Joyce Ann Rudkin
Joyce Ann Rudkin, 46, of Beech Grove died Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006, at Arkansas Methodist
Medical Center.
Survivors include two sons, Robert and Jerry Rudkin; one daughter, Kelly Brewer; and four
grandchildren.
No funeral service is scheduled. Arrangements were under the direction of Mitchell Funeral
Home.
Online registry: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com
Clarence McDonald
Clarence "Hootsie" McDonald, 73, of Paragould died Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006, at St.
Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.
He was born August 26, 1933, having lived in Paragould for the past 30 years and he was of
the Baptist belief.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Terry McDonald and Billy McDonald; his parents; and
one brother.
Survivors include wife Betty Reynolds of the home; three stepchildren, Kenneth Freeman of
Fayetteville, and Trish McCain and Carrie Reynolds, both of Paragould; two brothers, Bob
McDonald and Mac McDonald, both of Jonesboro; a sister, Betty Sailor of Jonesboro; seven
grandchildren, Amanda Williams, Coalt McDonald, Kyle McDonald, Cody Davis, Jake Smith,
Katlyn Gomer and Savannah McCain; and one great-grandchild.
Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday in McDaniel Cemetery.
Nephews and grandsons will serve as pallbearers: Jeff McDonald, Tony McDonald, Rusty
Sailor, Coalt McDonald, Kyle McDonald and Cody Davis.
Visitation will be from 6-8 tonight in Emerson Funeral Home.
To sign an online guest book and registry, go to www.emersonfuneralhome.com
Michael York
Mr. Michael York, 52, of Paragould, a former resident of Blytheville, died Sunday, October
1, 2006.
Survivors include his wife, Cynthia York of the home; parents, Mickey and Pansy York,
Doniphan, Mo.; children, Melissa York-Tune, Blytheville, and Brandy and Dr. David Bailey,
Atlanta; brothers and sisters-in-law, Monty and Becky York, and Ricky and Monya York, all
of Doniphan, and Edward and Debra York, Farmington, Ky.; and grandchildren, Hunter Tune
and Hayden Bailey.
Services will be Saturday at11:30 a.m. at Cobb Funeral Home, Blytheville, with visitation
from 10 a.m. until service time.
Tyler Ray Saylors
Tyler Ray Saylors, 3, of Marmaduke, died Monday, October 2, 2006, at Arkansas Methodist
Medical Center. He was born February 25, 2003, in Jonesboro, and attended the Marmaduke
First Baptist Church.
Survivors include his father, Gerad Ray Saylors of Marmaduke; his mother, Tammie Jean
Saylors of Marmaduke; three brothers, Jaxsen Akes of Marmaduke, Tristian Howell of Eureka
Springs, Collin Moore of Pocahontas; and one sister, Drew Fletcher of Marmaduke. He is
also survived by grandparents, Jane Gunn, Butch and Charlotte Fletcher, all of Paragould,
Carol and Raymond Saylors of Marmaduke; great grandparents, Oscar and Carol Gunn of
Rector, Willodean Fletcher of Paragould, Helen Clayton of Peach Orchard; and by many
aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his great grandparents, Floyd Clayton, Lavenia Ray Saylors,
Albertine Gunn, and Dutch Fletcher.
Visitation will be Thursday from 6:00-9:00 p.m., at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.
Funeral service will be Friday, 1:30 p.m. at Marmaduke First Baptist Church, with Kim
Bridges officiating. Burial will follow in Pirtle Cemetery, Peach Orchard
Memorials to the Benjamin Project, an organization to assist families in Northeast
Arkansas who have lost young children, 2906 New Castle Drive, Paragould, AR 72450, would
be appreciated
Online registry: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com
Eusebio Rodriguez
Eusebio “E. S.” Rodriguez, 77, of Lafe, died Monday, October 2, 2006, at St.
Bernard's Medical Center. Born August 2, 1929, in Santa Margarita, Texas, Mr. Rodriguez
was a security guard at Monroe Auto Equipment for over 23 years, and was of the
Pentecostal faith.
Survivors include his wife, Juanita Rodriguez of Lafe; five sons, Joe Rodriguez, Ruben
Rodriguez, John Rodriguez, and Ray Rodriguez, all of Paragould, and Junior Rodriguez of
Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He is also survived by five daughters, Mary Wyatt, and Aurora
Coburn, both of Paragould, Naomi Hendrix of Marmaduke, Olga Gray and Maria Howard, both of
Lafe; two sisters, Angelita Longoria of Raymondville, Texas, Anita Martinez of Batesville,
Texas; twenty-seven grandchildren; and by twenty-nine great grandchildren. He was preceded
in death by three daughters, Lucia, Juanita, and Rachel.
Visitation will be Friday from 6:00-9:00 p.m., at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 7th, at the Mitchell Funeral Home
Chapel, with R. A. Hosier and Josh Carpenter officiating. Burial will follow in Greene
County Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Online registry: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com
Eldon Therell Hodge
Eldon Therell Hodge, 71, of Marmaduke died Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2006.
He was born Dec. 22, 1934, near Piggott. He was a graduate of Oak Grove High School and
the Louisiana State University School of Banking.
He retired from First National Bank in Paragould after 46 years and had been a member of
the Paragould Civitan Club since 1965. He was also a deacon at Grace United General
Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Ruth Hodge; a sister, Lois Marie
Hodge; and two brothers, Kenneth Windel Hodge and Wayland Calvin Hodge.
