Jerry Alan Roleson

Jerry Alan Roleson, 39, of Marmaduke died Wednesday, March 1, 2006, at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was born May 22, 1966, in Dallas. He was a member of First Baptist in Cherokee Village, a self-employed welder and a U.S. Navy Veteran.

Survivors include his son, Dustin Edward Roleson of Monette; father and stepmother, Jerry L. and Shirley Roleson of Jonesboro; mother and stepfather, Sheila and Donnie Ashabranner of Monette; sisters, Tina Michele Collins of Paragould and Jerrica Roleson Stalcup of Loredo, Texas; fiancee, Regina Combs of Marmaduke; three uncles; two aunts; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Carlton and Douglas Reisa; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kendall; and paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Roleson Jr.

The family will receive friends from 6-9 tonight at Heath Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 6, at Heath Colonial Chapel, with Dr. Larry White and the Rev. Don Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to St. Bernard's Hospital-Dialysis Unit or the Bethabara Baptist Church in Lake City.

Barton Edgin

Barton Edgin, 82, died March 1, 2006 at his home in Paragould. He was born, December 19, 1923 in Leachville, Ark. the son of the late Robert Louis and Jessie Edgin. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Sherry Lynn Edgin, three brothers and two sisters. He was of the Baptist faith, a retired farmer and carpenter.

He is survived by his wife, Christeen Edgin of the home; son and daughter in law, Lanny Barton and Conny Edgin of Paragould; daughters and son in laws, Mary Ann and James Taborsky of Groves, Texas and Sandy and Todd Mitchell of Raleigh, N.C.; grandchildren, Stacy Lynn Edgin Dacus, Steven Wayne Edgin and wife Tina all of Paragould, Alicia, Daniel and David Taborsky of Texas, Craig and Lance Dortch; great grandchildren, Zachary Scott and Danielle Casey Dacus, Kaitlyn Nichole Johnson and Lacie Shae Edgin all of Paragould; two brothers, Ernest Edgin of Leachville and George Edgin of Arbyrd, Mo.; sisters, Christine Littlefield of Leachville, Belle Connell of Monette, Mrytle Overbay of Paragould, and Judy Martin of Mo.; a sister-in-law, Ethylene Attaway.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday at the Heath Colonial Chapel with Reverends Junior Vester and Dennis Scudder officiating. Burial will follow at Leachville.
Pallbearers are Travis Galyean, Clifton Galyean, Steven Edgin, James Gambill, Todd Mitchell, and Jim McGowan with Tommy Bowers and Bob Wells as honorary pallbearers.

Scott Wisby

Scott Wisby, 43, departed this life on March 2, 2006.

He was born April 8, 1962, in Yuma, Ariz.

Survivors include his wife, Teresa; daughters, Julie and Amanda; and son, Dustin, all of Paragould; father, Larry Wisby; and sister, Cherilyn Vondall, both of Lakeside, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Yvonne Wisby.

Friends and family are invited to a gathering at First Baptist Church of Paragould at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 5, in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Crowley's Ridge Academy would be appreciated. Phillips Funeral Home of Paragould is in charge of arrangements.

Bobby Glen McMillon

Bobby Glen McMillon, 74, of Paragould, died March 3, 2006 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. Born July 17, 1931 in Greene County, he was a former licensed funeral director for Mitchell Funeral Home, was the first director of the Greene County Emergency Ambulance Service, was a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner of the Sahara Temple, was an Army veteran of the Korean War and was a former deacon of Immanuel Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Charlene McMillon of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Debbra D. and Bobby Mitchell of Paragould and Bobbie and Jay Koppelman of Baltimore, Maryland; two sisters, Wava Jean Wilcox of Arkadelphia, Arkansas and Sammy Kay Burton of Paragould; four grandchildren, Jeff Mitchell of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jonathan Mickey of Baltimore, Maryland, Rebekah Dunn of Brooklyn, New York, and Gennifer Dunn of Baltimore; two great grandchildren, Ryan and Ran Mitchell of Fayetteville, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Syble McMillon.
Funeral services will be Monday, 10:30 A. M. at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Revs. Dan Minton and Raymond Atwood officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, 6:00 P. M. until 8:00 P. M. at Mitchell Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Joe Taylor, Ray Bishop, Kirk Cupp, C. L. Stevens, Steven Hill, and Jeff Cupples.
Memorials to Immanuel Baptist Church would be appreciated.

Ella Mae Woodard

Ella Mae Woodard, 88, of Paragould died March 3, 2006 in Paragould.

Born Feb. 4, 1918, in Paragould, she was formerly employed at Belk Department Store as a sales and marketing representative, was a lifelong native of Paragould and was a member of 10th Street Missionary Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Eddie Gene Wright officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until service time on Monday.

For online register, visit www.mitchellfuneralhomescom

Claudine Huggins

Claudine Huggins, 73, of Paragould, departed this life March 3, 2006 in Memphis, Tennessee
He was born January 15, 1933 in Gorville, Illinois, to Joseph and Marie Huggins. He was a retired steel worker from Wagner Castin Corp in Decatur, Illinois.

Survivors include his wife, Jennie Huggins of the home; four duaghters and three sons-in-law, Judy Huggins of Rector, Teresa and Leonard Chamberlain of Paragould, Hester and Brian Hagermann and Patsy and Marvin Reebles all of Decatur, Illinois; five grandchildren, Chris Huggins, Rodney Herzner and Linda Herzner all of Decatur, Illinois, Jeremy Hussong of Green Forest and Amanda Hussong of Paragould; four stepgrandchildren; one great-grandchild, Ares Cobain Mosser of Decatur,Illinois; and six stepgreat-grandchildren all of Paragould; two god grandchildren, Ryan White of Lafe and William Hitt of Kennett, Missouri.

He is also survived by five sisters, and three brothers-in-law, Beatrice and Jim Blackwell and Martha and Jack Davis all of Gorville, Inllinois; Janell Lee and Betty Collins both of Taylormill, Kentucky; Barbara and Larry Mains of Erlanger, Kentucky and brother-in-law Erwin Nething of Lafe; a host of very special nieces and nephews; and friends and neighbors.

He was prceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Marie Huggins; six brothers, James Elmer Huggins, Albert Eugene “Bill” Huggins, Thomas Everett “Pete” Huggins and J.E. Huggins, Elmer Dale Huggins, Jimmy D. Huggins; and three sisters, Iva Belle Nething, Mary Alice Huggins and Ruby Jewell Huggins.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. today at Tolken Cemetery with the Reverend David Poe officiating with visitation before at Heath Funeral Home from 11 a.m.-noon.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Chris Huggins, Jeremy Hussong, Rodney Herzner II, Rodney Herzner Sr.; and good friends Mike Hersman and Larry Hitt.

Willie Mae Souheaver

Willie Mae Souheaver, 98, formerly of Paragould, died Saturday, March 4, 2006, at Madison County Medical Center in Canton, MS.

Graveside services will be at 3:30 p.m. at Brown's Chapel Cemetery in Paragould. Arrangements are by Heath Funeral Home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Guy Earl Souheaver in 1969; and son Guy Earl Souheaver in 1971.

