Betty Sue Holtsclaw 

Betty Sue Holtsclaw, 74, of Paragould died Thursday, January 3, 2008, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. 

She retired from Emerson Electric Co. in 1995 and was of the Church of Christ belief. 

She was born February 27, 1933, in Greene County, the daughter of the late Tom and Lula McMillon. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Bonnie Izeta McMillon, Icamae McHaney and Gertrude Gill, and a brother, Herschel McMillon. 

She is survived by her husband, Donald Holtsclaw of the home; daughters and a son-in-law, Paula and Marty Browning of Paragould, and Kathy Lewis of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Amber and husband, Andy West, and Lindsay Lewis; brothers and sisters-in-law, N.J. and Clevie McMillon of Jonesboro, and Hancil and Thelma McMillon of Wichita, Kan. 

The family will receive friends from 6-9 this evening at Heath Funeral Home. 

Her life will be celebrated at Heath Colonial Chapel at 1:30 p.m. Sunday with Gene Wood and Rusty McMillon officiating. Burial will follow in Finch Cemetery. 

Pallbearers will be Royce, Brett, Greg, Chad, Zach and Jake McMillon, with her nephews being honorary pallbearers. 

Memorials may be sent to Regions Bank, Betty McMillon Holtsclaw Memorial, Katherine Lewis for Paula Browning, 101 West Court St., Paragould 72450.

Raymond Travis Clark

Raymond Clark, 83 of Paragould passed away January 3, 2008.

Memorial services will be Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Irby Funeral Home in Marmaduke. 

Rachel Lee Carroll

Rachel Carroll, 91 of Marmaduke died January 4, 2008, at the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould. 

Rachel was born January 13, 1916 to William and Flossie Hampton. 
She was orphaned at the age of 2 and was raised by her maternal grandparents Moses and Belle Starnes. 

She was preceded in death by three husbands: Macon Huckabay, Sherrill Graves and Cletus Carroll, her parents: William and Flossie Hampton, one son: Macon (AP) Huckabay and one grandson: Glenn Alan Gibson. 

She is survived by one son: Charles Huckabay of Paragould, three stepsons: Tommy, Nelson and Malcolm Carroll from Marmaduke, three step daughters: Vanatta Bowery of Shadyside, Ohio, Carolyn Gibson and Marilyn Price of Marmaduke, five grandchildren: Lisa Easley, Terry Huckabay, and Kathy Huckabay of Marmaduke, Kelli Wilbanks of Harrisburg and Tracey Huckabay of Paragould, five great grandchildren: Briar and Lance Easley, Whitney and Kyle Huckabay and Amber Wilbanks, twelve step-grandchildren: John Bowery, Russell Carroll, Darrell Carroll, Eugene Carroll, Pamelia Synder, Karen Hamilton, Valerie Shelton, Kimberly Taylor, Bradley Carroll, Tim Walker, Ken Walker and Eric Price, eighteen step-great grandchildren: 
Kyle Honeycutt, Damien and Glenn Carroll, Carson Carroll, Justin, Craig, and Shawn Synder, Lauren and Lindsey Walden, Morgan Carroll, Matthew and Haley Shelton, Hannah and Abby Taylor, Ashton and Landon Walker and Katelyn and Kylie Walker. 

Funeral services will be Sunday, January 6, 2008 at 2:00 at the Irby Funeral Home in Rector with Brother Kim Bridges officiating. Visitation will begin Sunday at 12:00 until 2:45 at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Hartsoe Cemetery near Marmaduke. 

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

Wayland Croft

Wayland Croft, 73, West Plains, Missouri, went to be with the Lord on January 4, 2008, at 10:25 p.m. at Brooke Heaven HealthCare. Wayland was born March 14, 1934, in Brookland, Arkansas. to James Hiram and Clara Edwards Croft.

Wayland had 13 brothers and sisters and grew up in Lorado, AR. He served two years active duty in the Army. He retired from General Motors after 30 years. Wayland was a cattle farmer in Couch, MO. and owned rice and soybean farms in Arkansas.

Wayland leaves his loving wife, Myrna Croft and three children by marriage, Jim Warren of Fordland, MO., Mark Warren and wife, Leanda, of Blue Springs, MO., and Treva Swadley and husband, Gary, of Springfield, MO.; nine grandchildren and three grandchildren; one brother, Dempsey Jones Croft and wife, Leoda, of Jonesboro, AR.; sister, Mary Jo Dacus and husband, Tom, of Hemet, CA.; and sister, Erma Dell Smith of Little Rock, AR. and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held today at 10 a.m. at the Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains, MO. Graveside services and burial will be at 2 p.m. at Liberty Cemetery in Greene County, AR.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Martha Paralea Walker 

Martha Walker died Friday, January 4, 2008 in Mountain Home. She was 82. Martha Walker was born Friday, November 13, 1925 in Ada, Oklahoma, daughter of George Hilton and Mary Etta Lamb. She married Maurice D.Walker on December 1, 1943 at Reno, Nevada. She was a homemaker and lived in Mountain Home for 5 years moving from Paragould, Arkansas. 


Survivors: husband, Maurice D. Walker and 4 sons, Rev. Berlen (Henrietta) Walker of Horseshoe Bend, AR, Gary (Christine) Walker of Swedesburg, IA, Rickey (JoAnn) Walker of Ft. Worth, TX, and Daryle (Jewel) Walker of Conway, AR, 3 daughters, Jeanie Thacker of Ft. Worth, TX, Sandra (John) Robinson, and Brenda (Benny) Wyatt of Mountain Home, AR, brother, Ray Hilton of Oklahoma City, OK, 21 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. 

Preceded in Death by: her mother, father, 2 brothers, 1 sister and 2 grandchildren. 

Visitation: Visitation will be from 4-6 P.M., Sunday, January 6 at Kirby & Family Funeral Home.

Funeral: Graveside services for Martha Paralea Walker of Mountain Home, AR, will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, January 7, 2008 at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock Arkansas with Reverend Bill Newman officiating 

Burial: Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock, Arkansas. 

Online guest book: http://www.kirbyandfamily.com

Stephen Wayne Cain

Stephen Wayne Cain, 56, passed away Saturday, January 5, 2008, at his residence. He was born May 27, 1951, in Mesa, Arizona. to P.D. and Juanita Cain.

He served in the U.S. Army and worked 25 years at Monroe Auto Equipment in Paragould.

He was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his mother, as sister and brother-in-law, Inez and Jim Murray of Little Rock, AR., his nephew, Geoffrey Rowe of Bullhead City, Az., and Eli Murray of Little Rock, AR. and a niece and her husband, Elana and Nicholas Tate of Cabot, AR.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home. The funeral home service is at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Chapel at Phillips Funeral Home. Bro. Truman Wycoff will be officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Knot Cemetery.

