthey and Mike Bridges, and as honorary pallbearers, Clay Stewart, Jack Gathright, Bubby McFarlin, Harry Adams Jr., Brandon Crump, Larry Denny and Wayland McClelland. 

Visitation will be today from 2 p.m. until time of service at Gregg Funeral Home in Monette. 

Lasting memorials may be sent to Monette First United Methodist Church. 

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

Tina Maria Lyles 

Tina Lyles, 50, of Rector died December 11, 2007, at the Springhill Baptist Hospital in North Little Rock.

Tina was born March 11, 1957, to Billy and Francis "Frankie (Berry) Lyles in Paragould. She was an employee of WalMart and was the Deli Manager.

Tina was preceded in death by her father, Billy Lyles.

She was survived by her son, Josh White and Lindsey of Rector; one grandson, Clinton White; her mother, Frankie Lyles of Memphis, Tenn.; one brother, Randy Lyles of Memphis; two sisters, Vickie Lyles of Rector and Kimberly Pitcher of Paragould; nephews, Billy Gatewood and Jimmy Allen of Paragould; one niece, Amanda Vineyard of Hubble, Texas along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Graveside services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Irby Funeral Home. Visitation will begin Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. Interment will be at the Woodland Heights Cemetery.

You may sign the online guest book at www.irbyfuneralhome.com

Debbie Diane Blankenship

Debbie Diane Blankenship, 55, of Beech Grove, died Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at St. Bernard’s Regional Medical Center. Debbie was a homemaker and a member of the Stanford Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Christine Howard; daughter, Kristy Blankenship Clayton, and brother, Danny Howard.

Survivors include her husband, Eddie Blankenship of the home; son, James Blankenship of Stanford; her father, Charlie Howard of Wilson, Ark., brothers, Jim and David Howard of Paragould.

Visitation will be Friday from 6 – 9 p.m. at Heath Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Saturday at 1 p.m. at Heath Colonial Chapel with Revs. Marion Gramling and Heath Vines officiating. Burial will follow in Morrow Cemetery.

The family has requested that memorials be made to the School of the 21st Century, 427 E. Poplar St., Paragould, AR 72450.

Pallbearers: Allen Russom, Carroll Rice, Danny Rice, Randy Scott, Kenny Allison, William Allison.

John Harlan Hurd 

John Harlan Hurd, 85, of Bono, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 12, 2007. 

He was born September 16, 1922, at Paragould to the late John William and Edith Belle Tyner Hurd. 

Harlan grew up at Greene County and attended Paragould schools. He was a Church of Christ minister; during his lifetime he preached at 131 churches in 16 states, he has always been known and respected for his sound preaching and his willingness to go directly from his hay field or feed lot to preach. He was also an avid outdoor sportsman and loved to coon hunt. 

Mr. Hurd raised cattle and was a member of the Arkansas Cattleman’s Association. He retired after 22 years with the U.S. Postal Service as a rural route two carrier. 

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Patsy Ruth Hurd of the home; daughter, Judith Carpenter of Memphis; two sons, Joe Hurd of Searcy and Mark Hurd of Bono; seven grandchildren, John Johnson of Jonesboro, Sunshine Johnson of Memphis, Stephen Johnson of Bono, Joseph Hurd of Nashville, Tenn., Sarah Rye of Pensacola, Fla., Joshua Hurd of Bono and Jonathan Hurd of Bono; brother, Maurice Hurd of Paragould; and four great-grandchildren. 

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Bono Church of Christ with Winston Burton and Richard Akin officiating. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery at Paragould under the direction of Gregg Funeral Home of Jonesboro. 

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Stephen Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Joshua Hurd, Jonathan Hurd, Daniel Hurd and Timothy Hurd, and as honorary pallbearers, Danny Blalock, Donald Jones, Arvis Shirley, Wayne Tate, Brooks Cravens, Gaylon Tate, Wes McBroom, Walt Sauser, Dale Moody, Randall Crowel, Cecil Stevenson, Richard Stevenson and Robert Montgomery. 

Visitation will be today from 6-8 p.m. in Gregg Funeral Home of Jonesboro. 

Lasting memorials may be sent to the Bono Church of Christ Building Fund or Children’s Home Inc. of Paragould. 

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

Mary Anna Farmer Crain 

Mary Anna Farmer Crain, 92, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 14, 2007, at Craighead Nursing Center at Jonesboro. 

She was born April 9, 1915, at Marmaduke to Louis Bozrah Farmer and Vessie Vee Hampton Farmer. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Luster Ray Crain and Ralph Earl Crain, daughter, Carolyn June Crain; brother, Ochel Vernon Farmer; and three sisters, Dolly Mae Farmer, Orpha Eudell Farmer and Odessa Farmer Nations Franklin. 

She is survived by her beloved husband of 74 years, Cleatus Luster Crain; son, Gaylon Crain and wife Cathy; daughter, Cleata Daniel and husband James; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Miller Crain, all of Jonesboro; seven grandchildren, David Daniel, Stan Daniel, Karen Daniel White, Ralph Crain Jr., Brian Crain, Clay Crain and Stephanie Crain Busch; 10 great-grandchildren, Matt Daniel, Josh Daniel, Meredith Daniel, Madison Daniel, Dustin and Zac White, Jonathan Crain, Kaylee Crain, Kirk Busch and Connor Crain; great-great-granddaughter, Finley Daniel; nephew, Johnny Nations; and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Mrs. Crain was a charter member of White Oak General Baptist Church at Rector, which was organized on Aug. 21, 1939. She was listed as the ninth member. She was a member of New Life Assembly of Jonesboro, a homemaker and enjoyed quilting and needlework. 

Visitation will be tonight in Mitchell Funeral Home of Paragould from 5-7. 