He is survived by his wife, Polly, and two sons and daughters-in-law, David and Terri
Hodge of Ormond Beach, Fla., and Wade and Sonya Hodge of Maumelle; a sister, Faye Craig of
Paragould; and three brothers, Gerald Hodge of Marshall, Mich., Mayford Hodge of Paragould
and Glenn Hodge of Schererville, Ind.; one half-sister, Melba Marchetti, and one
half-brother, Milton Hodge, both of Rockford, Ill. He is also survived by eight
grandchildren, Hilari, Drew, Elizabeth, Tiffany, Jon, Zachary, Daniel and Michael; and one
great-granddaughter, Malori.
Visitation will be at Heath Funeral Home from 6-9 p.m. today.
Funeral services will be at Heath Colonial Chapel at 1:30 p.m. Friday with the Rev. Kevin
Abbott officiating. Burial will follow at New Friendship Cemetery.
Ralph David Robertson
Ralph David Robertson, 82, of Paragould, died Wednesday, October 4, 2006, at St. Elizabeth
Place, Jonesboro. Born July 12, 1924, in Marion, Kentucky, he was a retired factory
foreman. Mr. Robertson was a man of great faith and a member of Liberty Fellowship
Pentecostal Church where he served as a deacon for over twenty years.
Survivors include two daughters, Nancy Strucienski of Ferndale, Michigan, and Shirley
Watts of Newport Beach, California; one sister, Dell Frazier of Marion, Kentucky; and
special friend, Mary Olcott of Paragould. He is also survived by seven grandchildren;
thirteen great grandchildren; and by eight great great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Robertson.
Visitation will be Saturday from 1:30-3:00 P.M., at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.
Funeral services will be 3:00 P.M., Saturday, October 7th, at the Mitchell Funeral Home
Chapel, with Bill Adams and Randy Page officiating. Burial will follow in Wood’s
Chapel Cemetery. David Page, Christopher Page, Jim Albin, Paul Gilliam, David Adams, and
Pap West will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of the First
Church of Jonesboro.
Online registry: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com
Irma Lou Beasley
Irma Lou Beasley, 75, of Paragould died Thursday, October 5, 2006 at her son's residence.
She was born June 7, 1931 in Trumann and had lived in Paragould her entire life. She was a
homemaker and of the Catholic belief.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Warner Beasley, and her parents, Wilford
Snowden and Irene Harvey Snowden.
Survivors include one daughter, Lisa Beasley of Marion; two sons, Wilford Lynn and his
wife, Susan Beasley of Jonesboro, William James and his wife, Lee Beasley of Harrisburg;
five sisters, Nelleeta Terry of Greenbriar, Sandra Flora of Dallas, Rosalyn Ballard of
McRae, Patricia Hutchins and Winfred Minyard, both of Little Rock; six grandchildren,
George, Jake, Paige, and Scott Beasley, Lori Myers, and Chrissy Sain; four
great-grandchildren, Levi and Luke Myers and Landon and Logan Sain.
A celebration of her life will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday at the home of Lynn Beasley,
2401 Rozanne Drive, Jonesboro.
The family requests that lasting memorials be made to the St. Jude Children's Research
Hospital, 332 North Lauderdale St., Memphis.
To sign an online guest book go to www.emersonfuneralhome.com
Julia June Poindexter
Julia June Poindexter, 85, of Paragould died Thursday, October 5, 2006, in her residence.
She was a retired nurse from Arkansas Methodist Medical Center at Paragould. She is a
member of Griffin Memorial United Methodist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Jasper Jefferson and Laura Ann (Tucker) Waters;
husband, Estes "Red" Poindexter; four brothers; and three sisters.
Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law Sandra and Pete Boyer of Hot Springs,
Brenda Anderson and Michael McClinton of Arlington, Texas, and Laura Jean and Larry Jones
of Bay City, Texas; sons and daughter-in-law, Jasper Poindexter of Paragould and Fred
Poindexter and Shari Hunter of Kansas City, Mo.; one sister, Mary Ellen Yarbrough of
Paragould; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday in Heath Colonial Chapel at Paragould with the
Rev. Michael Sutton officiating. Burial will follow in New Friendship Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be grandsons.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until service time Saturday in Heath Funeral
Home.
Special thanks to nieces, Betty Reynolds and Debra Hill of Paragould.
Memorials may be made to the Griffin Memorial United Methodist Church in Paragould.
Cecil I. Ryles
Cecil I. Ryles, 89 of Paragould, died Saturday, October 7, 2006 at his residence. Mr.
Ryles was born on September 21, 1917 in Booneville, Arkansas. Mr. Ryles was a retired
maintenance employee at Monroe and he was a member and deacon of Unity Baptist Church for
over 50 years.
Survivors include: his wife: Virginia Stevenson Ryles of the home, two sons and
daughter-in-laws: Ronald and Glenna Ryles of Paragould, Gary and Barbara Ryles of Hot
Springs, Arkansas, one daughter and son-in-law: Ann Marie and Frank Guinn of Paragould,
one sister: Sibyl Bateman of Paragould, five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
Mr. Ryles was preceded in death by: his father and mother: Dan and Mattie Ryles, two
sisters, three brothers and one grandson.
Funeral services will be 1:30 P.M. Tuesday at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Bro.
Max Gregory and Bro. 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. Pallbearers will include: Bill Potter, Paul Exum,
Kenneth Reeks, Tom Wofford, J.H. Burton and Earl Beeler. Honorary pallbearers will be:
Gene DeBons, Gerald Spence, Keith Holifield and the Senior Mens Sunday School Class of
Unity Baptist Church..