She is survived by one son, William E. Souheaver and wife Sue of Canton; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Frederick A. Wulfekuhler

Frederick August Wulfekuhler, 87, died Saturday, March 4, 2006, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff.

Born July 29, 1918, in Leavenworth, Kan., he had lived in Arkansas since 1959.

He graduated from Wentworth Military Academy's junior college in 1939 and from the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 1942 with a degree in political science.

He joined the military following college. His last service assignment was manager of Armed Forces Radio Station, WXLO, also known as the "Voice of Shangri-La" during World War II. The station was located on the Aleutian Island, Shemya.

He married Oleatha Jane Clark on June 5, 1943.

Mr. Wulfekuhler began his nearly half-century career in journalism in 1946 when he joined the staff of the Hutchinson News-Herald, later the Hutchinson News, as a reporter-photographer shortly after being released from the Army. In 1957 he was named managing editor of the paper.

In 1959 he purchased Daily Press Inc., and moved with his wife, Oleatha, and their children to Paragould. One of Mr. Wulfekuhler's first additions to the newspaper was an editorial page and an affirmation that there would be "no sacred cows or preferential treatment in news reporting." Prominent citizens and personal friends would receive no favors. His journalistic philosophy was "the truth is our profession" and "Lord, let us be doers, not merely complainers."

In 1974, he moved the Daily Press to a new building and expanded the paper by installing a 24-page Goss Community offset press, along with a typesetting computer system, a first for a daily newspaper in Arkansas.

The Daily Press, during the Wulfekuhler era, was considered one of the best small dailies in Arkansas and won state and national awards for editorial excellence. The University of Missouri School of Journalism rated it the best newspaper under 10,000 circulations in the United States.

Also a community leader, he lobbied successfully for a United Fund, now the Greene County Community Fund, with his friend Ted Rand of radio station KDRS.

He was an active Rotarian for 47 years, serving as president of the Paragould Club in 1971-72. He was also named a Paul Harris Fellow.

He was an avid tennis player and taught many youngsters in Hutchinson and Paragould how to play. He coached the Hutchinson High and Hutchinson Junior College tennis teams to state championships and coached the Paragould High School tennis team when it won two state championships.

Mr. Wulfekuhler and his family were active members of First United Methodist Church of Paragould from 1959 to 1992. He taught the Men's Bible Class, served as church lay leader for 25 years, and was a certified lay speaker. He and Oleatha also served as the church's lay delegates to annual conference for 10 years.

He received the President's Award from the Arkansas Associated Press Managing Editors in 1989 for "his outstanding contributions to Arkansas journalism;" the same year he sold the Daily Press and retired from the newspaper business.

He exercised leadership in state and national newspaper organizations. He served as a board member of the Mid-South Press Institute for eight years, was a Southern Newspaper Association board member for three years and president of the Arkansas Press Association in 1979, after 19 years on the board of directors. He was a member of the National Press Association, Arkansas Press Association, American Society of Newspaper Editors and National Newspaper Photographer's Association.

In 1992, he moved with Oleatha to Hot Springs Village. In 2004, the couple moved to Pine Bluff.

Mr. Wulfekuhler is survived by his wife, Oleatha; daughter Susan Wulfekuhler of Eugene, Ore.; son Kurt Wulfekuhler and wife Birgitta of Albuquerque, N.M.; daughter Jan Smalling and husband Robert of Warren; daughter Gail Bellingrath and husband Mac of Pine Bluff; daughter Kristin Lile and husband Robert of Loveland, Colo.; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to the Endowment Foundation of Greene County, The Fred and Oleatha Wulfekuhler Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1345, Paragould 72451.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Monday, March 6, at Heath Funeral Home in Paragould.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 7, at First United Methodist Church of Paragould, followed by interment at Linwood Cemetery. All are invited to attend.

Ellen Brothers Wessell

 


Ellen Brothers Wessell, 94, of Paragould, Arkansas, died Saturday, March 4, 2006, at Randolph County Medical Center. She was born November 28, 1911 at East St. Louis, Ill.

She was a former teacher, housewife, a charter member of the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center's Hospital Auxiliary in Paragould and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Paragould.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe D. Wessell, Sr.; her parents, William H. and Flossie Norman Brothers; and one brother, Howard Brothers. Survivors include two son, Joe Wessell and his wife Reba of Paragould; Steve Wessell and his wife Mary of Pocahontas; five grandchildren, Jill Gill, May Harris, Scott Wessell, Jennifer Wessell, and David Wessell; four great-grandchildren; Chandler and Carson Gill, Kate and Kayden Wessell; and one niece, Janie Emmert.

Graveside services are at 2 p.m. today under the direction of Cox Waymon Funeral Home of Pocahontas. Dwight Harrison will officiate. Interment will be in Greene County Memorial Gardens, Paragould, Ark. under the direction of Cox-Waymon Funeral Home of Pocahontas.
Pallbearers are Scott Wessell, David Wessell, Kevin Gill, Bill Fisher, Glen Wade and David Dudley. Honorary Pallbearer are Brandon Harris and Butch Elmore; and members of the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center's Hospital Auxiliary.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. today, March 7, 2006 at the First Presbyterian Church in Paragould.

Memorials made to Arkansas Methodist Medical Center's Hospital Auxiliary in Paragould.

Carol Laughlin Johnson

Carol Laughlin Johnson, 54, of Paragould died March 5, 2006.

She worked as a sales clerk at The Tobacco Store.

Survivors include her husband, Joe Johnson of Paragould; son, Joey Johnson, and daughter, Donielle Johnson, both of Paragould; mother, Valerie Laughlin of Corning; three sisters, Debbie Hewett of Corning, Rita Catt of Knobel and Renee Autry of Maynard; and three grandchildren.

Funeral will be Wednesday afternoon at 2 at the Ermert Funeral Home Chapel in Corning. Interment will follow in the Moark Cemetery at Moark.

Visitation will be tonight from 6-9 at the funeral home.

Riley 'Son' Martin

Riley "Son" Martin departed this life on Sunday, March 5, 2006, in Poplar Bluff, Mo., at the age of 87 years.

Born in Red Onion, Ark., Son was a veteran of World War II and a retired logger and farmer. He spent the majority of his life in the Stanford community.

He is survived by his loving wife, Christna, of 58 years; three sons, James and his wife Carol of Paragould, Charles of Beech Grove, and Windell and his wife Nell of Pocahontas; four grandsons, Jeff and his wife Jamie of Paragould, Steve of Paragould, Samuel and his wife Kasey of Jonesboro and Derek of Pocahontas; a great-grandson, Justin of Paragould; a brother; Gene Martin of Paragould; a sister, Lou Cole of Arbyrd, Mo.; a step-sister, Martha Stevens; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Son was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Martin; stepmother, Jettie Martin; brothers, R.A. and Wiley Martin; sisters, Velza Horne of Flint, Mich., and Jesse Summers of Delaplaine; and an infant son.

Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. today at Heath Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Heath Colonial Chapel with L.R. Smith and Emmett Smith III officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain Home Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Martin, Steve Martin, Samuel Martin, Derek Martin, Larry Martin and Terry Cole.