Online guestbook: www.phillipsfuneral.net

Norman Wilson Kelley 

Norman Wilson Kelley, 95, of Hot Springs, formerly of Paragould, passed gently into the arms of our Lord on January 5, 2008. He was born November 20, 1912, in Independence County. 
Mr. Kelley was preceded in death by his son, Lavon; daughter-in-law, Mary Anne; a grandson, Alan; his parents, James and Dora Kelley; three brothers, Jeff, Carter, and Eugene Kelley; and three sisters, Clara Wyatt, Eunice White, and Edna Robinson. 
Mr. Kelley is survived by his wife of 75 years, Monnie May Bufford Kelley; two sons, Jerry Kelley and wife Peggy of Hot Springs Village, and Bill Kelley and wife, Joneta of Moon Lake, Mississippi. He is also survived by one brother, Ralph Kelley of Paragould; a sister, Juanita Painter of Batesville; six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and by one great great grandchild. 
Norman Kelley was the owner of Paragould Shoe Store for 25 years and co-owner of Kelley’s Grocery Store for 36 years. He was Director of First National Bank; president of Greene County Fair Association in Paragould; a board member of Affiliated Foods in Little Rock; and served on the Board of Trustees at Southern Baptist College. Mr. Kelley was an ordained deacon in the Baptist Church and a Gideon. He was a member of the Church at Cross Gate. 
Graveside services will be 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 9th, at Linwood Cemetery, with Dr. Winfred Bridges officiating. Grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers. 
Visitation will be Wednesday from 12:30-1:45 P.M. at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould. The procession will leave Mitchell Funeral Home at 1:50 P.M. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to your local Gideon Organization. 
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

James Franklin Wenning

James Franklin Wenning, 75, of Paragould, died Monday, January 7, 2008, at his home. He was born August 8, 1932 in Paragould, the son of the late Stanes and Rosa Zollner Wenning. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Henry and Paul Wenning. James retired from Bertig Company as a bookkeeper, also retired as a rural mail carrier, was a Paragould High School Graduate and a U.S. Veteran. James was a devout member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Louise Wenning; nieces, Linda Wenning, Suzann Wenning and Rosemary Atwood, all of Paragould; and several cousins. 

There will be a public rosary beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, January 10, 2008, at Heath Colonial Chapel. The family will receive friends after the Rosary until 9 p.m. also at Heath Colonial Chapel. His life will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Friday with Father John Marconi and Deacon Rex Bouldin officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to St. Mary’s School Trust Fund or St. Mary’s Catholic Church. 

Randy Lee Bailey 

Randy Lee Bailey, 51, of Paragould, died Monday, January 7, 2008, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. He was born May 7, 1956, in South Haven, Michigan. 
Survivors include his father, John Bailey; one brother and sister-in-law, Ricky and Rebecca Bailey; and one sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Tommy Sanders, all of Paragould. He is also survived by a half-brother, J. W. Bailey; and a half-sister, Lillie Mangrum, both of Millington, Michigan. 
Mr. Bailey was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Bailey; and by one brother, Ronnie Arnold. 
A family memorial service will be conducted at a later date. Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould, is in charge of arrangements. 
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Beatrice Zelma McFall 

Beatrice Zelma McFall, 86, of Paragould, died Wednesday, January 9, 2008, at the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. 
Born October 17, 1921, in Lafe, she was a retired factory worker and a member of Unity Baptist Church. 

Survivors include two brothers, Robert Newell of Marmaduke, and James Newell of Michigan; one sister, Alice Knuckles of Paragould; and a host of nieces and nephews. 
Mrs. McFall was preceded in death by her parents, Ira and Esther Newell; her husband, James McFall; one brother, Junior Newell; and five sisters, Lillian Cole, Retha Willcockson, Evelena Scarborough, Wanda Cagle, and Melvine Russom. 
Visitation will be Friday evening from 6:00-9:00 p.m., at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould. 

The funeral service will be conducted Saturday, January 12th, 10:30 a.m., at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Terry Songer officiating. Burial will follow in Gainesville Cemetery. 

Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Teddy Ray Deck

Teddy Ray Deck, 75, of Senath, Missouri, died Wednesday, January 9, 2008, at Arkansas Methodist Hospital in Paragould.

Born Nov. 10, 1932, in Sulphur Rock, Arkansas, son of the late Bill E. and Annie Lois Henderson Deck, he was a U.S. Army veteran.

On July 22, 1956, in Senath, he married Vernell Hampton, who survives.

Survivors also include one son, Tim Deck, of Kennett; one daughter, Terri Harris and husband, Bill, of Senath; one brother, Bobby Deck, of Senath; two sisters, Margie Keen, of Senath and Dorothy Lane, of Clarksdale, Miss.; four grandchildren, David Felker, Hampton Deck and Leah and Zack King and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Lon, Don, Jimmy and Johnny Deck and one sister, Juanita Jackson.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., today, Thursday, Jan. 10, at the McDaniel Funeral Home in Senath.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 11, at the McDaniel Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Wayland Tom and Jim Pemberton officiating.

Burial will follow in the Memorial Gardens Cemetery at Kennett.

Pallbearers are Don Wallace, Jack Holifield, Joe and Tom Chandler, Steve Odle and Tommy Lon Johnson.

Marie McClearn Brasher

Marie McClearn Brasher, age 94, died on Friday, January 11, 2008.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who spent her life loving her God, her family and her church.

She was born on Oct. 26, 1913, in Marmaduke, Arkansas to Roy and Mary Elizabeth McClearn. She was married on June 21, 1930, to William Guy Brasher in Venice, Illinois. They were blessed to celebrate 66 years together before he preceded her in death.

She is also survived by her two daughters and their spouses, Jane B. and Garnet McDaniel of Jonesboro and Ruth Ann and Jim Cain of Paragould; her five grandchildren and their spouses, Craig and Tracey McDaniel, Grant and Jacque McDaniel, Lee and Jane Marie Woodruff, Clay and Lee Ann McDaniel, Matt and Susan Christian, Laurie and Allan Davis; ten great-grandchildren, Jenna McDaniel, Jace McDaniel, Jackson McDaniel, Will Woodruff, Jacob McDaniel, Weston Woodruff, Stephanie McDaniel, Katy McDaniel, Chloe Christian and Connor Davis. In addition she is survived by her niece Twyla Spain of Hornersville, Missouri.

She is preceded in death by her grandson, Brad Christian and her brother, Ellis McClearn.

She was a long time member of the Arbryd Baptist Church and for the past twenty- three years of her life, a member of the First Baptist Church of Paragould. She loved her church and regularly worshiped with her family. She was a faithful prayer warrior. 

She was a 70-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she held several offices. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary and the Cooperative Extension Service.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Paragould Benevolence Fund or Paragould Children’s Home.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Paragould. The service will follow at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be held at Greene County Memorial Gardens.

Honorary pallbearers are O. H. Clopton, Jr., M.D., Donald Hardin, Joe Hardin, June Roland and the staff of Greene Acres Nursing Home. 

Ruby Bell Williams

Ruby Williams 94, formerly of Marmaduke died on January 11, 2008, at the Evergreen Nursing Home in Rector.

She was born July 2, 1913, in Greene County to the late Oliver and Joyce Smith.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Williams.

She is survived by two sons, Pete Williams of Gainsville and Terry Lee Williams of Marmaduke; one daughter and her husband, Noreda and Rev. Paul Kirkpatrick; seven grandchildren and one grandson, Carl who is serving with the Marine’s in Iraq, nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. at the Irby Funeral Home in Marmaduke with Lynn McClure officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Harvey’s Chapel in Marmaduke.