Online registry: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com
Aubrey Merle Hampton
Aubrey Merle Hampton, was born September 28, 1925 in Greene County, Arkansas, and died at
his home October 7, 2006. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvie and Alma Hampton,
and one son, Neilons Hampton.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ruth Hampton and one son, Devon Hampton, both of
Marmaduke. He leaves behind eight grandchildren, Anthony Hampton, Reneilia Hampton, and
Jason Hampton of Paragould, Cindy Morgan of Jonesboro, Zach and Zanielle Hamilton of
Marmaduke, Nathan Hampton of St. Francis and Kym Anderson of Galesburg, Illinois, and five
great grandchildren.
Merle was retired from Emerson Electric, an Army veteran of WWII, was of the Methodist
faith, and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, 10:30 A. M. at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with
Revs. Willyne Jordan and Royce Schanda officiating. Burial will be in Ramer’s Chapel
Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, 6:00 P. M. until 9:00 P. M. at Mitchell Funeral Home.
Online registry: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com
Harvey Lee Thompson
Harvey Lee Thompson, 62, of Lake City, died Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006 at his residence.
Born January 9, 1944 in Lake City, he had lived his entire life around Lake City and was a
1962 graduate of Dixie High School.
He was married to his wife, Wilma, 44 years and two days.
He was a lifelong member of Refuge General Baptist Church where he served as deacon for 40
years. He was employed by Singer Manufacturing in Trumann for 20 years, then opened and
operated Battery Parts Warehouse in Paragould and Jonesboro since 1982.
Survivors include his wife, Wilma Whitney Thompson of the home; one son, Darrell Thompson
and his wife Kristi of Paragould; one daughter, Janis Faulkner and her husband Harvey
Edward of Caraway; one brother, Earl Thompson and his wife Elouise of Jonesboro; one
sister, Eunice Gilley and her husband Jake of Lake City; and three grandchildren, Whitney
Thompson, Joshua Thompson and Jessie Grace Thompson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William "Bill" and Jessie Ruth Martin
Thompson.
Active pallbearers are deacons of the church, Heath McGaughey, Sam Lee, Jon Milligan, Pat
Bader, A.C. Daniel, Dannie McFarland, Jake Gilley and Jim Heath.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday in Refuge General Baptist Church with the Rev.
Larry Ward and the Rev. Clarence Cornish officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County
Memorial Gardens at Paragould.
Visitation will be from 6-8 tonight at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Refuge General Baptist Church or the American Cancer Society.
Online registry: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
Sun 'Jeannie' Crawford
Sun "Jeannie" Crawford, 52, of Beech Grove died Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2006, in her
residence.
She was born Tuesday, Sept. 21, 1954, at Yung Dong, South Korea. She was employed with
Greene County Tech School District and was a member of the Cornerstone Southern Baptist
Church at Beech Grove.
Survivors include her husband, Mike Crawford of the home; a daughter, Michelle Crawford of
Beech Grove, two sons and a daughter-in-law, Shawn Crawford of Beech Grove and Robert and
Tracy Pak of Paragould; four brothers and one sister, all of South Korea; and one
grandson, Ethen Pak of Paragould.
Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Cornerstone Southern Baptist Church in
Beech Grove with the Rev. Jay Hicks Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Beech Grove
Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until service time on Saturday in the church.
Pallbearers will be Robin Boyd, Marty Needham, J. J. Needham, Randy Joiner, Lonnie
Holloway, Levi Hicks, Wayne Conway, Ken Jackson. Honorary pallbearers: Doyle Summitt,
Kenneth Taylor, Steven Rollins, Jerry Edwards, J.W. Hicks, James Needham, Harvey Gunter,
Carlton Smith, Clifton Edwards.
The family would like memorials to be made to the Shawn and Michelle Crawford Memorial
fund care of First National Bank, Paragould.
Harvey Winfield Jackson
Mr. Harvey Winfield Jackson went home to heaven and loved ones on Tuesday, July 18, 2006,
at his home surrounded by his loving family. He had been a resident of Huachuca City for
the past 36 years. He was born in Lafe, Sept. 14, 1930.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 14, at the chapel of the First Baptist
Church in Paragould with Revs. Robin Bucklin, Ben Greene and Randy Maxwell officiating.
Paragould Daily Press, Wednesday, October 11, 2006
A.D. Dickson Jr.
A.D. Dickson Jr., 85, of Paragould, died Monday, Oct. 9, 2006, in his residence.
He was born April 8, 1921, to the late A.D. Sr. and Mattie Lee Dickson. He was a World War
II Army veteran and a prisoner of war for 44 months. He was also a Bataan Death March
survivor.
He had been awarded the Purple Heart with one bronze cluster, American Defense Service
Ribbon with one bronze star, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with two bronze stars,
Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze star, Philippine Defense Ribbon with one
bronze star, World War ll Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, seven Overseas Bars and the
Distinguished Unit Badge. He also served three years in the Air Force.
He was preceded in death by one daughter, Linda Smith; four brothers, Johnny, Herman and
Clinton Dickson, and Leonard Mathis; and one sister, Lena Edwards.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marie Schumuecker Dickson; three daughters, Carol
Pillow, Becky Clifft and Sheila Nutt; one son, Dale Dickson; a special nephew, Darrell
Dickson, all of Paragould; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many friends.