Funeral services conducted by the Rev. Jerry Jolly will be Monday at 10 a.m. in Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel of Paragould with burial to follow in Woodland Heights Cemetery at Rector. 

Pallbearers will be grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be all other grandchildren. 

Sign an online register at www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Mayo Garner

Mayo Garner, 84, of Paragould, died Saturday, December 15, 2007 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. She was a homemaker and a member of Christ United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis Preston Garner, parents, William and Minnie Russom Grooms, 2 brothers and 3 sisters.

Survivors include her daughter, Rita Mobley of Paragould, son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Phyllis Garner of Malvern, Ark., brothers, Hulen Grooms of Mayflower, Ark. and Elmer Grooms of Paragould, sisters, Elva Hays of Atoka, Tenn., Evelyn Davis of St. Louis, Mo. and Edith Friar of Paragould, two grandchildren, three great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Visitation will be Sunday from 6 – 8 p.m. at Heath Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the Heath Colonial Chapel with Rev. Michael Sutton officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

The family has requested that memorials be sent to the American Heart Association. 

Dennis Irlan Wess 

Dennis Irlan Wess, age 64, of Harrisburg, formerly of Paragould, departed this life Saturday evening, December 15, 2007. 

He was born March 22, 1943, at Monette, the son of Ira Wess and Goldie Modglin Wess. He graduated high school from Greene County Tech and was a carpenter by trade. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Church of God at Harrisburg. 

He is survived by his wife, Glenda Wess of the home; two sons, Robbie Wess of Moore, Okla., and Michael Wess of Paragould; two daughters, Krystal Harrison of Bono and April Miller of Paragould; one brother, LaFarrel Wess of Harrisburg; two sisters, Patricia Brown of Clarksdale, Miss., and Diane Wasson of Mohomet, Ill.; and eight grandchildren. 

He will be cremated. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. 

Weston Funeral Service of Harrisburg is in charge of services.

Shirley Mae Swain 

Shirley Mae Swain, 60, of Marmaduke died Saturday, December 15, 2007, at her home. 

Born October 2, 1947, at Paragould, she was a former employee of Monroe and was of the Baptist faith. 

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Swain of the home; son, Robert Pillow of Paragould; two daughters, Missy Pankey of Paragould and Deisha Swain of Marmaduke; seven brothers, Leon Baldwin of Marmaduke, Jim Baldwin of Florissant, Mo., and Gary Baldwin, Richard Baldwin, Cletus Baldwin, Tommy Baldwin and Donald Baldwin, all of Paragould; two sisters, Karen Close of California and Helen Lamb of Paragould; three grandsons, Zach and Jordan Pankey, both of Paragould, and Bryan Pillow of Blytheville; and one great-granddaughter, Anna Kaye Pillow of Blytheville. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Lorene Baldwin; brother, Johnny Baldwin; and grandson, Bradley Keith Pillow. 

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel of Paragould with the Rev. Mark Reeves officiating. Burial will be in Harvey’s Chapel Cemetery. 

Visitation will be tonight from 6-9. 

Sign an online register at www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Gwenda Abbott 

Gwenda Abbott, 47, of Paragould, died Sunday, December 16, 2007 at her residence. Born June 11, 1960, in Paragould, she was a member of Center Hill Church of Christ. 

Survivors include her mother, Aretta Hardin of Paragould; her father, William O. Poyner of Jonesboro; one son and daughter-in-law, Jesse and Misty Gilliam of Mountain Home; one daughter and son-in-law, Tricia and Jason Arnold of Paragould. She is also survived by one brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Sharon Poyner of Orlando, Florida; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Linda and Ken Scholl of West Palm Beach, Florida, Brenda and Steve Harmon of Jonesboro, and Ruth and John Walton of Rothbury, Michigan; and by nine grandchildren, Elijah, Dakota, Alisyn, Breena, and Camryn Gilliam, and Lindsi, Elias, Wyatt, and Lillian Arnold. 
She was preceded in death by one brother, Michael Poyner; stepfather, Don Hardin; and one granddaughter, Sydney Reagan. 

Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 1:15 p.m., at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould. 
Graveside services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, December 20th, at Linwood Cemetery, with Jon Binkley and Michael Cox officiating. The procession will leave Mitchell Funeral Home at 1:15 p.m., Thursday. 
Sign an online register at www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Evelyn Bunting

Evelyn Bunting, 82, of Bloomington, Ill. passed away December 16, 2007, at Heritage Manor Normal, Ill. Born June 23, 1925, in Marmaduke to Anna Puckett and Claude Gore. She married Herschel R. Bunting on May, 9, 1942, in Caraway. She was a caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and will be dearly missed. Evelyn was a Charter Member of Grace Church of Normal.

Herschel survives her, along with daughter, Diana (Larry) Sanders, sons, David (Rachel) Bunting and Randall (Shirley) Bunting; brothers and sisters, brothers and sisters, Leon Gore, Ronnie Gore, Emma Hunt, Claudette Folks, LaRue Mitchell, Patty Valentine and Jeaninne Baxter; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and an infant son.

Funeral services were Thursday at 2 p.m. at Grace Church. Entombment at Park Hill Mausoleum in Bloomington, Ill. Pastor Ed Scearce officiated. Visitation was Wednesday at Calvert and Metzler Memorial Home in Bloomington, Ill. who also were in charge of funeral arrangements. 

Lonnie Franklin Brown 

Lonnie Franklin Brown, 49, of Paragould, died Monday, December 17, 2007, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. 

Born April 2, 1958, in Woodland, California, Mr. Brown was a former factory worker and a member of Trinity Full Gospel Church.