Honorary pallbearers include Wayne Horne, Jim Martin, Monte Martin, Gary Martin and George Cole. Memorials may be made to the Children's Home of Paragould.

Reba Jean Hendrixson

Reba J. Hendrixson, 80, died early Monday, March 6, 2006 at Jerseyville Manor after suffering with Alzheimer's. She was born October 13, 1925, in Paragould, Ark. to the late William Lewis and Lula Mae (Dunnegan) Merrow. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two brothers, Clyde and John L. Merrow and step-grandson, Pat Shipe. Mrs. Hendrixson graduated from Paragould High School in 1944 and then married her beloved husband of 59 years, Barney, shortly after he returned from WWII. They raised six children in Ferguson and Berkeley, Mo., where Mrs. Hendrixson was a Past President and life time member of the american Legion Auxiliary Post 161. The Hendrixsons first retired to St. Clair, Mo., where Reba was a member of the Eastern Star, St. Clair Chapter 96, and the VFW Auxiliary. In 1995, they moved to Alton, Ill. to live closer to their daughter, Debbie, and son-in-law, Bill Almonroeder.

They continued to be active until Barney's death in September of 2004.

Surviving are her children: Cheryl Lenney of Marietta, Ga., Sandra and Gary Barnett of Richmond Hill, Ga., Robyn and Mary Hendrixson of Albuquerque, N.M., Debra and William Almonroeder of Alton, Ill., Rodney and Deana Hendrixson of Tustin, Calif., and Tamara and William Leahy of Melbourne, Fla., Beloved grandmother if Kimberly Robinson, Steven Sowders, Kevin and Corey Wisniewski, Susan Ceullar, Stacy Jordan, William Almonroeder, Jr., Scott and Andrea Hendrixson and Nicole Leahy. Beloved great grandmother of Taylor, Keenan, C.J., Bryan, Jacob, Courtney, Louis, Rachel, Christopher, and Caitlyn. Beloved Aunt of sixteen nieces and nephews and their children.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at GENT Funeral Home. Services will be !0:00 a.m. on Thurday at Resurrection Lutheran Church with Rev. Dr. George E. Pence officiating. Burial will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Online information and guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

Nathan LeRoy Pack Sr.

Nathan LeRoy Pack Sr., 82, of Jonesboro died Tuesday, March 7, 2006, at NEA Medical Center.

He was born June 10, 1923, in St. Louis and had lived most of his life in Jonesboro.

He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and was discharged as a Second Lieutenant in December of 1945. After sojourns with automobile dealers in the United States and Canada, he returned to Jonesboro in 1962. He was a salesman for McCarty Motor Company for twenty five years, and O'Neal Ford Company for two years, before retiring in 1988.

He was a member of the Magnolia Road Baptist Church where he served as trustee and treasurer. He also served as secretary of the Sunday School.

He is survived by one daughter, Linda Bramante of San Diego, Calif.; and two sons, Nathan Pack Jr. of Palm Harbor, Fla. and Wade Pack of Brentwood, Tenn. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Natalie, C.J., Nikki, Rachel, Collin, and Cameron.

He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Emma, Cole and Nathan. He is also survived by three brothers, Aubrey Pack of Jonesboro, Gerald Pack of Fort Worth, Texas, and Dossie Pack of Jonesboro. Also surviving are three sisters, LaWanda Gott of Jonesboro, Elaine Payton of Springfield, Mo., and Eloise Stowe of Little Rock.

He was predeceased by his wife Bettye J. Pack; his son John Pack; and two brothers, Charles Curtis Pack and Harold Wayne Pack as well as one sister, Retha Schisler.

Pallbearers will be sons and brothers. Dr. Emil Williams will conduct services assisted by Jesse Payton at Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro at 2 p.m. Saturday. Burial will follow at Mount Zion Cemetery at Walcott.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. today at Emerson Funeral Home

For those wishing to leave a lasting memorial, the family has requested that you please consider Magnolia Road Baptist Church, 911 Magnolia Road, Jonesboro 72401.

To sign an online guestbook, go to www.emersonfuneralhome.com

Ethel Marie Utley

Ethel Marie Utley, 82, of Paragould, died Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at Greene Acres Nursing Home. Born July 17, 1923, in Black Oak, Mrs. Utley was a retired babysitter and a member of 7th & Mueller Church of Christ. Survivors include two sons, Leonard Utley and wife, Phyllis of Paragould, Wayne Utley of Gosnell; and a daughter-in-law, Marla Utley of Jonesboro. She is also survived by three brothers, Richard Beebe of Qulin, Missouri, Alfred Beebe of Memphis, Pete Beebe of Lesterville, Missouri; two sisters, Lorene Fox and Virgie Croft, both of Lesterville; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and by a special friend, Sue Lands of Paragould.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rawleigh Utley; one son, Gerald Utley; one brother, George Beebe; and one sister, Mary Burke.

Graveside Services will be 10:00 A.M., Friday, March 10th, at Center Hill Cemetery, with Larry McFadden officiating.
Visitation will be from 9:00-9:45 A.M. Friday, at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould. The procession will leave Mitchell Funeral Home at 9:50 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Children’s Home of Paragould would be appreciated.

Jessie Faye Sims

Jessie Faye Sims, 87, of Paragould, died Wednesday, March 8, 2006 at Batesville Health Care Center. Born April 18, 1914, in Searcy, Mrs. Sims retired from Ely Walker Shirt Factory and was a member of 10th Street Baptist Church, Paragould.

Survivors include two sons, George Sims of Lake Odessa, Mich; and one sister, Hattie Rickman of Paragould. She is also survived by seven grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; and ten great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud Sims; one son, Charles Sims; two brothers; four sisters; and one great grandchild.

Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m., Friday, at Mitchell Funeral Home of Paragould. The funeral service will be 1:30 p.m., Saturday, at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Knott Cemetery. Keith Covington, Kenny Covington, Butch Daniels, Tommy Wofford, Lewis Glockzin and Joe Wofford will serve as pallbearers.

To sign an on-line guest book, please visit www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Floy Ellouise George

Floy Ellouise George, 84, of Paragould, died Friday, March 10, 2006 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. Born September 27, 1921 at Morning Star, Arkansas to Gus Mark and Ruby Martin, she was a homemaker and a member of the Woods Chapel Methodist Church.

Surivors include one son, Gussie and his wife Tammy Broyles of Paragould; two daughters, Sharon and her husband Darrell McCoy of Jonesboro, and Brenda Sue Leisure of Delaplaine; one sister, Leona Settlemoir of Paragould; six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents and by two grandchildren, Gayla Leisure Hale and Tonya Dawn Broyles Whitney.

Graveside funeral services will be Monday, 1:30 P. M. at Woods Chapel Cemetery with Rev. Rick Ethridge officiating. Mitchell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be Monday, 10:00 A. M. until 1:00 P. M. at Mitchell Funeral Home.
The procession will leave the funeral home at 1:00 P. M.

Arvill Wayne Southard

Arvill Wayne Southard, 62, died March 10, 2006, in Paragould. He was born January 14, 1914, in Eldorado Springs, Mo. He was a member of New Beginnings Church and a security guard at Holland's Furniture and Appliance.