Graveside services will be 10 a.m. today with full military honors in Linwood Cemetery
with the Rev. Charles Stoddard officiating.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary's School Trust Fund or Disabled American Veterans.
Nola Madene Diggs
Nola Madene Diggs, 87, of Paragould died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2006, in Arkansas Methodist
Medical Center.
She was born on July 31, 1919, in Sharp County to the late Virgil and Martha Ladd
Eldridge. She was a retired nurse and a member of First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Rosemary and Ron Buck of Paragould, and
Sherry Katherine and Larry Hobbs of Miami Shores, Fla.; one brother, Howard Eldridge of
Paragould; one grandson, Maj. Brian Gene Buck, serving in Baghdad, and his wife, Yvonne of
Paragould; and one great-grandson, Alexandre Buck of Paragould.
Nola is also preceded in death by her husband, Walter Louis Diggs; one sister, Norma
Booth; and one brother, Homer Eldridge.
Services will be 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Heath Colonial Chapel with the Revs. Zach Roberts
and Paul Dubar officiating.
The family will receive friends from 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church.
Charolett Kay Jarrett
Charolett Kay Jarrett, 62, of Paragould died Friday, Oct. 13, in Arkansas Methodist
Medical Center.
She was born Sept. 13, 1944, in Clay County.
Survivors include her husband, John Jarrett; one son, John S. Jarrett; one daughter,
Deborah Jean Jarrett; brothers, Don Arnold and Jerry Joe Arnold; sisters, Wanda Barnett,
Pauline Hanner and Lucille Archer; and grandchildren, Skylar Jarrett and Ashley Nicole
Jarrett.
She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Katie Nicole Jarrett.
Graveside services are 11 a.m. Tuesday in Pine Log Cemetery.
Visitation is from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesday in Mitchell Funeral Home of Paragould.
Online registry: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com
Alonzo "Lonnie" Richard Ward
Mr. Alonzo "Lonnie" Richard Ward, 84, of Paragould, died Friday, Oct. 13, 2006.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jean Ward and two grandchildren, Richard
Ward Jr. and Bill Edward; three brothers and one sister and parents, William E. and Mary
(Goff) Ward.
He was survived by two brothers, Johnny Ward of Paragould, Amos Ward of Michigan; eight
children, Faye Faust of Michigan, Richard, David and James Ward, Bonita Stover, Danny
Ward, all of Paragould, John Ward of Senath, Juanita Weaver of Bay; several grandchildren
and great grandchildren.
Services will be held Sunday, at 1:30 p.m. at the Heath Colonial Chapel with Reverend
Edgar Humphrey officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. tonight.
Brenda Jane Stanley
Brenda Jane Stanley, 55, of Paragould died Saturday, Oct. 14, at her residence. She was a
longtime employee of Emerson Electric Company.
Brenda enjoyed shopping, yard sales and floating down the Black River.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Maxine Bryant Daniels.
Survivors include her husband, Fred Stanley of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and
Chasidy Stanley of Paragould; brother, Larry Daniels of Newport; sister, Betty Davis of
Paragould; grandson, Justin Stanley of Paragould; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 6-8 tonight at Heath Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery
with Revs. John Miller and Mike Straub officiating.
The family requests that memorials be made to Legacy Hospice or The American Cancer
Society.
Marcus 'Buster' Smith
Marcus "Buster" Smith, 88, of Jonesboro died Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006, in St.
Bernards Medical Center.
He was born June 14, 1918, at Paragould. He was a retired farmer and dairyman and was a
member of First United Pentecostal Church at Paragould.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Alline Willard Smith, and his parents, Charley
C.V. and Bessie Bossel Smith.
He is survived by three sons, Marcus Smith, Tommy Smith and Ricky Smith; three daughters,
Jo Ann Messer, Kathryn Trayler and Carolyn Cole, all of Paragould; sisters, Imogene and
Charlene Valentine of St. Louis; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Heath Colonial Chapel with the Revs.
Anthony Trayler, Edgar Humphrey and Scott Trayler officiating. Burial will follow in New
Liberty Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today in Heath Funeral Home.
Ivory Eugene Randles
Ivory Eugene Randles, 82, of Paragould, died Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006, at Walnut Ridge
Nursing and Rehab Center. He was a retired auto body repairman and a member of the East
Side Baptist Church.
Mr. Randles was preceded in death by his parents, William Elmer and Pearl Swaims Randles;
three brothers, Leo, Floyd and Dewey; and a sister, Ina Mae Patterson.
Survivors include his wife, Margie Randles of the home; several nieces and nephews; five
loving and caring brothers-in-law and families, James, Jackie, Hugh, Herb and Ray
Thomason; and two sisters-in-law and families, Bonnie Scott and Ann Nacosia.
Visitation will be Tuesday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Heath Funeral Home. Funeral services
at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Heath Colonial Chapel with Rev. A. J. Nacosia officiating. Burial
will follow in Center Hill Cemetery.
Leola Konecek
Leola Konecek, 80, of Paragould died Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2006 in her residence.
She was a retired waitress and seamstress and of Baptist belief.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Konecek; parents, Albert and Ethel
Ridgeway Hill; one sister, Loetta Kersey; and one brother, Virgil Hill.
Survivors include five sons, J.L. Dover and Jim Dover of St. Louis, Jack Dover of Cherokee
Village, John Dover of Jonesboro and David Konecek of St. Louis; three daughters, Joyce
Cook of Brookland, Carol Pace of Jonesboro and Carol Taber of Augusta, Ga.; one sister,
Lois Reynolds of Paragould; 25 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and one
great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, in Heath Colonial Chapel with the Rev. Marty
Russell officiating.