 
Survivors include his wife, Julia Hunter Brown of the home; his mother, Vernice Potter of Paragould; one son, Adam Brown of Beavertown, Oregon; two daughters, Brandi Brown of Beavertown, Oregon and Patricia Whittaker of Conway; one stepson, Bruce Owens of Paragould; and two stepdaughters, Rachel Conyer of Paragould and Vanessa Condray of Marmaduke. He is also survived by two brothers, Ronnie Brown and Richard Brown; three sisters, Bonnie Woods and Connie Nelson, all of Paragould and Mary Ann Roby of Altina, Kansas; and by twelve grandchildren. 
Mr. Brown was preceded in death by his father, Tancil Brown Visitation will be from 6:00-9:00 p.m., Thursday, at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould. 

The funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 21st, at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, with Marlin Ray officiating. Burial will follow in Gainesville Cemetery. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Mitchell Funeral Home would be appreciated. 
Sign an online register at www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Marce Lee Bivens 

Marce Lee Bivens, 80, of Marmaduke, died Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at St. Bernard’s Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was born August 12, 1927, in Marmaduke, the son of the late Lonnie and Mary Bivens. He was also preceded in death by his cherished wife, Edith Cambell Bivens; sisters, Margetta Bivens, Vernetta Reddick and nephew, Clovis Reddick. He was the owner and operator of Marce’s Station and Tire Shop in Marmaduke. 

He is survived by his daughters, Paulett Bivens and her fiance’, Steve Brummett, Dorothy and her husband, Rick Newsom, all of Paragould; grandchildren, Tangy and Kelly Byrd of Ocala, Fla., Monica Newsom, Keelen and Krystal Newsom all of Paragould; great grandchildren, Cody Byrd, Caleb Byrd, both of Ocala, Fla. and Kason Newsom of Paragould; honorary grandchild, Kristie Foster of Lafe; brother and sister-in-law, Doyle and Evelyn Bivens of Elaine, Ark.; sisters and a brother-in-law, Patty and Leroy Watson of Paragould and Emma Lou Brent of Rolla, Mo.; special nephews and nieces, Billy Ray Reddick, Donnie Lynn Reddick, Sharon Kay Hale, all of Marmaduke; Donald Bivens of Oklahoma City, Okla. and Darren Bivens of Elaine, Ark.

The family will receive friends from 6-9 this evening at Heath Funeral Home. His life will be celebrated Friday at 1 p.m. at Heath Colonial Chapel with Arvill Hill and Rev. Kim Bridges officiating. Burial will follow at Harvey’s Chapel Cemetery in Marmaduke. Pallbearers are Gary Priest, Randy Stanfill, Robert Newell, Rusty Gibson, Jimmy Jones and Mark Sanders. If you would like to leave a lasting memorial, please consider Harvey’s Chapel Cemetery in Marmaduke.

J.C. Powers

J. C. Powers, 78, of Paragould died December 19, 2007, at St. Bernard’s Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was born April 5, 1929, in Paragould the son of the late Calvin and Maggie Powers. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Marie Turner Powers. 

He was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and a retired home building contractor. J. C. was an avid hunter and raised beautiful bird dogs. He also loved the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a member of the Newton Street Baptist Church and loved his church.

Surviving J. C. are sons, Ricky Powers of Los Angeles, Calif., Roger and Gary Powers and daughters, Debbie Ramirez and Brenda Huffman all of Corning, Calif.; stepsons, Mike McDaniel of Jonesboro and Kevin Don McDaniel of Paragould; brothers, Macon Powers of Jonesboro, and Mac Powers of Paragould; one sister, Ruth Sikes of Paragould; 10 grandchildren ; 11 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and sisters-in-law.

 
Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Heath Funeral Home. Family and friends will meet at Pine Knot Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday for graveside services with L. R. Smith officiating. The family has requested that memorials be sent to the Newton Street Church of Christ. 

Alan Lee Weaver 

Alan Lee Weaver, 67, of Paragould, died Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center in Kennett, MO. He was born in St. Louis, MO. on April 28, 1940. He formerly operated Weaver Realty and retired from as a real estate appraiser. His father, Melvin Lee Weaver, preceded him in death. 

Survivors include his son, Patrick Weaver of The Woodlands, Texas; three daughters: Sandie Ward of Little Rock, Shery Riggs of Paragould, Rachel Villanueva (Steve) of Saugus, Calif.; mother, Aline Weaver, sister, Judith Burgess (Jim), both of Paragould, and brothers David Weaver (Dee) of Dallas, Texas and Dennis Weaver (Shelia) of Paragould. His grandchildren, Hunter Alan Riggs, Cole Riggs and Megan Riggs of Paragould, also survive him. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Heath Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at Heath Colonial Chapel on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be at Shiloh Cemetery. The family has requested memorials be considered for Shiloh United Methodist Church, Griffin United Memorial Methodist Church, and the American Heart Association. 

Whit Whitsitt

Whit Hodges Whitsitt, 55, formerly of Paragould, died Thursday, December 20, 2007, in Little Rock.

Born August 31, 1952, in Paragould. Mr. Whitsitt was a commercial pilot who owned his own air transport business. He also worked in housing and security for the state and federal government.

Survivors include two sons, Whit Wesley Whitsitt of Alabama, Whit S. Whitsitt of Memphis; and one brother, Jack Whitsitt of Plaquemine, La.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Joyce Whitsitt.

Visitation will be from 9 - 9:45 a.m., Friday, at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.

Graveside services will be conducted 10 a.m  Friday, at Linwood Cemetery with Dennis Scudder officiating. 

Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Gerlean Rahm

Gerlean Rahm, 91,  was born December 1, 1916, in Success, the daughter of Charley and Georgia (Pepper) Moore. She passed from this life at the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, Paragould, Thursday, December 20, 2007.

A member of Success First Baptist Church, she enjoyed traveling and at one time visited the Holy Land and the tomb of Christ.

August 18, 1939 she married William Tell Rahm who preceded her in death November 15, 1974.