He is survived by sons, Brian and Patrick Southard of Paragould, daughters Laura Gage of Paragould and Kellie Harper of Jackson Wyo., sister Linda Easton of Paragould. Grandchildren Ashley Huggins, Rhett Southard, Alexis Spear, Donnie L. Gage, Nicholas Gage and Joshua Gage. Great-granddaughter Emilee Hayden Blair Huggins and a long-time friend, Chuck Holland.

Visitation will be Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Heath Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be held on Friday at 2 p.m. at Linwood Cemetery with Alton Holifield officiating.
The family requests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Merle B. Davenport

Merle D. Davenport, 86, of Glen Mills, PA., died Thursday, March 9, 2006 in Chester County Hospital.

Born at Paragould, she was the daughter of the late William and Nora Ford. Merle graduated from Greene County Tech High School in 1938 and married Robert Davenport the same year.

She worked at Montgomery Ward in the sales department for 25 years. Merle enjoyed sewing, especially embroidery, and played basketball in her younger years. She lived in Arkansas for 80 years before moving to Glen Mills to be closer to her daughter and family.

Survivors include her husband, Robert R. of Glen Mills; daughter Micky Bergey of Chadds Ford, Pa.; three grandsons; four great-grandsons; a great-granddaughter; and many Arkansas nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral service at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Brandywine Valley Baptist Church, 7 Mount Lebanon Road, Wilmington, Del., 19803.

Visitors may call from noon-2 p.m. Tuesday. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the American Lung Association, 525 Plymouth Road, Plymouth Meeting, Pa. 19462, would be appreciated.

Arrangements are by Rigby Funeral Home of Chadds Ford.

Houston Roosevelt Farley

Houston Roosevelt Farley, 73, of Beech Grove died March 11, 2006, at his residence.

Born in Greene County, he was retired from the U.S. armed forces.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy L. Farley of the home; sons, Timothy Birch Farley of Conway and Phillip Lynn Farley and Michael Turner, both of Paragould; one sister, Wilda Mae Harris of Jonesboro; one brother, Norman H. Farley of Anderson, Texas; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Eula Garner Farley; sister, Sherrell Verneil Shock; and brother, Orman H. Farley.

No services are planned.

Heath Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Frankie L. Davidson

 

Frankie L. Davidson, 88, of Jonesboro died early Saturday, March 11, 2006 at St. Bernard's Medical Center.

Born February, 28, 1918 a native of Siloam Springs, she lived in Pocahontas before moving to Jonesboro 10 years ago. She was active in the Fouche E.H.C. in her earlier years and was of the Baptist belief.

She was preceded in death by her husband, one son and her parents.

Survivors include sons and daughter-in-law Frank and Dorothy Davidson of Jonesboro, William Walter and Dorothy Davidson of Pocahontas; five grandchildren, Denise Reed, Sherrie Arnold, John Davidson, Jason Davidson and Jennifer Gann; and four great-grandchildren, Justin Reed, Jackie Arnold, Caleb Reed and Jeremy Davidson.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Emerson Memorial Chapel, with the Rev. Billy Moore officiating.

Burial will be in Gainesville Cemetery near Paragould, with Emerson Funeral Home in charge.

Pallbearers will be Jason Davidson, Jeremy Davidson, Allen Reed, Phil Arnold, Tanner O'Guinn and Danny Moore.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time Monday at Emerson Memorial Chapel.

Online registry: www.emersonfuneralhome.com

Lester Thomas Bryant

Lester Thomas "Peck" Bryant, 91, of Paragould died early Sunday, March 12, 2006 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center.

He was a loyal husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend, consistently giving himself to those around him.

Peck was born July 15, 1914, in Rice, the son of John Thomas and Mary Magaline (Blair) Bryant. On Oct. 5, 1935, he married Emma Bernice "Niece" Lands. One son, Jimmy Ray Bryant was born April 27, 1937, in Light.

During his lifetime he had many different careers. He farmed, and then joined the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission before World War II sent Peck, Niece and Jimmy to Coronado, Calif., in 1942. There he was stationed as a patrolman for the Navy. Later he served on the island of Guam.

Around 1946 Peck returned to Greene County and resumed a job with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. He later worked for the Arkansas State Police in the Weight and Standard Division. Around 1954 Peck became the night chief of police in Paragould. In 1958 he began work for Emerson Electric Motor Division in Paragould, from which he retired in 1980. He was of the Baptist faith.

Peck and his son, Jim, were two of the founders of the Greene County AAU basketball team and two founders of Paragould School District's first girls pee-wee basketball program. He was an avid fan of Arkansas State University and Williams Baptist College sporting events. He was especially fond of Lady Indian basketball.

In 2000 Peck was inducted into the Paragould Bowling Hall of Fame, having been a multiple tournament winning bowler for decades. He once bowled a 287, with 10 consecutive strikes. He also served on the Paragould Bowling Association's board of directors. He continued to bowl two nights a week until late 2002.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Niece, in 1991 and his beloved son, Jimmy Ray Bryant, in 2002. He was also preceded in death by his parents, John Thomas and Mary Magaline (Blair) Bryant; brothers, Harvey, Ben and Henry Bryant; and sisters, Della Gray, Edith Gray, Opal Pillow, Beatrice Newsom and Ima Bryant.

Survivors include one daughter-in-law, Lynda Heath Bryant of Paragould; three granddaughters, Kim Bryant of Paragould, Tanya Bryant Ellington of Jonesboro and Melanie Heath Bryant of Paragould; three great-grandchildren, Jordan Lee McBride, Bradley Heath McBride and Jack Ellington; sister-in-law, Betty Staggs Hefflefinger of Humble, Texas; nieces, Tonda Walker, Diane Smith, Sherrie Phipps and Tammie Choppe; sister, Juanita Becker of El Sobrante, Calif.; brother, Pierce Bryant of Pioneer, Calif.; and several nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of Peck's life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Heath Colonial Chapel, with the Rev. Eddie Gene Wright and the Rev. Zach Roberts officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers are Brian Boyer, Jim Bowlin, Kevin Gill, Carol Halford, Jimmy Dan Maddox, Dr. Bennie Mitchell, Bill Tabor and Freddy Turner.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorials may be sent to the Peck and Niece Bryant-Emerson Electric Athletic Endowment for Williams Baptist College, 56 McClellan Drive, Walnut Ridge 72476; and the Peck and Niece Bryant Endowment Fund for ASU Lady Indian Basketball, P.O. Box 2219, State University 72467.

James A. Eubanks

James A. Eubanks was born on Dec. 16, 1916, in Greene County and departed this life on March 12, 2006, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vera Ione Eubanks; his mother and father, Lenora Howell and John K. Eubanks; three siblings, Loraine Lowry, John Albert Eubanks and Goldie Eubanks; and five half-sisters, Agnes Hart, Edith Edwards, Hallie Taylor, Emma Eubanks and Elda Kappelman.