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

Billy Joe Murray 

Billy Joe “Bill” Murray, 63 of Paragould, died Friday, January 11, 2008 in Paragould. Mr. Murray was born on April 9, 1944 in Rector, Arkansas. He formerly worked for the Paragould Street Department and was a lawn mower repairman and a member of the Marmaduke First General Baptist Church. 

Survivors include his wife; Barbara Murray of the home, three daughters and son-in-laws; Angela and Kenny Kibilko of Kingsland, Georgia, Billie Jean and Perry Wright of Lafe, Arkansas, Kristy Gale and Kreg Moffett of Meridian, Mississippi, one step son; J.C. Pillow of Fayetteville, Arkansas, one step daughter; Tiffany Pillow of Fayetteville, four brothers; Dewayne Murray of Dallas, Texas, Ken Murray of Paragould, Rick Murray of Kemp, Texas, Lynn Murray of Paragould, two sisters; Bonnie Steward of Kemp, Texas, Shirley Murray of Rockford, Illinois and seven grandchildren. 
Mr. Murray was preceded in death by; his parents; Alvin Franklin Murray and Imogene Guthrie Murray and one grandson; John Benoit.

 
Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Keith DeFries and Rev. Marston Carpenter officiating, burial will follow in the Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Monday at the Mitchell Funeral Home in Paragould. 

Pall bearers will include: Brian Murray, Darin Murray, Shawn Steward, J.C. Pillow, Matt Williams and Mike Murray. 
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Scott Alan Farmer 

Scott Alan Farmer, 34, of Marmaduke died Friday, January 11, 2008, at his home. 

He was born at Paragould on January 29, 1973, to Dennis and Barbara Runyan Farmer. 

Survivors include son, Allen Dewayne Farmer, 18, of the home; daughter, Janie Lynn Farmer, 15, of Port Allen, La.; parents, Dennis and Barbara Farmer of Marmaduke; sister, Denise Lamar and husband Donald; niece, Madisyn Lamar; and nephew, Markus Lamar, all of Marmaduke. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bill and Rellie Farmer and Bill and Ethelene Runyan; and aunt, Ollie Thomas. 

Services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. in First Baptist Church of Marmaduke with Kim Bridges officiating. Burial will follow in Hartsoe Cemetery at Marmaduke. 

Visitation will be Monday night from 6-8. 

Those wishing may sign the guest register at www.irbyfuneralhome.com

Theresa Gail Williams 

Theresa Gail Williams, 34, passed away January 12, 2008, in Paragould. She was born September 8, 1973, to Calvin Daniel and Sandra Sue (Draper) Rogers in Rockford, IL.

She was preceded in death by her father and a brother, Calvin Daniel Rogers, Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Bobby Dean Williams, Sr., of the home, her mother, Sandra Sue Rogers, of Paragould; grandmother, Thelma Draper, of Rockford, IL.; three daughters, Brittney Camp, Melanie Rogers and Cecily Lyles, of Paragould; three sons, Bobby Dean Williams, Jr., of Paragould, Nathan and Kyle Williams, of Poplar Bluff, MO.; two sisters, Shelly Jones and Sheila Anderson, of Paragould; a brother, Faron Rogers, of Rockford, IL.; two grandsons, Ty Camp and Austin Lyles and a host of nieces and nephews.

A memorial services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at Phillips Funeral Home with Kenny Wycoff officiating.

Online guestbook: www.phillipsfuneral.net

Jimmie Lee Garner 

Jimmie Lee Garner, 71, of Waldenburg died Saturday, January12, 2008, at Waldenburg. 

He was born July 6, 1936, at Walcott, the son of Earl Garner and Mildred Edith Smith Clayton. 

Mr. Garner had worked for Bartholomew Farms over 30 years and was a United States Army veteran serving in the Korean War. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division. He attended the Church of God in Harrisburg and enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching sports. 

Garner was preceded in death by one son, Kenneth Garner; brother, Donald Clayton; and his parents. 

He is survived by his wife, Doris Marie Bryant Garner; four brothers, J.E. Garner of Weiner, Curtis Moffitt of Jonesboro, Willey “Red” Moffitt of Altus and Wayne Clayton of Weiner; four sisters, Naomi Moffitt of Rogers, Pat Anderson of Norfork, Elsie Hewitt of Springfield and Betty Pasmore of Springfield; and longtime friend, Todd Bartholomew. 

Funeral services are 11 a.m. Tuesday in Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel with John Honeycutt officiating. Interment will be in Clark Cemetery. 

Visitation will be tonight from 6-9. 

Pallbearers are Todd Bartholomew, Wilbur Hewitt, Sammy Anschultz, Sherman Sanders, Ed Anderson and Danny Rasdon. Honorary pallbearers will be Leo Bartholomew, Leon Aston, Larry Taylor, Bob Davis, Preacher Hewitt, Jerry Mathews, J.J. Honeycutt and men of the Harrisburg Church of God. 

Memorials may be made to the Weiner Fire Department, P.O. Box 265, Weiner 72479. 

Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com

Terry Mack Hedge 

Terry Mack Hedge, 55, of Paragould passed away Sunday, January 13th, 2008, at his home. He was born August 24, 1952, in Paragould, AR. 

He is survived by his wife, Gail, of the home; two sons and their wives, T.J. and Kristen Hedge and Dustin and Jennifer Hedge; and two grandchildren, Layne and Addison Hedge, all of Paragould. He is also survived by four brothers and their wives, Travis and Sandra Hedge of Paragould, Mike and Monta Hedge of Marmaduke, Randy and Betty Hedge of Lafe, Noble and Niki Hedge of Paragould; one sister and her husband, Ida and Gary Priest of Marmaduke; and by one aunt, Betty McKinney of Paragould. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Boyd and Lorell Hedge; and by two granddaughters, Hope and Hannah Hedge. 

He was a former employee of Emerson Electric for 31 years and owner of Hedge’s Auto Sales which he took great passion in his love for cars. 

Visitation will be Tuesday, from 6:00- 9:00 p.m., at the Center Hill Church of Christ, Paragould. 
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 16th, at the Center Hill Church of Christ with Junior Vester and Jon Binkley officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home. 
The pallbearers will be his two sons and four brothers. The honorary pallbearers are Scott Gramling, Bill Miller, Harold Edwards, Bill Herren, Gary Napier, Joe Todd, and Ernie Chaffin. 

Memorials may be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital 
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Wanda Lee Hardin 

Wanda Lee Gatewood Hardin, 79 of Marmaduke passed away on January 15, 2008 at her residence. 

She was born to the late James and Nancy Belle (Beaton) Stephens in Lafe, Arkansas. She was a member of the Gravel Hill General Baptist Church but attended the First Baptist Church in Marmaduke. 

Wanda was preceded in death by her husbands: Harvel Gatewood and George Hardin, two brothers: Vernon and James "Ras" Stephens and two sisters: Arlene Ragle and Iva Jamison. 