The family will receive friends from 5-9 p.m. today in the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Mike Bova, Curtis Pace, Jim Crow, Darrell Crow, Paul Wimberly and Jeff
Davis; Honorary pallbearers, Bryce Burdyshaw, Jay Davis, Shane Davis and Adam Pace.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Anna Jean Owen
Freemont, CA.
We sadly announce the passing of Anna Jean Fossey Owen on Oct. 18, 2006, after a long and
courageous battle with Alzheimer's.
Born July 29, 1929, in Delaplaine, she had lived in the San Jose area for 50 years.
Jean will always be remembered and cherished as a devoted and living mother, grandmother,
great-grandmother, wife, sister and friend.
Her family meant everything to her, and her loving and generous spirit will be dearly
missed by all.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Willis A. Owen; sister; Wanda McCluskey;
children, Gloria Owen, Sheila Black, Larry Owen, Debra Guzman and James Owen;
grandchildren, Monique Lloyd, Patrick Owen, Charisse Guzman, Angela Saylor and Jason
Guzman; and great-grandchildren, Anthony Guzman, Vendela Lloyd, Mary Owen, Nikolas Guzman.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Lizzie Lee Fossey and brothers, James
Everette and Billy Fossey.
Funeral services were held on Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. at Lima Family Milpitas Fremont Mortuary
in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, Warm Springs Blvd., Fremont 94539.
Marcus Clinton Spain
Marcus Clinton Spain, 75, of Paragould, died Thursday, October 19, 2006 at Arkansas
Methodist Medical Center. Born January 17, 1931 in Stanford, Arkansas, he was an Air Force
veteran of the Korean era, and a farmworker. Mr. Spain was of the Pentecostal faith.
Survivors include his wife, Estel Spain of the home; two daughters, Jane Pitcher, Judy
Shipman and husband, Robin; and one foster brother, Walter Childers, all of Paragould. He
is also survived by four grandchildren, Mindy Cannon, Holly Pitcher, Mallory Shipman, and
Mason Shipman; and by two great grandchildren, Morgan and John Allen Cannon.
Mr. Spain was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Spain; his stepmother, Geneva Spain;
his foster parents, Hub and Edith Childers; two sons, Mark Spain and Randy Spain; one
brother, Robert Spain; two sisters, Lillie Jean Hayden, and Joanne Franks; and by one
grandson, Matthew Shipman.
Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M., Sunday, October 22nd, at the Mitchell Funeral Home
Chapel with H. W. Clements officiating. Burial will follow in Shiloh Cemetery. Visitation
will be from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., Saturday, at the Mitchell Funeral Home in Paragould.
Online registry: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com
Carol Lynn Hatch
Carol Lynn Hatch, age 41, of Paragould, died Monday, October 20, 2006, at Arkansas
Methodist Medical Center. Born April 15, 1965, in Manila, she was a homemaker and a member
of the New Covenant Worship Center.
Survivors include her husband, Douglas Hatch; her father, Leamon Gould, Sr.; her mother,
Pauline Bailey; nine children, Casey Webb, Christopher Gould, Blake Bailey, Timothy
Bailey, Katie Kelly, Rebecca Bailey, Jennifer Lund, Josh Bailey, and Kenny Hatch. She is
also survived by three brothers, Leamon Gould, Jr., James Alan Gould, and Tommy Gould; two
sisters, Pam Oxner and Rhonda Knight; fourteen grandchildren and expecting another one.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 23rd, at the Mitchell Funeral Home
Chapel, Paragould, with Dr. Larry Bulla and Dr. Dennis Bradley officiating. Burial will
follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 6:00-9:00 p.m., at Mitchell
Funeral Home.
Donations to the Carol Hatch Funeral Fund % Mitchell Funeral Home would be appreciated.
Online registry: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com
L. H. Grimsley
L. H. Grimsley, 79, of Paragould, died Friday, October 20, 2006, at Greene Acres Nursing
Home.
Born February 19, 1927, in Manila, Mr. Grimsley was a retired farmer and attended New
Liberty Baptist Church.
Mr. Grimsley is survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Grimsley; his parents, Isom and Grace Grimsley;
and by a half-sister, Dolan McDaniel.
Graveside services will be 1:00 P.M., Monday, October 30th, at New Liberty Cemetery, with
Robbie McMasters officiating. The procession will leave Mitchell Funeral Home at 12:30
p.m., Monday.
Visitation will be Monday from 10:00 A.M.-12:30 P.M., at Mitchell Funeral Home.
Online registry: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com
Norman James Masterson
Norman James "NJ" Masterson, 89, of Paragould died Friday, Oct. 20, 2006, in St.
Bernards Medical Center at Jonesboro.
Born in Dexter, Mo., on April 28, 1917, he was a World War II veteran. Mr. Masterson
enlisted in the Army on Friday the 13th of September 1940.
As a member of the 59th Coast Artillery he was sent to the island of Corregidor. On May 6,
1942, he was taken prisoner by the Japanese and spent the next 3.5 years at the Mukden
Manchuria prison camp. He was liberated after the Japanese surrendered, and was discharged
on June 6, 1946.
Mr. Masterson was a past Commander of the American Legion, a past state Commander of the
American Ex-Prisoners of War, a member of the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor
as well as a member of Disabled American Veterans. In 1993, he was inducted into the
Greene County Tech Veteran's Hall of Fame. He is a recipient of a Bronze Star and a
Prisoner of War Medal.