Survivors are two sons, Bill Rahm, San Anonio, TX., Ron (Charlotte) Rahm, San Antonio, TX.; one sister Georgia Kick, Pocahontas; two grandchildren Alison Zimlick and Farrah McKinzie; two great-grandchildren Bonnie and Caden Zimlich.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; three brothers, Paul, Truman and Lewis Moore; four sisters Leota Gerrish, Katherine Lambert, Virjan Newsom and Chelsea Faye Moore.

Funeral services were conducted in the chapel of Ermert Funeral Home, Dec. 22, 2007 with Bill ENNIS and Frank Oldham officiating. Burial in Hitt Cemetery, Success.

Virginia Estelee Drope 

Virginia Estelee Drope, 83, of Paragould, died at the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, Friday, December 21, 2007.
Born June 22, 1925, in Greene County, Mrs. Drope was a homemaker, and former owner of Drope’s Drapery for 25 years. She was a member of East Side Baptist Church.

Survivors include three daughters, Shirley Moore and Phyllis Drope, both of Paragould, Bambie Ashley of Trumann; and twin boys that she raised, Charles Woodruff and Duane Woodruff, both of the home. She is also survived by one brother, Virgil Foutch of Leachville; two sisters, Dolly Cox of Fenton, Mich., and Juanita Walls of Paragould; four grandchildren, Roger Quinn of Poplar Bluff, Nancy Gaskins of Germany, Micha Drope of Paragould, and Veronica Ashley of Trumann; and by several great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Winfred Drope; two daughters, Tanya Martineze, and Linda Kay Drope; and by her parents, Robert and Lessie Foutch.
Visitation will be Saturday, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.

Funeral services will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Dennis Scudder and Jason Noel officiating. Burial will follow in Cardwell Cemetery, Cardwell, Missouri. 
Memorials to East Side Baptist Church would be appreciated.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Kellie Robyn Mealer 

Kellie Robyn Mealer, 29, of Paragould died Friday, December 21, 2007 at UAMS at Little Rock. 

She was born March 11, 1978, at Jonesboro. 

She was preceded in death by her sister, Crystal Rose Mealer; and her grandparents, Elbert and Myrtle Clayton and Claude and Dorothy Mealer. 

She is survived by her parents, Larry and Sheila Mealer; sister, Faith Bass, all of Paragould; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. 

The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. today in Heath Funeral Home. 

Her life will be celebrated today at 3 p.m. in Heath Colonial Chapel with the Rev. Wayne Faulkner officiating. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery. 

If you would like to leave a lasting memorial, please consider the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 

Roy Edward McDaniel 

Roy Edward McDaniel, 79 of Paragould, died Saturday, December 22, 2007 at the St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Mr. McDaniel was born on November 22, 1928 in Paragould, AR., he was a member of the Walcott Baptist Church and Custodian for Greene County Tech Primary School. 

Survivors include: one son; Rickey McDaniel of Paragould, one daughter; Sherri Purcell of Paragould, one brother; Earl McDaniel, two sisters; Lottie McDaniel and June Ann Hovis both of Houston, Texas, seven grandchildren, one great grandson. 

Mr. McDaniel was preceded in death by: one son Scott McDaniel, his parents; Elgin and Mary McDaniel, one sister and several brothers. 

Funeral services will be at 1:30 P.M. Thursday, December 27, 2007 at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, burial will follow in the Brown’s Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Mitchell Funeral Home in Paragould. 
Sign our online register at www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Joe Mack Pillow 

Joe Mack “Captain Joe” Pillow 71, of Paragould died Sunday, December 23, 2007, at his home. 

Born December 28, 1935, in Paragould, he was a businessman, owner of Pillow’s Fish Farm Inc. and Pillow’s Bait Shop. He was a member of Arkansas Bait and Ornamental Association, Catfish of Arkansas Association, Paragould Chamber of Commerce, had served in the U.S. Army and was a member of Lake Street Baptist Church. 

He is survived by his wife, Irene “Connie” Pillow of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Joey and Darlene Pillow and Jim and Kathy Pillow of Paragould; one daughter and son-in-law, Rene` and Carey Faughn of Paragould; one brother, Bob Pillow of Paragould; two sisters, Pauletta Toby of Paragould and Reba Harrison of Tennessee; nine grandchildren, one of whom he raised, Amy Oost; and six great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Euna Pillow; and one daughter, Debbie Pillow Greene. 

Funeral services will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Wayne Faulkner and Kenny Crafton officiating. Burial will be in Greene County Memorial Gardens. 

Pallbearers will be Gary Baldwin, Jerry Clifford, Gordon Dowler, Doyle Forehand, Jack Shearer and Keith Adams. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Justin Pillow, Rickey Faughn, Jake Pillow, Cheddy Williams, Steve Johnson and Ben Gonser. 

Visitation will be Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Memorials to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated. 


Our online register at: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

William Franklin Simpson, Sr.

William Franklin Simpson, Sr., 67, of Lakeland, Florida, formerly of Paragould, died Monday, December 24, 2007, at Lakeland.

Born November 24, 1940, in Paragould, Mr. Simpson was the retired owner/operator of Simpson Enterprises, and of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include three sons, Dr. William E. Simpson, Jr. of Eastland, Texas, Thomas Carl Simpson of Pine Bluff, and Joseph Simpson of New Jersey; one daughter, Lisa Ann Baxley of Lakeland, Florida; and one sister, Doris Merrell of Jonesboro. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren; and by one great grandchild.

Mr. Simpson was preceded in death by his parents, Hester Carl and Bessie Maude Simpson; and by one sister, Anna Mae Dyess.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 1:45 p.m., Sunday, at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 30th, at Linwood Cemetery. The procession will leave Mitchell Funeral Home at 1:50 p.m., Sunday.