She is survived by two sons and their spouses: Terry and Sondra Gatewood of Raleigh, North Carolina and Larry and Brenda Gatewood of Kennett, Missouri, one son: Mike Gatewood of Batesville, Arkansas, a daughter: Deanna Dover of Rogers, Arkansas, and a daughter and her spouse: Tricia and Mark Hedrick of Cabot, Arkansas, three step-children: Ted Hardin of Jonesboro, Steve Hardin of Corning and Lisa Goodpasture of Maumelle, two brothers: Thelbert Stephens and Eugene Stephens of Paragould, four sisters: Alma White of Senath, Catherine Gerdes of Jonesboro, Velma Smith of Marmaduke and Loretta Smith of Paragould, eleven grandchildren: Chris, Heather, Ashley, Jeff, Eric, Tyler, Morgan, Christine, Dillon, Hillary and Zac, five great-grandchildren and five step-grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be Friday, January 18 at 2:00 p.m. at the Marmaduke First Baptist Church with Brother Kim Bridges officiating. 
Visitation will be Thursday at the church from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. 
Interment will be at the Gravel Hill Cemetery in St. Francis. 

The family has requested that memorials be made to the Marmaduke First Baptist Church to the Future Needs Fund.
You may sign the online guest book at www.irbyfuneralhome.com

Mark Amos Curtis

Mark Amos Curtis was born in Knobel, February 17, 1926, son of Mark Amos and Nettie Opal Kent Curtis. He died in Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, Paragould, Tuesday, January 15, 2008. He was 81 years of age.
A former member of US Armed Forces and night watchman for Black's Lumber Company, he was affiliated with Jehovah's Witnesses.
Survivors are one daughter, Donna (Carmon) Miller, Corning; two sisters Bonnie Stoll, Glasgow, KY., and Inez (Gene) Clampit, Ann Arbor, MI., two grandchildren Jennifer (Jeremy) Gunn and Joshua Miller; four great-grandchildren, Ashely, Tyler, Matthew and Joshua; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brother, Victor, Pau Max, Elra, Omer and Donald Curtis; one sister Ruth Brown.
Memorial services were held Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008 in Kingdon Hall-Jehovah's Witnesses under the direction of Ermert Funeral Home of Corning.

Clay County Courier, Corning, Arkansas

Andrew E. "Andy" Niederkorn

Andrew E. "Andy" Niederkorn, a 1976 graduate of Greenway High School, died Wednesday, January 16, 2008.

He was born May 5, 1958, in Paragould and moved to Jacksonville, FL., in May 1976. He was the owner of Hard Times of Jax long haul trucking company.

Survivors include his wife, Donna; sons, Robert, Mike, Robert and Matthew; grandson, Trevor Lee Land; brothers, Ronnie (Mary) Niederkorn, Frank Niederkorn and Pat (Connie) Niederkorn; sisters, Carol (Pete) Rodriquez and Dorothy (Cliff) Maduzia; brother-in-law, Henry Harrison, and sister-in-law, Laura Niederkorn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Tulita Niederkorn of Rector; sister Faye Harrison, and brother George Niederkorn.

Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Sunday, January 20, in the Hardage-Giddens Town and Country Funeral Home chapel. Interment followed in Riverside Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Northeast Florida Community Hospice. Well wishers may send their condolences to donnaniederkorn@yahoo.com


Arrangements were by Hardage-Giddens Town and Country Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville. Those who wish may sign the guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

Owen D. Robinson 

Owen D. Robinson, 86, of Paragould, died Thursday, January 17, 2008, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. 
Born September 20, 1921, in Mounds, Arkansas, Mr. Robinson was a retired farmer, a Mason, and a member of Grace United General Baptist Church. He was a gentle father and a loving husband. 

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Maxine Robinson of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Maurice and Norma Robinson of Benton, Mickey and Karen Robinson of Paragould; two daughters and sons-in-law, Bonnie and Eddie Conkling of Azle, Texas, and Doris and Ron Keisler of Granbury, Texas. He is also survived by one brother, Virgil Robinson and one sister, Jewell Boozer, both of Paragould; two granddaughters, Renee Bethel, and Kerri Connellan; seven grandsons, Brian Conkling, Brad Conkling, Rhett Keisler, Ryan Keisler, Randy Robinson, Chris Robinson and Jonathan Robinson; thirteen great grandchildren; and by one great great grandchild. 

Mr. Robinson was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Bessie Evans Robinson; two brothers, Everett Robinson and Clifford Robinson; and by one granddaughter, Ceslee Conkling. Visitation will be from 6:00-9:00 p.m., Sunday, January 20th, at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould. 
The funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 21st, at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, with Royce Schanda officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery. 

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. 
Memorials to the charity of donor’s choice would be appreciated. 
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Gloria Shewmaker 

Gloria Shewmaker of Paragould died Thursday, January 17, 2008 at St. Bernards Medical Center at Jonesboro. 

Gloria was a retired school teacher, having taught in New Jersey and the Stanford School District. She was of the Church of Christ belief. 

Gloria is survived by her sisters, Mary Emma Fitzgerald and Eunice Higgins of Paragould; and brothers, Eddie Shewmaker of Scotch Plains, N.J., Kenneth Shewmaker of Austin, Texas and David Shewmaker of Havelock, N.C. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, A.T. and Cynthia Elizabeth Gramling Shewmaker. 

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

Funeral services will be Monday at 10:30 a.m. in Heath Colonial Chapel with Darrell Austin and Phil Wilkerson officiating. Burial will follow in Croft Cemetery. 

The family requests that memorials be made to the Children’s Homes Inc. of Paragould or Crowley’s Ridge College.

Austin McCoy 

Austin McCoy, 91, of Paragould died Friday, January 18, 2008 at Heritage Nursing Home at Conway, AR. 

Austin was retired from Paragould Animal Clinic, where he worked from 1948 until his retirement. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and a Navy veteran. 

Austin was preceded in death by his wife, Dora; parents, James Robert and Ida Lee Hickman McCoy; and brother, Norvel McCoy. 

Survivors include three sons, Dr. Fred McCoy of Conway, Darrell McCoy of Jonesboro and Bill McCoy of Paragould; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. 

Visitation will be tonight from 5:30-8 in Heath Funeral Home. 

Graveside services will be Monday at 2 p.m. in Piggott Cemetery with the Rev. Tom Letchworth officiating.