Survivors include one sister, Lottie Armstrong; two children, Mike Eubanks and Sonya Hester; two grandchildren, Timothy Eubanks and Colin Hester; and five great-grandchildren, Beatrice, Magdalen, J.D., Eleanor and Theodore.

Throughout his life, James A. Eubanks was a natural storyteller. His tall tales and true stories delighted all who heard them. Many of his stories derived from his work experiences; at various times, he was a traveling salesman, an airplane inspector, an MP, and finally an employee and eventual manager of the Co-op.

Aside from storytelling, he also had a lifelong interest in the study and collecting of Native American artifacts. He enjoyed the pursuits of mind and body; his love of reading was only equaled by his enjoyment of gardening and fishing. Late in life, he developed his artistic skills and avidly painted.

James A. Eubanks was a man of abundant personality and deep faith. Until we meet him on the other side of this life, we can be assured he has returned to the loving embrace of his wife and the family that had left before him. In this world, he will be missed. In the next, he will be welcomed.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today in Linwood Cemetery, with Larry Ring officiating.

Online register book: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

L.B. Winfred Hardy

L.B. Winfred Hardy, 81, of Paragould died Sunday, March 12, 2006, at his residence.

He was born in Gainesville to the late John Henry and Diva May (Church) Hardy. He was a World War II Army veteran and a retired school teacher, having taught at Walcott and Leachville, Naylor, Mo., and Flint and Fairview, Mich.

He was a member of Rosewood Baptist Church.

He is also preceded in death by two sisters, Lillian and Charlotte; and six brothers, Woodrow, Ralph, Herbert, Cecil, Royce and J.D.

Survivors include his wife, Katharyn P. Hardy of the home; one son, William Winfred Hardy of Grove Hill, Ala.; sisters, Helen Jones of Hurst, Texas, and Kathyrn Authement of Houston, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Heath Colonial Chapel with William W. Hardy officiating. Burial will follow at Greene County Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at Heath Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, Gideons or the Mt. Zion #2 Baptist Church Building Fund.

Reba Tomlinson

Reba Tomlinson, 70, of Paragould, died Monday, March 13, 2006, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center.
Born October 8, 1935, in Paragould, Mrs. Tomlinson retired from Ely-Walker Shirt Factory and was a member of Griffin Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by three brothers, Bill McCarroll and Garry McCarroll, both of Paragould, and Bob McCarroll of Riverside, California; and by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Tomlinson; her mother, Mildred McCarroll; her father, Abb McCarroll; and by two brothers, Russell and Jim McCarroll.

Graveside services will be 1:30 P.M., Wednesday, March 15th, 2006 at New Liberty Cemetery, with Everett Isom officiating. There will be no visitation.

Memorials to Griffin Memorial United Methodist Church would be appreciated.

Viva N. Faulkner

Viva N. Faulkner, 80, of Light died Tuesday, March 14, 2006 in Arkansas Methodist Medical Center at Paragould.

She was born in Greene County on June 8, 1925. She was employed as a cook at Stanford School lunchroom for 26 years and was a charter member of Light Baptist Church.

She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Star and Linda Faulkner of Stanford, and Rod and Charlotte Faulkner of Light; one daughter and son-in-law, Reda and Jerry Orick of Stanford; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Viva is preceded by her husband, Lester Thomas Faulkner; parents, Lucian and Francis Pillow Noles; brothers, Gene, Wilson and Cleveland Noles; and one sister, Ednas Collar.

Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. today at Heath Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Heath Colonial Chapel. Burial will follow at Shiloh Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Rodney Orick, Steve Faulkner, Tony Faulkner, Carroll Rice, Danny Rice and Jerry Shipman; honorary pallbearers will be Christopher Hicks, Chad Wood, Brett Bradford and Craig Boozer.

Memorials may be made to the Light Baptist Church.

Joel David Hogan

Joel David Hogan, 68, 0f Paragould, died Tuesday, March 14, 2006, at his residence. Born September 28, 1938, at Lepanto, he retired from Emerson Electric and was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Hogan played music and sang in Memphis.

Survivors include four sons, Joey Daniel Hogan, Joel David Hogan, Jr., and Michael Ray Hogan, all of Paragould, Terry Dennis Hogan of Texas; and two daughters, Sheri Alisa Tate and Lana Lee Hogan, both of Paragould. He is also survived by six sisters, Emogene Crockrell, Fay Martin, Karen Hayes, and Sharon Baxter all of Memphis, Christina Chailland of Florida, and Charlotte McCullom of Millington, Tennessee; one half brother, Ervin George, Jr. of Millington; one step-sister, Dorothy Pergin of Tennessee; fifteen grandchildren; three step grandchildren; and by six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jewell Hogan; his mother, Ora Norene George; his step-father, Ervin George, Sr.; and by one sister, Estelle Hogan.

Visitation will be Thursday, 6:00 P. M. until 9:00 P. M. at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.
Funeral service will be 1:30 P. M., Friday, March 17th, at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Rick Ethridge officiating. Burial will follow in Wood’s Chapel Cemetery.

Lena Mae Rogers

Lena Mae Rogers, 72, of Beech Grove, died Friday, March 17, 2006 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould.

She was born Jan. 5, 1934, in Beech Grove. She was a homemaker and a member of Bethel Church of Christ.

She was survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Marsha Rogers of Beech Grove; brothers, Curt Dacus of St. Louis and Danny Dacus of St. Charles, Mo.; sisters, Joanna F. Cox of St. Louis and Agnes Kersey of Paragould; grandchildren, Nathanael and Ben Forbs and Mysti Elmer; and great-grandsons, Cody and Trenton Forbs.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bennie Rogers; daughter, Janette Forbs; parents, Nathaniel and Essie Dacus; brothers, Ivo and Wayne Dacus; and stepson Eugene Rogers.

A special thanks goes to Terry and Amelia Rogers and Eddie and Jeannie Rogers.

Friends' visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. today at Heath Funeral Home. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Heath Colonial Chapel, with L.R. Smith and Lonnie Pyle officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren, and honorary pallbearers will be her great-grandchildren.

Linda Diana Scheer

Linda Diana Scheer, 54, of Paragould died Friday, March 17, 2006, at UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock.

She was born on Sept. 9, 1951, in Lafe. Mrs. Scheer was a homemaker and a member of St. John's Lutheran Church.

Survivors include her husband, Jerry Scheer of the home; one son and daughter-in-law, Jarrod and Lindsey Scheer of Lafe; one daughter and son-in-law, Tessa and Greg Brasher of Paragould; four brothers, Bill Thompson of Lafe, Max Bell of Flint, Mich., Wallace Bell of Omaha, Neb., and Nigel Bell of Lafe; five sisters, Carolyn Tate of Harrison, Regina Lueker of Lafe, Tammy Taylor of Corning, Donna Tritch of Lafe and Rachel Tritch of Paragould; four grandchildren, Skylar Brasher, Emmee Belle Brasher, Eli Scheer and Jace Scheer; and her mother-in-law: Mildred Scheer of Paragould.

Mrs. Scheer was preceded in death by her parents: Helen and Willard Bell.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. John's Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Curt Dwyer officiating. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. today at Mitchell Funeral Home of Paragould.

Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 235, Lafe 72436.