Online register at www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Ruby Jane Whitenton

Ruby Jane Whitenton, 89, of Marmaduke died Monday, December 24, 2007 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. Born September 15, 1918, in Oneida, TN she was a homemaker and member of Worldwide Church of God.

She is survived by three sons, Philip Whitenton of Yuma, AZ, James Whitenton of Decatur, MS, and Bobby Whitenton of Savannah, GA; six daughters, Peggy Murdock of Benton, AR, Gloria Cook of Chickamauga, GA, Brenda Upton of West Memphis, AR, Judy Hendon of Florence, MS, Martha Shipley of Marmaduke, AR, and Sheila McNamee of Jonesboro, AR; 27 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; two great-great- grandchildren; and a sister, Ann Brashears of California.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Whitenton; a son, David Gerald Whitenton; two daughters, Betty Jo Griffin and Anita Marie Barnes.

Graveside services will be held Sunday January 6, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Pine Log Cemetery with James Throgmorton officiating. On-line guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

Valerie A. Ergle

Valerie A. Ergle, 56, of Mapleton, IL., died Monday, December 24, 2007, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

Born November 6, 1951, in Lafe to Osborn and Mary Reynolds Wilcoxson, she attended grade school and two years of high school in Rector. She was employed as a school teacher for Manual High School in Peoria for 29 years, retiring in June 2007.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jimmy Ergle.

Survivors include her husband, Preston Ergle, whom she married July 4, 1996, in Gatlinburg, TN.; her parents, Osborn and Mary Reyonlds Wilcoxson of East Peoria; one sister, Patricia and Jimmy Cox of Leoma, Tenn.; four brothers, Jerry Wilcoxson of Washington, Timothy Wilcoxson of East Peoria, Ricky and Debbie Wilcoxson of Peoria and Bradley Wilcoxson of Tremont, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, at the Wilton Mortuary in Peoria with Rev. Tom Grose officiating.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Peoria Journal Star Christmas Fund, St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Visiting Nurses Association.

Melissa Kay Sessums 

Melissa Kay Sessums, 25, of Paragould, died Tuesday, December 25, 2007, at UAMS, Little Rock.

Born August 30, 1982, in Paragould, Melissa worked in the delicatessen at Wal-Mart. She was a member of the Silverdale Baptist Church, Arbyrd, Missouri.

Survivors include her parents, Ed and Sharon Sessums of Paragould; her grandmother, Louise Hall of Paragould; three brothers, Danny Sessums and Scott Sessums, both of Hornersville, and Brian Simpson of Memphis. She is also survived by her fiancé, Cody Smith; future mother-in-law, Terry Morris; and future father-in-law, Kenny Smith, all of Paragould; and by many friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Martha and Everett Sessums, Hubert Elmore, and Bill Hall.

Visitation will be Thursday, from 6:00- 9:00 p.m., at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.

Funeral services will be Friday, December 28th, at 1:30 p.m. at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Shannon Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery.

Memorials to Cancer Research or UAMS would be appreciated.

Sign our online register at www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Naomi Pratt

 Naomi Faye Brashears Pratt, age 92, of Paragould, died Tuesday, December 25, 2007, at Greene Acres Nursing Home in Paragould.  She was born November 23, 1915, in Greene County the daughter of the late Fred and Faye Sisk Sanders.

She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Benny Brashears; second husband, Homer Pratt; son, Keith Brashears, two brothers and four sisters. 

She is survived by her son, Gary Brashears of St. Charles, Mo.; daughter, Joan Wessels of Memphis, Tenn.; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  

Her life will be celebrated Friday at 2:30 p.m. at West View Baptist Church in Paragould with Revs. Marc Reeves and Ronnie Winn officiating.  Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery in Paragould.   The family will receive friends Friday from 1 p.m. until service time at West View Baptist Church. 

Memorials may be sent to Greene Acres Nursing Home or West View Baptist Church.  Heath Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  

Curtis Paul Friar

Curtis Paul Friar, 89, of Paragould, died Tuesday, December 25, 2007, at his residence.  He was a  retired farmer and  Backhoe Operator for the Arkansas Highway Department.  He was of the baptist faith,  a World War II veteran serving in the Aleutian Islands and a member of the American Legion.  He spent his retirement years enjoying his large family and was loved by all.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Jess and Evaline Like Friar; two sons, James Butler and John Earl Friar; three sisters, Retha Clifton, Dorothy Garner and Mary Bateman.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Edith Grooms Friar of the home; daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Dewayne Watson and Jenny and Eddie Oman Weatherford; sons and daughters-in-law, J.M. and Sue Friar and Jerry and Kim Friar, all of Paragould;  brother, J. B. Silas Friar and sister, Yvonne Friar Smith of Paragould; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be today from 6 – 8 p.m. at Heath Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be Friday at 10 a.m. in the Heath Colonial Chapel with Rev. Michael Sutton officiating.  Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

The family has requested that memorials be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

Pallbearers:  Corey Rollings, Jon Weatherford, Jeff Butler, Ernie Pruett, Jason Friar, David Karshis. 

Honorary Pallbearers:  Dennis Watson, Lanie Hailey, Sarah Morris, Jessie Friar, Ashley Karshis, Elizabeth Friar, Kody Friar.

Bertha Louise Carter

Bertha Louise Carter, 84, of Jonesboro died Tuesday, December 25, 2007, at St. Bernards Medical Center.

Born June 9, 1923, in Booneville, MS., Mrs. Carter moved to Marmaduke at an early age and then lived in Paragould and Detroit before moving to Jonesboro in 1961.

She was a homemaker and a member of Walnut Street Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Neil B. Carter; a daughter, Betty Reed; and a sister, Georgia Lee Evans.

