Patricia Mae Jackson

Patricia Mae Jackson, 67 of Paragould, went to be with the Lord on September 1, 2007 at the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. She was born on September 28, 1939. Mrs. Jackson was a long time member of Brown’s Chapel Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband of 46 years Bobby Jackson, two sons and daughter-in-laws: Sam and Lola Jackson, Bill and Elizabeth Jackson all of Paragould, seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Mrs. Jackson was preceded in death by: her parents: Felix and Delilah Foster.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday at the Brown’s Chapel Baptist Church with Royce Boling officiating; burial will follow in the Brown’s Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. Tuesday until service time at the Brown’s Chapel Baptist Church. Mitchell Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers memorials to: Brown’s Chapel Baptist Church or to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Anna Katherine Paskel

Anna Katherine Paskel, 58 of Paragould died on Saturday, September 1, 2007 at the National Health Care in Kennett, Missouri. She was born August 20, 1949 in Paragould. She was a Southern Baptist and a member of New Haven Baptist Church. Anna returned to her birthplace in 2002, after living in Lansing, Michigan and retired from working for the state of Michigan.

She is survived by her beloved mother: Betty Paskel, her two brothers: James Paskel, John and his wife Merry Paskel, her nieces: Alyssa and Caila Paskel all of Paragould, and Molly Uvarov of California, her uncle and aunt: Robert and Janet Rowland, cousins: Vicki Fulbright all of Paragould and Cort Rowland of Atlanta, Georgia. Anna was preceded in death by her father, Virgie L. “Pete” Paskel and her grandmother Eva Rowland.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday at the New Haven Baptist Church with Rev. Ron Pickney officiating, burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Mitchell Funeral Home in Paragould.
Memorials may be sent to the New Haven Baptist Church.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Jonathan Healy

Jonathan Healy, 26, of Paragould, died in a car accident September 1, 2007, in Greene County. Jonathan was born December 24, 1980, to Danny Healy and Penny Johnson.
He was captain of the Volunteer Fire Fighters of Marmaduke and was an Auxiliary Police Office for Marmaduke. He was a member of the Marmaduke First General Baptist Church and will be missed by many.
Jonathan was preceded in death by a grandfather, Clifton Healy.

Jonathan is survived by his wife, Kelli Healy of Paragould; and a son, Austin Healy of the home; a daughter, Katelyn Healy of the home; his father and step mother, Danny and Kathy Healy of Stigler, Okla; his mother and step father, Penny and Kenard Johnson of Paragould; his grandparents, Clifton and Margie Carter of Marmaduke, Sherry Stanfill of Paragould, David and Sandy Stanfill of Marmaduke, and Drucilla Healy of Paragould; three sisters, Shannon Lundgren of California, Kellie McCauley of Stigler, Okla., and Tabbi Johnson of Paragould; two brothers-in-law, Justin Stanfill of Port Neches, Texas and Kenneth McCauley of Stigler, Okla.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 5, at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Marmaduke with Bros. Kenneth Hargrave, Marston Carpenter and Anthony Dowdy officiating.
Interment will be at Harvey’s Chapel in Marmaduke. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Marmaduke.

The family has asked for memorials to be given to the Focus Bank for a college fund for the children.
You may sign the online guest book at www.irbyfuneralhome.com

Emma Grace Oxford

Emma Grace Oxford, two months old, of Paragould, died September 2, 2007. She was born June 22, 2007, in Paragould.
Survivors include her parents, Hank and Jessica Oxford of the home; maternal grandmothers, Agnes Oxford of Florence, Alabama, and Mary Jo Wince of Paragould; maternal step grandfather, Steve Claxton of Paragould; maternal step grandmother, LeAnn Bostic of Pollard, Arkansas; and maternal great grandparents, Jessie and Davis Pillow, and Mack Wince, all of Paragould. She is also survived by two sisters, Aubry Nicole Oxford of Paragould, and Anissa Ariel Oxford of Bensalem, Pennsylvania.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Hank Oxford, Jr. and MaryAnn Bickel; maternal grandfather, Tommy Wince; maternal great grandmother, Tomazean Wince; maternal great grandfather, Leon Eddings; and by paternal great grandparents, Henry Oxford, Sr., Virdie Oxford, Emma Volk, and John Earl Volk.