Online register: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Kenneth Glen Prince

Kenneth Glen Prince, 32 of Paragould, died Saturday, March 18, 2006 at the St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Kenneth was born on January 19, 1974 in Jonesboro. Kenneth was a 1992 Graduate of Brookland High School, he received a Bachelor Degree in Business and a Bachelor Degree in Computer Information Systems at ASU, he was also a graduate of Northern Oklahoma College in Computer Graphics Imagery he was a self employed in computer imagery programming.

Survivors include: his parents: Danny and Darliss Prince, one sister: Krista Prince all of the home, his grandmother: Ruth Marie Mallette of Paragould.

Kenneth Prince was preceded in death by: his paternal grandfather: Buell Mallette and maternal grandparents: Elmer & Dyma Johnson.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 P.M. Wednesday at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Deborah Nissen and Kelly Craft officiating, burial will follow in the Brown’s Chapel Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Mitchell Funeral Home in Paragould.

Pallbearers will include: Paul Prince, Nolen Prince, Dennis Prince, Greg Mohler, John Prince and Doug Davis.

Maggie Holland

Maggie Holland, age 84, of Walnut Ridge died Sunday, March 19, 2006, in Arkansas Methodist Hospital at Paragould.

Mrs. Holland was born Aug. 28, 1921, in the White Oak Community, the daughter of Felix and Nora Whittaker Fry. She was united in marriage to Ray Holland, who preceded her in death on Feb. 12, 1991. Mrs. Holland was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.

Funeral services will be graveside 11 a.m. today at Lawrence Memorial Cemetery with the Rev. Bob Smith officiating. No visitation is planned.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews. Many other relatives and friends mourn her passing.

Arrangements are under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Service of Walnut Ridge.

Ann Shipman

Ann Shipman, 70, of Jonesboro, formerly of Paragould, died Monday, March 21, 2006 at St. Bernard's Medical Center.

Born October 9, 1935, in Fordyce, Mrs. Shipman formerly worked as a nurse at Greene County Nursing Home, and was a member of University Baptist Church, Jonesboro.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Wesley and Tina Weaver of Walcott; two daughters, Gwedolyn Kay Drake of Jonesboro, Debbie DePriest and her husband, Bobby of Paragould, She is also survived by two brothers, Kermit Earley, Jr. of Hutto, Texas, and Michael Joe Earley of Hot Springs, Ark.; three grandchildren, Stephanie Drake, Yancie Drake and D Ann Pemberton; and by four great grandchildren, Kimberly Carter, Brandy Carter, Megan Drake, and Shiann Jackson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kermit and Mildred Earley; and by one sister, Betty Lou Earley.

Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m.Wednesday at Mitchell Funeral Home of Paragould.

The funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, with Paul Hale officiating. Burial will follow in Hemdon Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Bobby DePriest, Tony Pemberton, Matt Cooley, Dennis Jackson, Kevin Shipman, and Gerald Shipman. Derrick Barrett and Robert Browning will serve as honorary pallbearers.

To sign an on-line guest book, please visit www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com.

Mark Reed

 

Mark Reed, age 42, of Paragould died Tuesday, March 21, 2006. Born on Nov. 1, 1963, at Memphis, he was a Greene County justice of the peace for District 1, where he was serving his first term, and an employee of Darling Store Fixtures in Paragould.

Mr. Reed was a loving husband and father, an avid hunter and Arkansas Razorbacks fan and was active in the First Freewill Baptist Church, where he served as youth leader and Sunday School superintendent.

He is survived by his wife, Anita Taylor Reed of the home; two daughters, Andrea Reed of Jonesboro and Kalee Reed of the home; his mother, Julia Smith and stepfather Ed Smith of Paragould; his father, Joe Reed and stepmother Martha Reed of Henderson; three sisters, Rhonda Phillips and April Ridenhower, both of Paragould, and Robin Phillips of O'Fallon, Mo.; two stepsisters, Kimberly Roach of Paragould and Natashia Klos of Apollo, Pa.; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday in Phillips Funeral Home at Paragould. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday in Phillips Funeral Home with Glenn Smith, Kim Bridges and Anthony Dowdy officiating.

Burial will be in Greene County Memorial Gardens at Paragould.

Pallbearers will be Charlie Yeargain, Jeff Harmon, Brian Key, Michael Moore, Rodney Gramling, Keith Ellenburg, Boyce Hill and Nathan Yeargain.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tim Lawrence, David Key, Harry Gibson, Richard Smith, Jack McKelvey, Chad Robinson, County Judge Jesse Dollars and the Greene County justices of the peace.

Kenneth Smith

Kenneth Smith, 48, of Paragould died Tuesday, March 21, 2006 in the Barnes Jewish Hospital at St. Louis. He was a preacher and painter. He pastored the East Side Holly Island Baptist Church at Rector.

He is survived by his wife, Sally of the home; sons, Robert Andrew, Kenneth Daniel, Jonathan Michael and James David Smith; daughters, Amanda Michelle Smith, Laura Ann Smith Manuel and Christina Lynn Smith, all of Paragould; parents, Bob and Pat Smith of Paragould; brother, Rob Smith of Rector; and sister, Julie Williams of Jonesboro.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the Heath Colonial Chapel with the Revs. Junior Vester and Jeff Richardson officiating. Burial will follow in New Friendship Cemetery.

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

Memorials may be made to the Kenneth Smith Memorial in care of the Bank of Paragould.

Vondis B. Bobo

Mr. Vondis B. Bobo, age 74, of Light died of natural causes at Ridgecrest Health and Rehab Center in Jonesboro Wednesday morning, March 22, 2006.

He was born December 18, 1931 at Lorado to the late Charley and Mamie Farrar Bobo. He was the retired manager of Cupps Service Station, a member of Light Church of Christ in Light and served in the Korean War with the U.S. Army.

Survivors include his brothers, Wilgus Bobo of Boyne, Mich., Norris Bobo of Jonesboro, Marin Bobo of Bono and Donnie Bobo of Jonesboro.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margarett Bobo; two brothers, Alvis and Gary Bobo; and one sister, Jewell Hunt.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 24, at the Langford Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro with Byron Griffey officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Lorado.

Active pallbearers will be Stacey Broadway, Roger Bobo, Keith Bobo, Danny Greer, Jerry Sullins, Norris Dacus, Billy Bobo and Byron Bobo.

Visitation will be from 6-8 this evening at Langford-Bookout Funeral Home, 1900 West Washington Ave. in Jonesboro.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.langfordbookoutfuneralhome.com

Robert Earl Hunter

Robert Earl Hunter, 88, of Paragould died Wednesday, March 22, 2006 in Arkansas Methodist Hospital at Paragould.

Born July 28, 1917, Mr. Hunter was a native and lifelong resident of Craighead County before moving to Paragould three years ago. He was a retired warehouse manager for Jonesboro Grocer Co. and was a member of Christian Valley Christian Church.

Mr. Hunter was active in the Harlin Henry Senior Citizens Center and was a Navy veteran of World War II. Mr. Hunter and three of his brothers -- Ezra, Eugene, and Vivian -- all served in World War II at the same time.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Velma Mae Hunter; three brothers, Ezra Hunter, Eugene Hunter and Glenn Hunter; and one sister, Ruth Stephens.