Survivors include two daughters and son-in-law, Lou Ann and Dennis Veteto and Norma Cook, all of Jonesboro; son and daughter-in-law, Richard Neil (Rick) and Becky Carter of Jonesboro; six sisters, Rachel Clayton and Judy Wheat, both of Marmaduke, Pauline Carey of Alpena, Mich., and Ruby Weber, Sarah (Mag) Murray and Jessie Midkiff, all of Rector; five grandchildren, Jonna Johanson, Ted Veteto, Kelly Valdez, Jeremy Neil Carter and Elizabeth Ann Carter; and three great-grandchildren, Haven Johanson, Bryce Neil Carter and Ava Isabella Valdez.

Funeral services will be held Friday morning at 10 at Walnut Street Baptist Church with Jerry Parker officiating with Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

A graveside committal service will be held Friday afternoon at 3 at Harvey’s Chapel Cemetery near Marmaduke with Marston Carpenter officiating.

Pallbearers include Jeremy Carter, Gary Roberts, Dustin Blackshear, Kenny Wright, Lorin Morgan and Scott Wheat.

Visitation will be held tonight from 5-8 at Emerson Funeral Home.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to Walnut Street Baptist Church Building Fund, 1910 Scenic Drive, Jonesboro 72401.

Online registry: www.emersonfuneralhome.com

Perry Randall Metheny

Perry Randall Metheny, 58, of Kennett, MO., formerly of Leachville, died Tuesday, December 25, 2007, at Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center in Kennett.

Born in the Pawheen community near Leachville, he was the son of the late Glen and Della Hyde Metheny and had lived much of his life in Memphis.

He was a 1966 graduate of Leachville High School and a 1972 graduate of Arkansas State University, where he was a member of Sigma Pi fraternity. He was retired from the U.S. Army, having attained the rank of lieutenant colonel and was a member of the Church of Christ. He had been a resident of Kennett for the past year.

Survivors include his sons, Wayne and Nathan Metheny, both of Cordova, Tenn.; daughter, Sarah Metheny of Kennett; granddaughter, Makena Metheny; brothers, Ben Metheny of Leachville, Dennis Metheny of Washington, Mo., and Larry Metheny of Kennett; and sisters, Sonja Hosman of Paragould, Jo Mason of Columbia, Mo., and Blanche Conrad of Cardwell, Mo.

Graveside services will be Friday at 2 p.m. in Greene County Memorial Gardens at Paragould. Howard Funeral Service of Leachville is in charge of arrangements.

The family will receive visitors Friday from 11-1 p.m. at the funeral home in Leachville.

To sign the online guest register, log onto www.howardfuneralservice.com

Robert Euclid Green

Robert Euclid Green was born June 1, 1915, in Paragould, Ark.  A lifetime resident of Paragould and a member of pioneer families of Paragould and Greene County, his parents were Don and Lelia B. Green and were early settlers moving from Tennessee to Gainesville, Ark. and later when the county seat was moved they moved to Paragould.  His mother’s parents moved from Middle Tennessee to the Bethel Community and were large farmers before moving into Paragould.

He graduated from Paragould High School in 1932 and attended Hendrix College and Springfield Draughns Business University.  He joined his father in 1934 in the Don H. Green Machine Shop.  In 1942  the shop equipment and supplies were sold to the National Youth Administration and he taught welding in the new NYA building and later was transferred to the Searcy NYA as superintendent of the Machine and Sheet Metal Shop.  The NYA was liquidated and assets were transferred to the War Manpower Commission in 1943.  He worked for the Bertig Cotton Company one season and in February 1944 acquired a hardware store and operated the Green Hardware until 1956.  During his hardware operation he was a member of the Arkansas Retail Hardware Association and was elected to be first Vice president for four years.  He had married Mary Hazeldine Layl Green on April 16, 1944, and celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in 2007.

Following the election of Mack West to the Arkansas Senate, he became Mr. West’s secretary and also served as Sergeant at Arms of the Senate.  He then became a field auditor for Arkansas Employment Security Division and retired on June 30, 1980, after serving 23 and a half years.  He joined the First Methodist Church in February 1924 and when he became an adult served many years on the Board of Stewards, Administration Board and the Board of Trustees and as a trustee voted to add the Chapel and Fellowship Hall to the building located on 4th and Main streets.  He was a charter member of the Paragould Kiwanis Club and served on its first board of directors.  While in Searcy with NYA he was a member of the Searcy Kiwanis Club.  On returning to Paragould, he joined the Rotary Club and in 1947 was elected a delegate along with Verlyn L. Heath and with their wives to attend the Rotary International Convention in San Francisco, California.  Also in 1947 he was elected President of the Greene County Fair Association.  After a successful fair, funds were secured to purchase land for a permanent fair site.  The Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs and Young Mens Civic Club and four individuals furnished money to buy land for the present fairgrounds.  He has been a member of the Jonesboro Elks Lodge #498 for 30 years.  He and his wife have traveled extensively in the United States, Canada, Cuba, Hawaii and two trips to England and two trips to Europe.

Mr. Green was preceded in death by his son, Robert Euclid “Reg”  Green, Jr., his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Don H. Green, paternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Martin Luther Green and Maternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. James Whitmel Webb, a brother, Donald Webb Green,  and a sister-in-law, Allie M. Green and a special Aunt Calada Webb Martin.

He is survived by his wife,  Hazeldine Layl Green;  two nephews and wives, Donald Webb Green, II., and Kathy and Gordon Ray Green and Beverly;  one niece, Charlotte Layl Ball and husband Charles Frederick Ball, Jr. and two children; several great nieces and nephews; two great great nieces; one great great nephew; and several cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Zach Roberts officiating.  Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Friday from 6-8 p.m.  at Heath Funeral Home. 

Memorials may be made to the Reg Green Memorial Scholarship Fund, First United Methodist Church. 

Donald Eugene Eckles

Donald Eugene Eckles, 72, of Marmaduke, died Thursday, December 27, 2007, at St. Bernard's Medical Center.