Evangeline Cothren 

Evangeline Cothren, 82, of Light died Friday, January 18, 2008 at St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro. 
Born May 16, 1925, Evangeline Cothren was a teacher – of English at Walcott Junior High School and of business education at Light High School and Greene County Tech High School – for a total of 31 years and in 1971 was named Arkansas Teacher of the Year. After retiring from teaching she opened Evangeline’s Footwear in Paragould, AR, which she owned and operated for 15 years. It was during this time that she served as President of the Paragould Chamber of Commerce. She then invested herself in the community, serving as a board member of the Arkansas Community Foundation and the Endowment Foundation of Greene County, as an organizer and volunteer for the Greene County Scholarship Fund and the Greene County Spelling Bee (spelling was always a true love), and as a volunteer in the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center Auxiliary, as a member and often officer of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, the Courthouse Preservation Society and the Retired Teachers Association of Greene County. She was a founding member of the Women’s Charitable Endowment. 
She earned a Bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University and a Master of Education degree from Peabody College for Teachers (now part of Vanderbilt University). 
She played the piano at Light Baptist Church, where she was a member, from the age of 9 and also served the congregation as secretary, treasurer and, of course, teacher. 
She was married to J.C. Cothren in May 1948. Mrs. Cothren will be missed as a teacher, mother, wife and friend. 
Survived include; her husband J.C. Cothren of Light, AR and son and daughter-in-law; Jackson and Angela Cothren of Fayetteville, AR, a granddaughter, Ellie Cothren of Fayetteville, two brothers, Vance Cupp, Jr. and Pete Cupp both of Light, AR. 
She was preceded in death by her father Vance Cupp, Sr. and mother Laura Cupp, her sister Clara White and her brother James Michael Cupp. 
Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M. Monday at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Raymond Atwood officiating, burial will follow in the Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M to 7:00 P.M. Sunday at the Mitchell Funeral Home in Paragould. 
Pallbearers will include: Jimmie Doyle Miller, Breck Freeman, Johnny Ray Distretti, Vance Cupp, III, Allen Blake, Jessie Hancock and Tony Evans. Honorary pallbearers will include: Ron Faulkner and Jay Colmer. 
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Light Baptist Church Memorial Fund c/o David Pratt, PO Box 1, Light, AR, 7243, the Evangeline Cothren Memorial Scholarship c/o Greene County Scholarship Fund or the Endowment Foundation of Greene County. 
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Bon Alsup, Sr.

Bon Gene Alsup, Sr., 67 of Marmaduke, AR., died Saturday, January 19, 2008 at his residence. Mr. Alsup was born on May 8, 1940 in Cardwell, MO., he was retired from the United States Navy and of the Baptist Faith. 
Survivors include; his wife: Shirley Alsup of the home, two sons; Edward Alsup of Paragould, AR., Bon Alsup, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL., two brothers: Charles Ray Alsup of Kennett, MO., Bennie Gale Alsup of Michigan, two sisters; Joyce Puckett and Sara Dean Alsup both of Arbyrd, MO., five grandchildren and one great grandchild. 
Mr. Alsup was preceded in death by; his parents; Harley and Pauline Alsup and one brother; Allen Dale Alsup. 
Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Terry Songer officiating, burial will follow in the Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Monday at the Mitchell Funeral Home in Paragould. 
Military Honors will be provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 4556 Pocahontas, Arkansas. 
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Edra Cate 

Edra Cate, 94, of Jonesboro died Saturday, January 19, 2008 at St. Elizabeth’s Place. 

Born July 22, 1913 at Larado, she lived all of her life in Northeast Arkansas. She was a longtime businesswoman and grocer at Jonesboro. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Cate; her daughter, Anna Beaty; and her son, James Gipson. 

She is survived by her son, Art Kent of Windermere, Fla.; a grandson; and four great-grandchildren. She was loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed. 

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Roller-Farmers Union Chapel. Burial will follow in Mount Zion Cemetery. 

No visitation has been planned. 

To sign our online guest book go to www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

Daryla Ann Hetler 

Daryla Ann Hetler, 46, of Leachville died Sunday, January 20, 2008 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould. 

Born at Leachville, she was a 1979 graduate of Leachville High School, and later, Cotton Boll Vocational Technical School’s medical transcriptionist program. She had been the office manager for Cullom Medical Clinic in Osceola for more than 20 years and was of the Church of Christ faith. 

Survivors include her parents, Billy and Darlene Hetler of Leachville; brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Sherry Hetler of Leachville; grandmother, Seveda Hetler Holt of Leachville; fiance, Dana Donner, and his son, Michael Donner, both of Leachville. She also leaves two nieces, one great-nephew and one very special friend, Tosha Bouser. 

Funeral services will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville with Wes McAdams and Alan Rainey officiating. Burial will follow in Leachville Cemetery. 

Pallbearers will be Mark Johnson, Gary Tippy, Aaron Bouser, Chris Warhurst, Friday Joe Garrison and Chris Martin. 

The family will receive visitors this evening from 6-8 at the funeral home. 

Online guest register at www.howardfuneralservice.com

Maurice Eugene Miller 

Maurice Eugene Miller, 67, of Durand, MI., passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2008, at McLaren Regional Medical Center in Flint, MI.

Mr. Miller was born on June 23, 1940, in Light, AR., the son of Joe and Mildred (Weaver) Miller. On May 26, 1962, he married Becky Newsom in Walcott, AR., and together they raised two daughters. Mr. Miller worked 40 years for General Motors at the GM Metal Fabrication Plant in Flint, MI., retiring in August of 2001. He was on the Durand School Board for 12 years and enjoyed gardening.

He is survived by his wife, Becky, of 45 years; two daughters, Kelly (Steve) Wilkes of DeWitt, MI., and Renae (Mel) Reimel of Goodrich, MI.; two granddaughters, Abbie and Megan Reimel, who were the joy of his life; mother, Mildred Miller, of Beech Grove, AR.; two brothers, Cletus (Betty) Miller of Paragould, AR., Willis Miller and sister-in-law, Sally Miller, both of Durand and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He is preceded in death by his father. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Epilepsy Foundation.

Funeral services will be held at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Durand Chapel on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Pastor John Walworth will officiate with interment to follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Vernon, MI. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-8 p.m. and again on Wednesday one hour prior to the time of service.

Online condolences may be sent at www.watkinsfuneralhomes.com

D.M. "Buster" Morris

D. M. (Buster) Morris of Paragould passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2008. Buster was born on March 15, 1913, near Rector, AR. He was the son of Melvin and Grace Easton Morris. His father preceded him in death while the family was fairly young and his mother was remarried to W. J. Rogers – a man Buster admired greatly. That marriage joined two families together with a wide age range. Those who preceded him in death were sisters; Lucille, Louise, Neva Bell and Rosetta; brothers, Logan, Clyde, Hershel and Frank, in addition to his parents, Willie and Grace Morris Rogers. One grandson, Chad Morris and three daughters-in-law, Mitzi, Wanda Lee, and Shelbye also preceded him in death.

He was married to Bessie Marie Ray on December 3, 1932, and they recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary.

To this union came four sons, Gerald, James, Irvin and Gary, 17 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

Survivors include their four sons and spouses, Gerald and June, James and Wanda of Piggott, Irvin and Sue of Paragould, and Gary and Sue of Lafe. Also surviving are three brothers, Herman and Therman Morris and Donald Rogers and families.

Buster was active in the ministry among General Baptist churches in Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri for approximately 70 years and he continued to teach his beloved Sunday School class at Grace United General Baptist Church until his health deteriorated about a year ago.

Visitation will be held at Heath Funeral Home in Paragould this evening from 6 until 9 p.m. and the funeral will be held at Grace United General Baptist Church in Paragould at 2 p.m. on Wednesday with Rev. Gary Morris (son) and Rev. Kevin Morris (grandson) officiating. Burial will follow at Shiloh Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Ed Morris, Alan Morris, Roger Morris, Stan Morris, Travis Tompkins and Kyle Morris. Rev. James H. Dortch, Rev. Ronnie Stephens, Rev. Royce Schanda and Rev. Kevin Abbott are honorary pallbearers.