Survivors include four sons, Billy Dean Hunter of Lafe, Earl Otto Hunter of Jonesboro, and Robert Lee Hunter and Danny Lynn Hunter, both of Paragould; four daughters, LaWanda Francine Holcomb and Alice Ann Ruth, both of Rock Falls, Ill., Nettie Irene Dever of Sterling, Ill., and Sandra Kaye Sisson of Paragould; one brother, Vivian Hunter Jr. of Jonesboro; two sisters, Myrtle Cheshier of Wichita, Kan., and Ethel Harris of Jonesboro; 21 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and one great-great- grandchild.

Graveside funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday in Macedonia Cemetery with Eldon Richardson officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge.

Active pallbearers include grandsons Eugene Hunter, Brian Hunter, Chad Sisson, Aaron Michael Hunter, Glenn Hunter and Jared Hunter.

Honorary pallbearers include grandsons Billy Hunter, Ray Hunter, Gary Holcomb, Mike Dever, Dean Ruth, Ethan Hunter, Jacob Hunter, Travis Hunter, John Pope, Aaron Robert Hunter and Alvin Hunter.

Visitation will be held 5-8 p.m. today at Emerson Funeral Home.

Online registry: www.emersonfuneralhome.com.

L.C. Early

 

L. C. Early, 90, of Paragould, died Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at Greene Acres Nursing Home.

Born May 22, 1915, in Marmaduke, he was a courier for the Greene County Courthouse and various banks. Mr. Early was a member of First Baptist Church at Paragould.

Survivors include two sisters-in-law, Katie Early of Paragould and Grace Early of Minneapolis, Minn.; three nieces; and six nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Connie Early; three brothers, Paul, Bob and Levi Early; and by two sisters, Ethel Elder and Katurah Batten.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel in Paragould, with Scott Neathery officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today from at Mitchell Funeral Home.

Online guest book: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com.

Bridgett Juanita Sellers

Memorial services for 23-year-old Bridgett Sellers of Marmaduke, who had been missing since May 2003, but her remains were found on Nov. 30, 2005, will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 31, in Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Marmaduke, with Bro. Tom Wellman officiating. Interment will be in Piggott Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 30.

Ms. Sellers is survived by three children, Collin Sellers of Marmaduke, and Clayton and Emily Sellers, both of Ash Flat; her mother and stepfather, Cynthia Jones and Timothy Wellman of Paragould; two sisters, Tina Khrohn and Amanda Weaver; grandmothers, Laura Moore of Ash Flat and Maria Willbanks of Ravenden Springs; stepgrandparents, Tom and Pat Wellman of Marmaduke; and aunt, Becky.

A memorial fund has been set up for the Bridgett Sellers family at the Liberty Bank of Paragould.

Betty Jean Thompson Smith

Mrs. Betty Jean Thompson Smith, age 78, of Leachville, formerly of Paragould, died Saturday, March 25, 2006 at her residence.

Born April 3, 1927, in Paragould, she was the daughter of the late Cecil and Cora Bryson Thompson and had been a Leachville resident since 1974. She was a homemaker and a member of Browns Chapel Baptist Church in Manila.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Lloyd Thompson and Billy Thompson; and two sisters, Louise Fry and Darlene Wilburn.

Survivors include her husband, Bobby Smith of Leachville; three sons, Darrell Coleman of Marmaduke, Steve Smith of Marion, Ind., and Greg Smith of Manila; one daughter, Debbie Hutchings of Converse, Ind.; four brothers, Bud Thompson and Joe Thompson, both of Paragould, Frosty Thompson of Rector and Kenny Thompson of Warren; and one sister, Linda Walker of Paragould.

She also leaves several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Pruett’s Chapel Cemetery in Paragould, with the Rev. Bill Good officiating under the direction of Howard Funeral Service of Leachville.

The family will receive visitors from 6 until 8 tonight at the funeral home.

Online guest register: www.howardfuneralservice.com

Sue Lamb Wigginton

Sue Lamb Wigginton, 81, of Paragould died Saturday, March 25, 2006 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center.

Born April 26, 1924, at Halliday, she was the former owner of Lamb's Cafeteria, a former manager of the Paragould Country Club and a member of West View Baptist Church.

She is survived by one son, Terry Lamb and his wife Angie of Paragould; three stepsons, Houston, Doug and Keith Wigginton, all of Paragould; one daughter, Sherry Greer Noble and her husband, Jerry, of Kennett, Mo.; one brother, Charles E. Shearer of Bossier City, La.; two sisters, Earline Dollins and Lana Faye Edwards, both of Paragould; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, former Paragould Mayor Jones Lamb and Charles E. Wigginton; one brother, Dillon Shearer; and one sister, Verneal Wigginton.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Ronnie Winn officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at Mitchell Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be J.D. Maddox, Doug Wigginton, Keith Wigginton, Danny Edwards, Tommy Hindmon and Mark Maddox.

Memorials to West View Baptist Church would be appreciated.

Online guest book: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Mary Ruth Wooldridge

Mary Ruth Wooldridge, 78, of Paragould, died Sunday, March 26, 2006 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. Born September 6, 1927, in Peach Orchard, Mrs. Wooldridge retired as a housekeeper from Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. She was a member of 7th & Mueller Church of Christ.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, James “Birdy” and Ava Miller of Peach Orchard; two brothers, R. V. Taylor of Paragould and W. C. Taylor of Walnut Ridge; and one sister, Pauline Dearin of St. Louis. She is also survived by two grandsons, Tommy and Jay Miller; and by one great grandson, Thomas Miller.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carroll and Pearl Taylor; her husband, Homer Miller; and by three sisters, Reba Smith, Inez Denman, and Monzell Clifton.

Visitation will be from 6:00-9:00 p.m., Tuesday, at the Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 28th, at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Tommy Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery.

David Pratt, Joe Pratt, Jimmy Miller, Steve Miller, Billy Witcher, and Jimmy Witcher will serve as pallbearers.
Online guest book: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Floyd Burl Johnson

Floyd Burl Johnson, 94, of Paragould died Sunday, March 26, 2006, at the Paragould Nursing Center.

He was employed with the City of Paragould as caretaker of Linwood Cemetery and Harmon's Playfield Park.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorene Johnson; sons, Junior, Bobby and John Henry Johnson; a daughter, Louise Ross; parents, Grover and Minnie Weatherly Johnson; brother, Roy Johnson; and sister, Bonnie Medlin.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Darrell and Debbie Johnson of Batesville; daughters and sons-in-law, Osie and Lonnie Wilson of Paragould and Shirley and Jasper Wright of Lafe; sister, Mary Ratladge of Marmaduke; brothers, Murl Johnson of Paragould and R.L. Johnson of Granite City, Ill.; 15 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Heath Colonial Chapel with the Revs. Dennis Davis and Junior Vester officiating. Burial will follow in New Liberty Cemetery.