Mr. Eckles was born January 5, 1935, in Waterford Township, Oakland County, Michigan. He retired from General Motors Truck and Bus factory in Pontiac, Michigan, and was a member of the United Auto Workers, Local 594. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Marmaduke.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Eckles of the home; two stepsons, Rick Holt of Knobel, and Robert Coe of St. Louis; three stepdaughters, Melinda Ellington of Mountain Home, Brenda Plumbly of Linden, Michigan, and Sandy Jones of St. Charles, Missouri. He is also survived by two sisters, Ardith Allard and Louise Welter, both of Houghton Lake, Michigan; a nephew, Terry Eckles of Jacksonville, Florida; a niece, Lori Kramer of Holly, Michigan; and by a great granddaughter, Kayla.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Gladys Eckles; his first wife, Sylvia Mae Farmer Eckles; three brothers, Frank Edward Eckles, Sr., Roderick Milton Eckles, and Gordon Eckles; and by one sister, Edith Allard.

Visitation will be from 6:00-9:00 p.m., Saturday, at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.

Funeral service will be conducted 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 30th, at the Marmaduke First Baptist Church with Kim Bridges officiating. Burial will follow in Hartsoe Cemetery.

Matthew Holt, Shain Finley, Jacob Hazelwood, Nick Young, Claud Farmer, and Chad Robinson will serve as pallbearers. Richard Janes will be an honorary pallbearer.

Online register at www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Patricia Bronner

Patricia Bronner of Corning, was born April 6, 1956 in Madisonville, KY, daughter of Conrad Lee Oldham and Betty Louise Warrick Bronner. She died in Paragould Thursday, December 27, 2007. She was 51.
She was a homemaker and worked in the produce business. She loved to garden.
Survivors are  special friend Al Parson, of Corning; one daughter Christina Louise Somaniego; three sisters Debbie Jo Portwood, Poplar Bluff, MO., Lisa Reed, Cincinnati, OH., Vanessa Duncan, Manitou, KY., two brothers Stephan Ray Bronner, Virginia Beach, VA., and Greg Oldham, Mt. Orb, OH.,  two brothers-in-law Larry Portwood, Poplar Bluff, MO., and David Moore, Doniphan, MO., step mother Cora Oldham, Manitou, K., two grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were conducted Wed. Jan. 2, 2008 at Oak Grove Cemetery, Doniphan, MO., with Rev. Larry Portwood officiating. Burial under the direction of Ermert Funeral Home.

Clay County Courier

Jo Ann (Haynes) Dickens

Jo Ann (Haynes) Dickens, 76, of Paragould, passed away on Friday, December 28, 2007.

She was born October 3, 1931, in Paragould, then lived in Chicago, Illinois, Charleston, South Carolina, and returned to Paragould in 1975. Her life was defined by her limitless love for her family and her great sense of humor. She loved to laugh. She was baptized in the 7th Day Adventist Church as a teenager and continued her faith throughout her life.

She is survived by her children, Lynda Cook and husband, Jerry of Dallas Texas, Tim Dickens and Cindy, and Kevin Dickens, all of Paragould; her grandchildren Misty, Tim, William, Mark, Raelynn, and Scott; and by her six great grandchildren, Caitlyn, Brianna, Dakota, Aden, Jayden and Haley.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Haynes; her mother, Lena Schrader; and her brother, Wilbourn Wilson.

Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M., Monday, December 31st, at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, Paragould. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 6:00 P. M. until 9:00 P. M. at Mitchell Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank all the loving care given by the staff of Greene Acres Nursing Home and also the loving attention of Ruth Sikes, who always had a way of making her laugh and feel so good.

Online register at www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Homer H. Yow

Homer H. Yow, 69, of Jacksonville, IL., formerly of Paragould, died Friday, December 28, 2007, at Jacksonville.

Homer was born at Paragould on June 25, 1938, the son of Homer D. Yow and Irene Goodrich Yow.

Homer married Marcia Lee Mack in 1956. She predeceased him in 2004.

He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Becky Yow of Ozark, Mo., and Allen and Rasha Yow of Jacksonville; daughter, Marcia Linley Yow Donovan of Jacksonville; brothers, Bill and Woody Yow of Paragould; and sister, Thelma Yow Gately of Paragould.

His grandchildren are Kristy Lee Yow, Ashley Romine, William, Laura and Joseph Donovan and Alexander and Sarah Yow. His great-grandchildren are Nolan and Sydney Ebrecht.

He was preceded in death by two children, Harold Sterling and Laura Lee.

At the time of his death, Homer was retired, having been a clothing buyer and department manager for Penn-Daniels Inc. (Jacks Discount) from 1969-97 and a department manager for Shopko from 1997-2003. Prior to joining Penn-Daniels, Homer managed the Clyde Mack store for many years and later opened Steve Allen Men’s Clothing, both businesses located in Paragould.

For many years, Homer loved gardening, canning, cooking and telling stories. In his later years, he enjoyed using e-mail to reconnect with old friends. He enjoyed spending time with his family and loved them very much.

Visitation will be tonight from 6-8 in Heath Funeral Home at Paragould.

Graveside services will be Monday at 10 a.m. in Linwood Cemetery with the Rev. Tom Letchworth officiating.

The family has requested that memorials be sent to the American Lung Association.

Dennie Dewayne Byers

Dennie Dewayne Byers, 54, of Paragould died Saturday, December 29, 2007, at The Med in Memphis.

Dennie worked for Emerson Electric, was a self-employed landscaper and a member of Walnut Grove Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, Don “Jack” Byers Jr.; and a sister, Carolyn Byers.

Dennie is survived by his wife, Linda Byers of the home; son, Justin Byers of Paragould; his mother, Evelyn Byers Roberts of Paragould; brothers, Edgar Byers and Leon Roberts, both of Paragould; and two sisters, Key Newman of Paragould and Peggy Pitcher of Memphis.