If you would like to leave a lasting memorial, please consider the Agape House, PO Box 1056, Paragould, AR 72450. 

Robert Galli

Robert Galli, 67, of Paragould died Monday, January 21, 2008, at his residence. 

He was a veteran and retired truck driver. 

Survivors include his wife, Peggy Galli; four sons, Gary Galli, Arthur Nash, Terry Harkey and Gary Harkey; four daughters, Sherry Galli, Lisa Maddox, Tammy Neal and Patricia Potter; 17 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. 

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today in Linwood Cemetery with visitation from noon until 1:45 p.m. before services at Mitchell Funeral Home in Paragould. 

Online guest book: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Nancy Mae Rodgers Cupp

Mrs. Cupp passed away on January 21, 2008 in Olathe, KS., she was born on June 27, 1916 in Greene Co., Arkansas to Marvin and Geneva Rodgers. She married William Robert Cupp in 1941. They had three children, Donald W., Linda K. and Brenda F. Cupp. They raised their family in Paragould, Arkansas and later moved to Paola, Kansas. Mrs. Cupp was a daycare provider in Paola until she was 76 years old.
She was a member of the Bethal Pentecostal Church. Preceding her in death her husband Willie of Paola, son Donald, a brother Frank Rodgers, a sister Lucille Rodgers of Jonesboro, AR., and a sister Edna Thompson of Belleville, IL. 
She is survived by a brother Hulen Rodgers of Ferguson, MO., 2 daughters, Linda Wain of Cornelius, OR., and Brenda Snyder of Olathe, KS., 8 granddaughters, 1 grandson, 21 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. 

Services will be at Wilson and Son Funeral Home in Paola, visitation is January 24, 2008 from 6-8 p.m, funeral services January 25, 2008 10:30 a.m.

Virgie Ruth Hale 

Virgie Ruth Hale, 60, died January 22, 2008, at St. Bernards in Jonesboro. She had lived in Alicia the past 28 years and was a retired waitress. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Betty Harrell Dillingham. 

Survivors include three daughters, Teresa Gillean, Walnut Ridge, Tammy Hale, Alicia, and Dawn Simmons, Cherryvale, Kan; three sons, Brian Hale and Shane Hale both of Alicia, and Tracy Hale, Cherryvale, Kan.; a brother, Garland Dillingham, Schneider, Ind.; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. 

Funeral will be Friday at 11 a.m. at House-Gregg Funeral Home. Burial will be in Jones Ridge Cemetery at Delaplaine. 

Pallbearers will be Brian Hale, Tracy Hale, Shane Hale, John Simmons, Dewayne Gillean and Sonny Anglin. Honorary pallbearers will be Blaine Hale, Cody Hale, Tyler Hale, Travis Hale and Justin Hale. 

Visitation is Thursday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Loren Stroble 

Born December 30, 1922, Loren Herbert Stroble, 85, of Paragould died Tuesday, January 22, 2008 in Paragould. 

He played music for the Senior Bees for 17 years and was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. 

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of the home; a brother; sister; four sisters-in-law; brother-in-law; and several nieces and nephews. 

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

His life will be celebrated at a graveside service in Brown’s Chapel Cemetery at 11 a.m. Thursday. 

If you would like to leave a lasting memorial, please consider St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Donnie Ray Cox 

Donnie Ray Cox, 55, of Conway, died Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at Baptist Health Medical Center, North Little Rock. Mr. Cox was born December 10, 1952 in North Little Rock, Arkansas a son of the late Raymond Charlie who died February 27, 1995 and Clotene (Covington) Cox, who died February 27, 1991. 

Donnie was a retired Preacher. He preached for the Churches of Christ in Springfield, Aplin and Casa to mention a few. His ministry began early in life when he preached from the Sears Roebuck catalog to his siblings and neighbors. He was a graduate of the last Christians Communications Program at Harding University. His family remembers how he loved people and loved to help them. He enjoyed fishing and hunting.

He leaves to cherish his memory, two daughters, Jennifer Cougill and husband Robert of Bigelow, Heather Cox of Conway; sisters, Janice Lane of Knoxville, Beverly Sexton of Coldwater, Michigan; a brother, Charles Cox of Morrilton; grandchildren, Brittney, Geneva, Alex, Amber, Stephanie and Tristian Cougill; nephews Bobby and Patrick Lane, Derek and Cory Cox.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home, Friday, between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. Funeral will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 26, 2008 in the chapel of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Conway with Earl Shaw officiating. Burial will follow in the Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville, Arkansas, under the direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Conway. 501-327-7727.

Maggie L. Moore 

Mrs. Maggie Loretta Toler Moore was born on Monday, October 9, 1922, daughter of the late Thomas Monroe and Mary Lou Burns Toler. Mrs. Moore died Tuesday, January 22, 2008, at St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro, AR., at the age of 85 years and 3 months and 13 days. She was born in Paragould, AR., and had lived in Trumann most of her lifetime before moving to Jonesboro four years ago. She was a 1941 honor graduate of Stanford High School, was a retired inspector from the former Singer Company and a member of the Viva Drive Church of Christ. 

She was married to Russell R. “Doc” Moore in 1941 and was preceded in death by him in 2002, one sister, Myrtle Allison, 2 brothers, Johnny Toler and William “Dink” Toler, and her parents.. 
Survivors include one daughter, Patsy and Gerral Barrett of Ash Flat.; two sons, Tommy Moore of St. Louis and Johnny Mack Moore of Mason, Tenn.; four grandchildren, Tommy Moore Jr., Kim Moore and Cindi Moore all of St. Louis and Rhonda Pagan of Trumann; 10 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Sadie Toler of Paragould, nieces, nephews and many friends. 

Funeral services will be Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home with Bill Willard officiating. Burial will be in the Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro, AR. 
Active pallbearers will be Rhew Bales, Jerry McKinney, Leroy Dobbins, William Carter, Charles Gobbell and Raymond Asher. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Spangler, Greg Spangler, Joey Spangler and Chris Spangler. 
Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home. 
A special thanks to St. Elizabeth’s Place for the excellent care given to Mon the past few years. 
Memorials may be made to the Viva Drive Church of Christ, P.O. Box 545, Trumann, AR. 72472 

Online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net

John Smoot 

John Robert Smoot, 81, of Paragould, died January 23, 2008 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. Born May 30, 1926 in Greene County, he was a retired district manager with Life and Casualty and American General Insurance Companies, a veteran of the Korean War, and was a deacon at First Baptist Church and a member of First United Methodist Church. 

He is survived by his wife, Glenda Smoot of the home; one daughter, Robin Anne Smoot of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; one sister, Emma Lou Pardew of Jonesboro; four grandchildren, Todd Smoot, Jessica Jackson, J. R. Morris, and Melissa Morris, and four great grandchildren. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Winfield and Ruby Smoot; one son, Richard D. Smoot; one sister, Betty June Smoot, and one grandson, Michael Smoot. 