Mr. Masterson was a retired implement mechanic and spent 32 years working for Bridger's
Farm Supply and Curtis Cruse Implement Company. He was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include one son, Gary Masterson of Memphis; two daughters and son-in-law,
Charlotte and Jerry Seats of Jonesboro and Judy Masterson of Paragould; two brothers,
Herman Masterson of Crossville, Tenn., and Bud Masterson of Jonesboro; one sister, Gladys
Sharp of Jonesboro; three grandchildren, Corey (serving in Iraq) and Andrea Seats of
Jonesboro, Kristi and Howard Ballard of Jonesboro and Melissa and Joe Wagner of Paragould;
and seven great-grandchildren, Eli Irvin, Kason Irvin, Tyler Ballard, Hannah Seats,
Christian Wagner, Landon Ballard and John Andrew Seats.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Pearce Masterson; parents, Harley and Ethel
Masterson; two brothers, Truman and Earl Masterson; and two sisters, Ruby Glasco and Merle
Rothrock.
Active Pallbearers include John Purcell, Harold Purcell, Wayne Masterson, Don Belk, Steve
Watkins and Dale Miller.
Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday in Roller-Farmers Union Chapel with Dr. Stan
Ballard officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Log Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 6-8:30 tonight at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Greene County Senior Bees.
Online registry: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
Emma Jernigan Simpson
Emma Jernigan Simpson, 95, of Surprise, Ariz., formerly of Paragould, died Friday, Oct.
20, 2006.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Simpson; her parents, Jim and Fannie
Jernigan; a step-mother of over 60 years, Minnie Jernigan Rogers; four sisters; and four
brothers.
She is survived by three daughters, Louise Kring of California, Sue Durham and Lynn Adams,
both of Arizona; one sister, Mildred Gray of Paragould; one brother, Junior Jernigan of
Paragould; and many other relatives and friends in the Paragould area.
Funeral services will be Thursday, Oct. 26, in Glendora, Calif.
Mindy Kay Wolfenbarger
Mindy Kay Wolfenbarger, 25, of Rector, formerly of Marmaduke, died Saturday, Oct. 21,
2006, at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro.
Born Sept. 3, 1981, in Jonesboro, she was a certified nurses’ aide and a member of
the Marmaduke First Baptist Church. She was married May 9, 2003, to Steven Wolfenbarger of
Rector.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Heather Bennett, in September of this year.
Survivors include her husband, Steven Wolfenbarger; one daughter, Jayden Heather
Wolfenbarger; her parents, Gene and Brenda Bennett of Marmaduke; one brother, Bryan
Bennett of Paragould; three sisters, Kimberly Long of Nashville, Tenn., Lori James of
Searcy and Tammy Bennett of Marmaduke, and her grandparents, Floyd and Mary Bennett.
Funeral services were at 12 noon Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the First Baptist Church in
Marmaduke with Bro. Kim Bridges and Bro. Marston Carpenter officiating. Burial was in
Hartsoe Cemetery near Marmaduke with Irby Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers were David Robinson, Mark Robinson, Jason Wolfenbarger, Jeffrey Wolfenbarger,
Brian Brown, Brooks Camp, Bill Muse, Bret Wheat and Randy Jackson.
Joe Allen Harp
Joe Allen Harp, 42, of Paragould passed away early Sunday, Oct. 22, 2006, at NEA Medical
Center in Jonesboro.
Born Jan. 4, 1964, in Jonesboro, the son of James B. and Martha Janice Selvidge Harp Jr.,
Mr. Harp was a computer programmer for Teleflora and a member of Church of Christ Center
Hill.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Ervin Roy and Essie Marie Selvidge.
Mr. Harp is survived by his parents, James B. and Martha Harp Jr. of Hoxie; two brothers,
Jeff Harp of Hoxie and James A. Harp of Paragould; his paternal grandparents, Baudie and
Ruth L. Harp of Hoxie; four nephews, James Bradley Harp, Travis, Tanner and Blaine
Middlecoff, all of Hoxie; and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2006, at 2 p.m. in Center Hill Church of
Christ with Gary Cremeens and Darrell Douglas officiating.
Those serving as active pallbearers will be Greg Hogue, Bill Moore, Calvin Jones, Brad
Beasley, Shannon Simpson, Tom Stickle, Danny West and Darren Shirley.
Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Wheat, David Coker, Steve Parker, Randy Blanton, Mike
Archer, John Petersen, James Pickney, Barry Greenway, Eric Reddick and David Trantham.
Interment will be in Lawrence Memorial Park under the direction of Bryan Funeral Home of
Hoxie.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. at Bryan Funeral Home.
Jackie Sue Ryan
Jackie Sue Ryan, 42, passed away Sunday, Oct. 22, 2006.
She was born at Minneapolis on June 26, 1964 and grew up in San Jose, Calif. She moved to
Grants Pass, Ore., then settled in her final home at Paragould in 1990.
Jackie is survived by her loving husband and best friend, Ralph; devoted mother of three
children, Christine Bettencourt (David Polmanteer), Leah Letson and Anthony Letson;
parents, Susan (Edward) Margherone and George Don (Freda) Watson; brothers, Donnie
(Semadawn) Watson, Randy (Viola) Watson and Frank Margherone (DeAnn Beamer); sisters,
Jeannie Watson, Tina (Eddie) Mehl and Gina Margherone; grandmother, Hertha Knutsen;
in-laws, Josephine Ryan, Cathy (Oneal) Thomas, Dennis (Debbie) Davis and Cathy Davis.