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

Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Walnut Grove Baptist Church with the Revs. Leon Harvey and G.W. Endicott officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Log Cemetery.

The family has requested that memorials be made to Walnut Grove Baptist Church.

Lynn Clark Nolan

Lynn Clark Nolan, 42, passed away December 29, 2007, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, Paragould.

She is survived by her mother and father, Pat and Bloyce Clark; one daughter, Crystal Clark; one son, Trevor Nolan; one brother, Bryce Clark; one half-brother, Cloyce Clark, and one half-sister, Reynia Vaughn, all of Paragould.

Her body has been donated to the Genesis Gift of Life Medical Education and Research Institue.

No services are planned.  

Terry Dewayne Murray

Terry Dewayne Murray, 31, of Delaplaine, died Saturday, December 29, 2007.

He is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and a son, Tripp Eli Emry Murray both of the home, parents, Eli Alan and Lynn Murray of Delaplaine, two brothers, Christopher Murray and Michael Murray both of Delaplaine, Grandparents, Mae Murray of Pocahontas and Rupert and Doris White of Delaplaine, three nieces, six nephews and many other family and friends.

 His grandfather, Eli Murray, an aunt, Sarah Jane Walker and a nephew, Gauge Sawyer Murray, preceded him in death.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Price officiating. Burial will follow in Sharum Cemetery with military honors provided by Promberger-Traw Post #4556.

Christopher Murray, Michael Murray, Billy Don Weitkamp, Kevin Weitkamp, Bobby Rapert and Chris Rice will serve as pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers will be Randy Nelson, Nathan Compton, Justin Weitkamp, Terry Varner, Brent Garner, Joey Rice, Steve Lowtharp, Gordon Lowtharp, Brad Murray and Chuck Murray.

Visitation will be 5-8 Tuesday at the funeral home.

Doyle O. Davis  

Doyle O. Davis, 76, of Paragould, died Sunday, December 30, 2007, at St. Bernard's Medical Center.

A Marine veteran of the Korean Conflict, Mr. Davis was born April 30, 1931, in Delaplaine. He retired after working at Emerson Electric for over 37 years, and was a 32nd Degree Mason, a Sahara Shriner, a member of the VFW, and a member of Lake Street Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son, Doyle O. Davis, Jr. and his wife, Kathie, of Ocala, Florida; one daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Tony Case of Paragould; and an adopted son, Ronnie Davis of Paragould. He is also survived by two brothers, Grady Davis of Paragould, and Fred Davis of Wood River, Illinois; one sister, Thelma Jones of Paragould; two grandchildren, Megan and Cole Case of Paragould; two step grandchildren, Jamie Bowen and Amy Simons, both of Ocala, Florida; and by four step great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one adopted son, Allan Davis; one sister, Mable Moore; and by three brothers, Dixon, Jim, and Tom Davis.

Funeral services will be conducted 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 2, 2008, at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, Paragould, with Wayne Faulkner officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be at Mitchell Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m., Wednesday until service time.

Online register at www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Maurice Humphrey Ray

Maurice Humphrey "Hump" Ray, 80, of the General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell, formerly of Marmaduke, died Monday, December 30, 2008, at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Born December 7, 1927, in Marmaduke to the late Shad Ray and Reba (Graves) Ray, he was manager of a service station in California, of the Baptist faith and was in the Marines.

He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Jo Ray, of the General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell; one son James Ray of Madison, Wisc.; one sister Doris Vance of Florida, and two grandsons, Tony and Tracy.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2008, at the Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Marmaduke with David Floyd officiating. Burial  in Hartsoe Cemetery near Marmaduke with Irby Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Winnie Lockwood Crowley

Winnie Lockwood Crowley, 94, of Bartlett, TN., formerly of Paragould, AR.  She was a retired homemaker and dairy farmer. She was a lifetime member of Shiloh Methodist Church in Paragould, Ark.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wiley, and son Rev. Bill Crowley.

Her service will be on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Family Funeral Care on Summer Avenue, with a one hour visitation prior to the service, starting at 12 p.m.  Burial will follow at Shiloh Cemetery in Paragould, Ark.

She is survived by her daughter, Frances Speer and son-in-law Charles with whom she made her home, Five grandchildren , seven great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and her dear friend, Maida Anderson.  Family Funeral Care 901-761-8000. 

Sandra K. Graybill

Sandra K. Graybill, 52, of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully December 30, 2007. Services will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday January 12, at the Buckner Restoration Church, 2607 N. Twyman Rd., Independence.

Sandra K. Stone was born in Paragould, Arkansas, and moved as a child to Independence, graduating from Van Horn High School. Sandra was a lover of nature and captured its beauty in many of her photographs she shared. She owned Nails and Tails Pet Grooming Salon for 25 years and considered her many loyal clients as friends.

Sandra was blessed with enormous love from her family, especially her devoted husband, Keith "Vern" Graybill, mother-in-law, Lucy Graybill, who gave so much of her time and love, and her long time friend, Hazael Matteson Evans, who defines what a friend should be. Sandra touched many lives with her accepting, non-judgmental, ready for a lough personality and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Keith Lavern; her children, Rod and Tara Galpin, Wayne and Amy Sclesky; grandchildren, Rachel, Drew, and Azia Galpin; her mother, Ruby Stone; brothers and sisters, Glenn and Linda Holloman, Houston and Rosita Holloman, Keith and Shelia Boyd, Mike, Darrell, and Marcia Graybill; her mother-in-law and father -in-law, Keith and Lucy Graybill. Several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in memory of Sandra Graybill to Hospice House 9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 100, KCMO 64114 Arr: Marts Memorial Services (816) 561-8181

Kansas City Star/January 8, 2008