Funeral services will be private by Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Zach Roberts officiating. 
Memorials may be made to the A.M.M.C. Foundation, First United Methodist Church, or First Baptist Church. 
Online guest book: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Lottie Hooton

Mrs. Lottie Hooton of Paragould past away on January 23, 2008. She was born in Greene County on October 19, 1922, to John B. and Myrtle M. Gramling. She married Glyn B. Hooton of Pocahontas in 1942. He preceded her in death in 2000. She graduated from ASU with a Bachelors and Masters degree in Education. She taught at an elementary school in Jonesboro for many years before moving to New Mexico where she continued to teach. She and her husband returned to Paragould in 1996.

Lottie is survived by her three children, Jane Townsend and Gaye Childress of Benton, Texas and Vance Hooton of Kapolei, Hawaii. She is also survived by grandchildren, Todd and Brent Culley, Amy Bradford, Sarah Sather and Casey Hooton and six great grandchildren. In addition she is survived by two brothers, Lindy Gramling and Marion Gramling of Paragould.

The visitation will be at Heath Funeral Home, from 10-11 a.m., Saturday, followed by a procession to Warren’s Chapel Cemetery for a graveside service at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Marion Gramling officiating. 

Woodrow Franklin Sparks

Woodrow Franklin Sparks, 72, of Paragould died Thursday, January 24, 2008 at his residence. He was born September 19, 1935, in Flint, MI. He served his country in the United States Army. He retired after 32 years of employment with Roadway Express and was a member of the Teamsters Union. Woodrow was a member of Southside Community Church.

Survivors include his wife, Martha McLeroy Sparks of the home; sons, John Sparks of Ozark, MO., Don Sparks of Paragould and Frank Sparks of Russellville; brothers, Harold Sparks of Cave City, Tom Sparks of Sheridan, WY. and Carl Sparks of San Antonio, TX; and grandchildren, Christopher and Gracie Sparks.

Woodrow was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry Sparks, Sr. and Mattie Loraine Yant Sparks; and brothers, John Henry Sparks, Jr., Cecil Sparks, and Thomas Christian Sparks.

Funeral services will held at 3 p.m., Saturday, at the Heath Colonial Chapel with Reverends Gary Hair and Charles Stoddard officiating. Burial will follow at Cardwell Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at Heath Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be John, Tom, Carl and Christopher Sparks, Dean Cook and Ray McLeroy 

Memorials be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Hosptial. 

Robert Carlton Cannon 

Robert Carlton “Cork” Cannon, 78, of Paragould died Thursday January 24, 2008 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. 

He was born July 6, 1929 in Paragould to the late Lloyd and Elsie Evans Cannon and was also preceded in death by brothers, Doyle, Gerald and Winston Cannon and one sister, Charlene Kirby. He was retired from Emerson Electric Mfg. 

Surviving Robert are his wife, Jannette Cannon of the home; son , Rick Cannon and wife Jena of Paragould; daughters Joyette White of Paragould and Kimberly Dong and husband, Aaron of Dallas, Texas; sister, June Dorsett of Paragould; brother, Joe Cannon of California; grandchildren Shawn White, Sarah Cannon and Kaitlin Dong; and one great granddaughter, Megan White. 

Graveside services will be held Sunday, January 27th at 2:00 pm at Greene County Memorial Gardens with Reverend Royce Schanda officiating. 

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Saturday at Heath Funeral Home. 

Online guest book: www.heathfuneralhome.com

Rita Larae Stanfill 

Rita Larae Stanfill, 47, of Paragould, went to be with the Lord on, Friday, January 25, 2008, at her residence on Shiloh Road. She was born on December 13, 1960, in Paragould. She was a homemaker and a member of Fairview Baptist Church. She was a former employee of Emerson Electric and Kum and Go.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Ricky Howard.

Survivors include her husband, Winford Stanfill; her parents, Glen and Liz Howard; sister, Gayla Weatherford; daughters and sons-in-law, Wendy and Keith Hampton, Autumn and Brian Hicks; son, Andrew Gander and his girlfriend, Christina Washington; two granddaughters, Brooke and Emily Hampton and one grandson, Carter Hicks, all of Paragould. She is also survived by Patricia (MeMaw) Lenderman of Paragould, Grannie and Grandad Clark of Cherokee Village and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and other relatives.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 – 9 p.m. at Heath Funeral Home. A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Heath Colonial Chapel with Brother Dennis Strope officiating. Burial will follow in Shiloh Cemetery.

Pallbearers: J. W. Rawls, Jason Weatherford, Corey Weatherford, Josh Farmer, Tony Taylor, Will Tarry, Josh Owens and Mitchell Gander.

Online guest book:www.heathfuneralhome.com

Lesa King Niceschwander 

Lesa King Niceschwander, 34, of Kennett, MO., died Saturday, January 26, 2008 at Kennett. 

She was a homemaker and of the Church of Christ belief. 

She was born October 6, 1972, in Paragould. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Ricky and Michael King; and her father, A.J. King. 

Survivors include her husband, Dorsen; two daughters, Abbie and Alaina, all of the home; her mother, Gearlene King of Paragould; three sisters, Brenda Manness of McComb, Miss., Gail Taylor of Hardy and Regina Smith of Kennett; four brothers, Wendell and Randy King, both of Paragould, Terry King of Ocala, Fla., and Perry King of Topeka, Kan. 

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

Funeral services will be Monday at 10 a.m. in Heath Colonial Chapel with Chad Wagner officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery. 

Online register: www.heathfuneralhome.com

Billy Joe Keeling 

Billy Joe Keeling, 53, of Paragould died Saturday, January 26, 2008 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould. He was born March 5, 1954 in Marked Tree. He loved listening to music, listening to the radio, and watches. 
He is survived by his parents, Marvin and Nell Keeling of Delaplaine; mother, Betty Sodders of Archer, FL.; brothers: Timmy Simpson of Pennsylvania, James Poole and Donald Keeling of Delaplaine, David Keeling of Beech Grove and Phillip Keeling of Paragould; sisters, Pam Wimberley and Patricia Fulkerson of Paragould, Paulette Rapert of Peach Orchard and Peggy Grant of Delaplaine and many nieces and nephews. 

The family will receive friends from 6:00-9:00 PM Tuesday at Heath Funeral Home. His life will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Wednesday at Heath Colonial Chapel with Reverend Rick Ethridge officiating. 

Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery. Pallbearers are Jimmy Dale Rice, Alton Keeling, Bobby Keeling, Mike Conway, Frank Ridgely, and Doug Ferris. 

Online register: www.heathfuneralhome.com

Brenda Kay McEntyre 

Brenda Kay Newman McEntyre, 54, of Paragould died Saturday, January 26, 2008, at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center. 

Born July 16, 1953, at Kennett, MO., she was a homemaker and a member of First Assembly of God. 

She is survived by her husband, Jimmie McEntyre of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Angie and Jonathan Weese and Kerry and Jason Miller, all of Paragould; five brothers, Jim, Don, Bill, and George Newman, all of Paragould, and Rick Newman of Rector; three sisters, Shirley Holder of Fresno, CA., Gwen Ray of Paragould and Donna Mullins of Gainesville; and three grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Sarah Newman; one brother, Ken Newman; and one nephew, Rodger Dale Newman. 