She is preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Charles Wayne Davis.
Jackie was a top sales representative for Thompson Wholesale and a recipient of multiple
sales awards. Her hobbies were cooking, decorating, quilting, garage sales, camping and
spending time with family and friends.
Her final day was spent with her family doing all these things that she loved.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday in Center Hill First Baptist Church with Pastor
Chad Robinson officiating.
The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Thursday in Heath Funeral Home.
Those wishing to leave a lasting memorial please consider contributions to the Asthma and
Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) in Jackie's memory.
The world is a better place because of Jackie's spirit.
http://www.aafa.org/donation.cfm
Stanis L. Greuel
Stanis L. Greuel, 85, of Paragould passed away Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2006 in Arkansas
Methodist Medical Center.
He owned and operated his own shoe store in Union, Mo., and was currently employed at
Paragould Wal-Mart. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Angelina Rutzinger Greuel; one son,
Stanis Earl Greuel; three brothers, Pete, Herman and Henry Greuel; and four sisters, Mary
Sanders, Josephine Abell, Anna Weis and Theresa Greuel.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Campbell Greuel of the home; one son and
daughter-in-law, Bill and Judy Greuel of Paragould; three daughters and sons-in-law, Mary
and Larry McKinney of Jonesboro, Pat and Michael Harrell of Pembroke, Ga., and Theresa and
Keith Oltmann of Union; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Mary's Catholic Church at Paragould with
the Rev. Matthew Garrison officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.
The Rosary will begin at 6 p.m. today. Visitation will continue until 8 p.m. at Heath
Funeral Home.
Billy Lee Wheeler Sr.
Billy Lee Wheeler Sr., 65, of Paragould died Wednesday, October 25, 2006 in St. Bernards
Medical Center.
Born January 18, 1941, at Paragould, Billy lived several years in Jonesboro before moving
to rural Paragould nine years ago. He was a truck driver for Federal Express and an Army
veteran.
He was a member of Church of Christ and was preceded in death by his parents, Clennie and
Ida Agnes Thurman Wheeler; by two sisters, Mildred Pearson and Betty Wheeler; and by an
infant daughter.
Survivors include his wife, Henrietta Stevens Wheeler of the home; three sons, Billy
Wheeler Jr. of Paragould, Michael Harrison and Jeff Wheeler, both of Jonesboro; three
daughters, Toni Dixon, Lisa Wheeler, and Sandra Gartman, all of Jonesboro; one stepson,
Jeff Chandler of Greensboro, N.C.; three sisters, Jackie Golden, Mavis Holmes, both of
Jonesboro, and Mary Fowler of Pine Bluff; and 11 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Emerson Memorial chapel at Jonesboro with
Terry Gage officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. in Emerson Funeral Home.
Online registry: www.emersonfuneralhome.com
Thomas L. DeRoe Sr.
Thomas L. DeRoe Sr., 70, of Paragould, returned home to his creator on Saturday, Oct. 28,
2006, at Memphis.
He was born on May 18, 1936, at Perryville, Mo. Tom moved to Paragould 40 years ago and
was the founder, owner-operator of DeRoe and Sons Concrete Works until his retirement in
1999.
He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and was a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights
of Columbus Organization. He was a longtime member of the Jones and Swinney Hunting Club
of Warren.
His interests included woodworking, hunting, fishing, boating, NASCAR and working in his
shop. Watching the St. Louis Cardinals win the 2006 World Championship playoffs gave him
great satisfaction.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Joseph and Eula Mary DeRoe; brother, James
DeRoe; and sister, Margie Koen.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Kueter DeRoe of the home; daughter and
son-in-law, Kem (DeRoe) and John Drake and their children, David Drake and wife Kendra,
Jason, Aaron and Matthew Drake; son and daughter-in-law, Thomas L. Jr. and Leigh Anne
DeRoe and their children, Claire DeRoe and Thomas L. DeRoe III; daughter and son-in-law,
Fawnda (DeRoe) and Joe Penn and their children, Jeremy and Leah Privett and their
children, Tristan, Carter and Jackson Privett, April (Privett) and Demetrius Alusi,
Jennifer (Penn) and Matt Hibbard and their child, Zane Hibbard, Jonathan and April Privett
and their children Matthew and Chase Privett, and Fawnda and Joe's youngest child, Sarah
Penn; youngest son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Gena DeRoe and their children, Cody,
Anna and Kyle DeRoe; sisters and brother-in-law, L'Wana and Hubert Trapp and Donna
MacDonald.
His life will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday in St. Mary's Catholic Church with the
Rev. John Marconi and the Rev. Matt Garrison officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's
Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Jeremy and Jonathan Privett, Matt Hibbard, David, Jason
and Matthew Drake, Thomas L. DeRoe, III., Cody and Kyle DeRoe with grandsons, Aaron Drake
and Demetrius Alusi as honorary pallbearers.
Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday with a rosary from 6:30-7 p.m. Memorials may be
sent to St. Mary's Catholic School.
For his countless friends that knew Tom DeRoe, please remember him with smiles and warm
memories for the man that he was.
James Carl Stephens
James "Ras" Carl Stephens, 87, of Marmaduke died Saturday, Oct. 28, 2006, in
Piggott Community Hospital.