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

Pallbearers are Eric Coleman, Harold Coleman, Johnny Ross, Steve Copeland, Keith Williams, Dough Thrash and Ronnie Pemberton and alternate Daniel Upchurch.

Memorials may be made to the New Liberty Cemetery.

Edith Newsom

Edith Newsom, age 94, of Paragould Nursing Center passed away Monday, March 27, 2006 at the nursing home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee P. Newsom; a son, David Newsom; and three brothers.

Survivors are a daughter, Beverly Newsom Vlassek of Paragould; three grandchildren, Ruth Norris Baurle of San Diego, Calif., Ray Newsom of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; and Sue Newsom Caldwell of Gardendale, Ala.; and five great-grandchildren.

No funeral services are planned at this time.

Irby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Bessie Bennett

Bessie Bennett, 89, of Blytheville, formerly of Pocahontas, died Tuesday, March 28, 2006, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville. Born in Marmaduke, she was the daughter of the late Wesley and Elsie Bennett. Ms. Bennett was a member of Beacon Baptist Church in Blytheville.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her daughter, Pat Archer, and two sisters, Mildred Leathers and Agnes Lume.

Ms. Bennett leaves behind her son-in-law, John Archer; three grandchildren, John Archer Jr. of Ocala, Fla., Michael Archer and Suzie Brooks, both of Blytheville; and one great-grandchild, Beth Lackey of Blytheville.

She also leaves behind four brothers, J.D. Bennett, Cleatus Bennett, Harold Bennett and Billy Bennett; and two sisters, Pauline Sears and Shirley Moore.

Visitation will be from 9:30-10 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, with services following at Beacon Baptist Church in Blytheville. Burial will be in Masonic Cemetery at Pocahontas at 2 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.

Charles Thomas Rowland

Charles Thomas Rowland, 86, of Paragould passed away March 29, 2006. He was born June 12, 1919, in Bryant.

He was a retired postmaster, a member of Bryant United Methodist Church, a charter member of American Legion Post 298 and a proud member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Montine Casey Rowland.

He is survived by his stepson, Dennis Kearbey of Fayetteville; his stepdaughter, Kathy Evans of Paragould; four grandchildren; five nephews; and five nieces.

His service will begin at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2, at Heath Colonial Chapel in Paragould with burial following at Greene County Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at Heath Funeral Home.

The Rev. Dale Phillip Tipton

The Rev. Dale Phillip Tipton, 72, of Lafe, born Feb. 28, 1934, passed away March 29, 2006, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Dale Tipton; sister, Juanita Knappy; and brothers, Odell Tipton and Harold Ray.

Survivors include his wife Susan Tipton of Lafe; three sons, Phillip Tipton of Lafe, Brent and his wife Autumn Farless of Paragould and Timothy and his wife Crystal Tipton of Mineral Point, Mo.; two daughters, Lois and husband Kyle Cox of New Braunfels, Texas, and Jennifer and husband Gary House of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; grandchildren, Logan John-Matthew Farless and Londyn Farless of Paragould, Josh Tipton, Heather Smith, Hannah Williams, Christopher Cox, Jokeah Cox, Patrick Cox, Jonya Cox and Arkca Eastwood; great-grandchildren, Jennifer Tipton, Meagan House and Haley Eastwood; sister, Mable and husband Claude Boyer of St. Louis; and brothers, Junior Tipton of Grandin, Mo., and Bobby and Dennis Tipton, both of Doniphan, Mo.

Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. Saturday at Ermert Funeral Home in Corning. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. Rick Ethridge officiating.

Interment will follow in Corning Cemetery.

Imodell Noel Greene

Imodell Noel Greene, 82, of Paragould, died Thursday, March 30, 2006, at Greene Acres Nursing Home. Born November 14, 1923, in the Alexander Community, Greene County, she retired from Ely-Walker and was a homemaker. Mrs. Greene was a member of East Side Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Ray Allen and Kay Noel of Paragould; two daughters and a son-in-law, Ruth and Ronald Hopkins of Little Rock and Jeanie Noel of Destin, Florida; two stepsons and daughters-in-law, Thomas Truett and Lavonne Greene of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Andy and Pat Greene of St. Louis, Missouri. She is also survived by one brother, James G. Jernigan, Jr., of Paragould; one stepbrother, Harvey Rogers of Knobelsville, Indiana; two sisters, Mildred Gray of Paragould, and Emma Simpson of Surprise, Arizona; eight grandchildren, Wade Hopkins, Brent Hopkins, Stacey Noel, Jason Noel, Tim Noel, David Greene, Andria Moran and Charisse Carter; and by thirteen great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, James G. Jernigan, Sr.; her mother, Minnie Blackburn Jernigan Rogers; her stepfather, Walter Rogers; her husbands, Ray M. Noel (1941-1974) and Paul Greene (1979-2003); four brothers, Berryman Humphrey, David Jernigan, Murrel Jernigan, and one infant; four sisters, Flora McCoy, Ola Willey, Vestal Graves, and Lydia Graves; and by one stepsister, Mamie Rogers.

Visitation will be Saturday, 6:00 P. M. until 9:00 P. M. at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.
Funeral service will be 2:30 P. M., Sunday, at the East Side Baptist Church with her grandchildren officiating.

Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Memorials to East Side Baptist Church would be appreciated.

Jake Fesler

Jake Fesler, 72, of Burlison, Tenn. died Thursday, March 30, 2006 at St. Fransis Hospital, Bartlett, Tenn. He was formerly of Paragould, Ark. He was born June 26, 1933 to Henry and Verva Fesler. He graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1952. He was retired from International Harvester in Memphis, TN. His hobby as a young man was rodeo and bull riding. As he grew older his greatest pleasure became spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Christine Starnes Fesler of the home, three daughters, Susan Young of Clermont, FL, Jamie and Chris Justice of Burlison, Tn, and Letha and Toby Clark of Marion, AR. One stepson, Michael Skaggs of Dyersburg, TN. Two sisters, Glenna and Glenn Lee, Mary and Felix Tate, and one brother, Carl (Cuzz) and Bonnie Fesler all of Paragould, AR. Nine grandchildren, Lucas Young, Ty and Trey Justice, Jason Fesler, Emalee, Sharee, and Karee Clark, Monica Dillport, and Harley Skaggs, several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Versa Fesler, a son Michael Lynn Fesler, and a stepdaughter Penny Kilmer.

He was a great son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He will be sorely missed by all.

Visitation was from 5 to 8 April 1 at the Munford Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Sunday April 2 at the funeral home beginning at 2. Burial will be in the Randolph Cemetery.

Jonathan Blake Hurst

Jonathan Blake Hurst, 35, of Paragould died Friday, March 31, 2006

Survivors include his wife, Stacy Lynn (Davidson) Hurst of Paragould; two daughters, Corinne "Cori" Lynn Hurst and Hannah Paige Hurst, both of Paragould; his parents, Ann (Jackson) and Dewayne "Cooney" Davidson of Newark; a sister, Melanie Davidson of Conway; a brother, Trey Hurst of Newport; and his father, Johnny Jr. Hurst of Amagon.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home, with committal service at 2 p.m. in Pine Log Cemetery at Brookland.

Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. today.

Arrangements are by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home.