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Shannon Morgan and Bill Newman officiating. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery. 

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

Pallbearers will be Rodney Newman, Trevor Newman, Tommy Newman Sr., Steven Powers, Larry Cox, Gary Huckabay, Danny Sanders and Major Ray. 

Online register: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Arvilene Marcelle Bradsher Hardin

Arvilene Hardin, 80 of Piggott passed away January 28, 2008, at the Piggott Community Hospital.

Arvilene was born February 9, 1927, to the late Arvin and Cleoffie (Starnes) Bradsher. She was formerly of Marmaduke and has lived in this community a lifetime. She was of the Methodist faith and enjoyed writing poetry, singing and volunteering at the nursing homes.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, J.D, Chester and Marlin Bradsher, and one sister, Veneda Hardin.

She is survived by her husband, Leslie Hardin; two sons, Ronnie and Roger Hardin of Piggott; four sisters, Vaudene Hardin of St. Louis, Merley Cowder of St. Charles, Orlena Rose of Marmaduke and Sheron Bradsher of St. Louis.

Funeral services will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Irby Funeral Home in Marmaduke with Rev. Bill Newman officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be at Ramer’s Chapel near Marmaduke.

Online guest book: www.irbyfuneralhome.com

Marvin Joe Keeling

Marvin Joe Keeling, 77, of Delaplaine died Monday, January 28, 2008 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. He was born August 25, 1930 in Prue, Oklahoma. He was an Army veteran serving during the Korean Conflict and was a farmer most of his life. He was a member of the Greater Vision Church in Paragould. 

Survivors include his wife, Nell of the home; sons, James Poole and Donald Keeling of Delaplaine, David Keeling of Beech Grove and Phillip Keeling of Paragould; daughters, Pam Wimberley and Patricia Fulkerson of Paragould, Paulette Rapert of Peach Orchard and Peggy Grant of Delaplaine; one sister, Joyce Cook of Jonesboro; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Artie Keeling and Jane Bell Strunk Keeling; son, Billy Joe Keeling; grandson, James Joseph Keeling; and sisters, Wanda Ethridge and Maxine Atkinsin.

Funeral services will held at 10:00 am, Saturday, February 2, 2008 at the Heath Colonial Chapel with Reverends Rick Ethridge and Joey Ethridge officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery. 
The family will receive friends from 6-9 pm Friday at Heath Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Jimmy Dale Rice, Rodger Anderson, Alton Keeling, Fred Carter, Keith Mosby and J. L. Grooms. Honorary: Bobby Haney, Rupert White, Raymond Niboonkit, Chris Keeling, Trevor Poole, Tracer Keeling, Hunter Keeling, Blake Keeling, Austin Grant, Zachary Rainwater. 

Online guest book: www.heathfuneralhome.com

Larry Murrell Cook

Larry Murrell Cook, 65, of Rector died Monday, January 28, 2008, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould.
He was born January 27, 1943, and had worked as a billing clerk for a bonding company in Michigan.
He was preceded in death by his father, Murrell Luther Cook. He is survived by his mother, Irene (Geauaway) Cook, of the home.
Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, at Irby Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Terry Wallace officiating. Burial, Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector with Irby Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Online guest book: www.irbyfuneralhome.com

Thelma Barton 

Thelma Josephine Barton, 93, of Paragould died Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. Mrs. Barton was born August 17, 1914. She was a farmer and a homemaker and was of Baptist belief.
She was preceded by her husband, James Franklin Barton, her parents, Tom and May Stewart four sisters and two brothers. 

She is survived by her sister, Christine McDaniel of Paragould and several nieces and nephews. 
The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 Thursday night at Heath Funeral Home. 
Her life will be celebrated at 2:00 PM Friday at Heath Colonial Chapel with Reverend Charles Abanathy officiating. 
Burial will follow at Greene County Memorial Gardens. 
Online register: www.heathfuneralhome.com

Ezekiel Wayne Damon 

Ezekiel Wayne Damon went to be with the lord on Wednesday, January 30, 2008. 
He was born January 28, 2008 the son of Joey Damon and Rachel Elliott of Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

 He is also survived by one sister, Joslynn Damon of Paragould; paternal Grandparents, Dennis and Dora Damon of Paragould; paternal grandmother, Carol Keeling of Paragould; maternal grandparents, Mark and Virginia Luke of Williamsville, Missouri; maternal grandmothers, Bernell Luke of Williamsville and Edna Alton of Jacksonville, Missouri. Paternal grandparents, Robert and Francis Damon, maternal grandfather, Gerald Elliott and paternal grandfather, Carl Keeling preceded him in death. 
The family and friends will meet at 2:00 pm, Friday for a graveside service at Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Reverend Rick Ethridge officiating. Visitation will be 11:00 am until 1:15 pm at Heath Funeral Home on Friday. 

Online register: www.heathfuneralhome.com

Jessie Boyd Hatcher 

Jessie Boyd Hatcher, 86, of Paragould, died Thursday, January 31, 2008, at Chaffee, Missouri. 
Mr. Hatcher was born September 17, 1921, in Marmaduke. 

He formerly worked at Montesi Grocery in Memphis, as a sales representative for Little Debbie Snacks, and then was owner of City Motors in Paragould. He was a member of 7th and Mueller Church of Christ. 
Survivors include his wife, Geraldine Garmoth Hatcher of Paragould; three daughters, Brenda Gray of Scott City, Missouri, Glenda Hawk of Memphis, and Judy Gramling of Paragould. He is also survived by one brother, Leon Hatcher; two sisters, Alidean Campbell and Katie Thomason, all of Paragould; eight grandchildren; and eighteen great grandchildren 
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Neola Hatcher; his parents, Ode and Martha Hatcher; and by one brother, Dempsey Hatcher. 
Funeral services will be conducted 1:30 p.m., Saturday, February 2, 2008, at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, Paragould, with Larry McFadden officiating. Burial will follow in Harvey’s Chapel Cemetery, Marmaduke. Visitation will be at Mitchell Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m., Saturday, until service time. 
Grandsons will serve as pallbearers, and Troy Moore will be an honorary pallbearer.

 
Online register: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Janet Hammond 

Janet Delores Hammond, 77, of Paragould died January 31, 2008 at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center. She was born November 6, 1930 the daughter of the late James and Irene Eastman Price. 
She was also preceded in death by her husband, Ward C. Hammond. 

She is survived by her sons: John Wesley Farley of Paragould and Charles C. Farley, Jr., and his children, Melissa and Charles William Farley, all of Jonesboro; brother, Raymon Price of Security, Colorado. 
Her life will be celebrated at 1:00 PM Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at Heath Colonial Chapel. 

Online guest book: www.heathfuneralhome.com

Reble Wacaster 

Reble Laveda Ward Wacaster, 79, formerly of Paragould died Dec. 10, 2007. She is the daughter of the late Mertha and Martha Holt Ward and beloved mother to sons, Dennis and Danny. She was born March 7, 1928.

Visitation will be 11:30 a.m., followed by services at 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 30th, 2008 at Heath Funeral Home in Paragould.