He was a World War II veteran and retired from Hurt Grocery Co. at Paragould. He was of
Baptist belief.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Minerva Milburn Stephens; parents, Jim and
Nancy Beaton Stephens; a stepson, James Milburn; stepdaughter-in-law, Shirley Dunnigan;
grandson, David Dunnigan; sister, Arlene Ragel; and brother, Vernon Stephens.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Connie and George Haygood of Marmaduke;
stepdaughter, Sophie Yancey of Knob; son and daughter-in-law, Don and Christie Stephens of
Memphis; stepsons and stepdaughter-in-law, Frank and Dorothy Dunnigan of Paragould, Harry
Dunnigan of Addieville, Ill. and Alvin Dunnigan of Granite City, Ill.; daughter-in-law,
Lillian Milburn of Bellville, Ill.; brothers, Eugene and Thelbert Stephens of Paragould;
sisters, Catherine Gerdes of Jonesboro, Loretta Smith of Paragould, Alma White of Senath,
Mo., Wanda Hardin and Velma Smith of Marmaduke and Iva Jamison of Rector; 16
grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren; also special
friends, Mike and Robin Crabtree.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Heath Colonial Chapel with the Rev. Kim
Bridges officiating. Burial will follow in Ramers Chapel at Marmaduke.
The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. today in Heath Funeral Home.
Grandsons will be pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to Ramers Chapel United Methodist Church.
Teresa Hall Rogers
Teresa Hall Rogers, 85, died Sunday, October 29, 2006 in her residence in Paragould.
A homemaker, she married Carl Rogers on Jan. 5, 1944.
She is survived by her husband, Carl R. Rogers; her children, Carl J. Rogers, Darrell
Rogers, Tommy Rogers, Dewayne Rogers, all of Paragould, Frank Rogers of Light, Cindy Hinds
of Branson, Mo., Diane Alford of Poplar Bluff, Mo., Patricia Dement and DeLayne Carr of
Bono and Mary Lowe of Texas; 32 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday in Bethel Church of Christ with Lonnie Pyle
officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Cemetery near Paragould.
Visitation will be from 5:30-8 p.m. Wednesday in House-Gregg Funeral Home.
Tomazene Olita Howell
Tomazene Olita Howell died Sunday, Oct. 29, 2006, after a long struggle with
Alzheimer’s disease. 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 Jan.12, 1923, in Paragould, Arkansas. She was the third of 10 children of J. Sam
and Anna Thompson of Paragould. She was married on Christmas day of 1942, to Jewel Earnest
Howell of Cabot, Ark.
She is survived by her husband, and three children and their spouses, Samuel Earnest and
Jo Howell of Cabot, Juliana and Mike Coleman of North Little Rock, and Ronnie Allen and
Lynne Howell of Memphis, Tenn; her six grandchildren, Laura Ferguson, Brian Howell, David
Coleman, Justin Coleman, Amy Coleman and Steven Howell; and nine great grandchildren. In
addition, she is survived by her sisters, Reba Shivley of Kennett, Mo., Anna Hudgins of
Paragould, Sammye Rottluff of Hot Springs Village, Martha Jumper of Paragould, and her
brother Homer Thompson of Blytheville. She was preceded in death by her brothers Merle
Thompson of Jonesboro, J.W. Thompson of Paragould, Maurice Thompson of Jonesboro, and her
sister Rebecca Childress of Jonesboro.
She was an active member of Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro for 37 years and a member
of the First Baptist Church of Cabot for the last five years of her life. She loved her
church, regularly worshipped with her family, and was also a tireless worker in the
nursery at the church. She was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, in which
she was also a past Worthy Matron of the Beebe Chapter. Mrs. Howell was also a past
president of the Beebe Business and Professional Women's Club. Her family respectfully
requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the music ministry of the First
Baptist Church of Cabot.
The family will receive friends tonight at Cabot Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Memorial
service will be Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Cabot. A private
burial will be held at Arkansas State Veterans' Cemetery in North Little Rock.
Condolences may be sent to www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com
Zelma Nadgerine Swafford
Zelma Nadgerine Swafford, 80, of Paragould died Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2006, at St. Bernards
Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was a homemaker and a member of Immanuel Baptist
Church.
She is preceded in death by her father, Alex Fisher; mother and stepfather, Leora
(Casebolt) and Erby Watson; one brother, Alex Eugene Fisher and an infant sister.
Survivors include her husband, Reverend James E. Swafford of the home; two daughters and
sons-in-law, Gloria and Jim McMillon of Paragould and Cindy and Rob Whiteside of Campbell,
Mo.; one son, James E. Swafford , Jr. and his wife, Kaye of Clarksville, Tenn.; one
brother, Leroy Watson of Paragould; five grandchildren, Royce and Rusty McMillon, Richard
Whiteside, Cordellia Whiteside Risley and Brian Swafford; Â four great-grandchildren,
Alexis, Grifen and Silas Whiteside and Talon McMillon.
Graveside services will be Thursday at 3:30 pm at Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery
with Reverend Charles Abanathy officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30-
2:45 pm Thursday at Heath Funeral Home.
 Pallbearers: Brian Swafford, Richard Whiteside, Cordellia (Whiteside) Risley, Brian
Risley, Royce McMillon, Rusty McMillon, Steve Fisher, David Fisher, David Swafford, Scott
Dowler. Honorary Pallbearers: Paul Smith, Jerry Dowler, Charles Wrinkles, Jim Keas, J. R.
Rison, John McDowell.
Memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church.
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