Funeral services will be Thursday, September 6th, 1:30 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, Paragould with Shannon Morgan officiating. Burial will follow at Finch Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m., Thursday, until service time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Mitchell Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses, or to the Benjamin Project, an organization to assist families in Northeast Arkansas who have lost young children, 2906 New Castle Drive, Paragould, AR 72450.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

James Dearin

James B. Dearin, 88, of St. Louis, Missouri, formerly of Beech Grove, died September 4, 2007 at his home. Born June 10, 1919 at Beech Grove, he was retired from Wagner Electric of St. Louis and a member of the Midwest Church of Christ in Ferguson, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline Dearin of the home; two sons, Ray Dean Dearin of Ames, Iowa and Bobby Gene Dearin of O’Fallon, Missouri; four sisters, Pauline Moore of Piedmont, Missouri, and Javene Thurman, Margie Brewer, and Charlene Johnson, all of Paragould; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Murtie Dearin, and by one sister, Mary Ida Horne.

Funeral services will be Friday, September 7, 10:00 A. M. at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Art Smith officiating. Burial will be in Greene County Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be Thursday, 6:00 P. M. until 9:00 P. M. at Mitchell Funeral Home.

Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Judy Ruth Banks

Judy Ruth Banks, 58 of Paragould, AR., formerly of Magnolia, Ark. passed away Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

She was born November 7, 1948 in Dexter, Mo. She was a homemaker and a member of Jackson Street Church of Christ.

She is preceded in death by parents, Theodore Roosevelt and Wilma Ruth (Young) Eaton, husband Robert Earl Banks, and a granddaughter, Daisy Rhiannon Banks.

She is survived by two daughters, Penny Dew of Magnolia, Ark., Heather Williams and her husband Richie of Jonesboro, Ark.; brother, Terry Eaton of Bloomfield, Mo.; sister, Jan Mangus of Dexter, Mo.; two grandsons, Dylan Dew and Triston Kirkley both of Magnolia, Ark.; two granddaughters, Maddie Kirkley of Magnolia, Ark., Dixie Williams of Jonesboro, Ark.; father-in-law, Robert M. Banks Fouke, Ark.; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be Friday, September 7, 2007 at 10 a.m. at Lewis Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Marc Reeves officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. of Magnolia. Family visitation will be Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

Pallbearers will be Scott Holt, John Campbell, David Campbell, Matt Taylor, Gary Eaton, and Joseph Eaton.

To sign the guestbook visit www.lewisfuneralhome.biz

Susie Corene Patterson

Susie Corene Patterson, 94, of Paragould, Ark., formerly of Kennett, died Thursday, September 6, 2007, at Paragould.
Born June 10, 1913, in Senath, Mo., she was the daughter of the late James Albert George and Jerusha Elizabeth Stanfill.

She married Zelmer Patterson, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Oval and Olin George and one sister, Cornelly George.

Survivors include four daughters, Rosetta Holland and husband, Don, of Perryville, Ark., Elizabeth Crawford and husband, Larry, of Kennett, Anna Baird and husband, Don, of Maryland Heights, Mo., and Lynda Baird and husband, Ralph, of Paragould; one sister, Caroline Walls, of Kennett; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., today, Friday, September 7, at the McDaniel Funeral Home in Kennett.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, September 8, in McGrew Cemetery at Senath, Mo. with the Rev. John Kruger officiating.

Virginia Irene Michael

Virginia Irene Michael, 86, of Paragould died Friday, September 7, 2007, at Paragould.

She was born September, 20, 1920, in Portageville, Mo., the daughter of the late Adolphus and Dinkie McGath Stokes.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Stearl Michael; her brothers, Monroe, Clyde and Wayne Stokes; and her sister, Euronah Dunn.

She was a homemaker and was of the Pentecostal faith. She was saved in her apartment in 1992.Â

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Evelyn and Don Clark of Paragould and Linda and Rick Jones of Buffalo, Mo.; sons and daughters-in-law, Charles and Arlene Michael of Paola, Kan., Edmond and Betty Michael of Dixie, Otto D. “Wayne”and Diana Michael of Kansas City, Kan., and Melvin Ray and Ginger Michael of Olathe, Kan.; sisters, Helen Dunn of California and Deloris Shepard of Tucson, Ariz.; brothers:Â Rudolph Stokes of Maine and Connie Doyle Stokes of Overland Park, Kan.; 22 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

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

Her life will be celebrated at Heath Colonial Chapel at 10 a.m. Monday with Rick Jones and Matt Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Woods Chapel Cemetery at Paragould. Her grandsons will be pallbearers.

Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association, Arthritis Foundation of Arkansas or Greene Acres Nursing Home. Special thanks to the Greene Acres Nursing Home staff for the love and care they showed.

Clifton O'dell York Sr.

Clifton Odell York Sr., 62, of Rector, died Friday, September 7, 2007, at his home in Rector.

He was born August 12, 1945, to the late James Odell York and Mary Estes (Hood)York in Logan County, Kentucky.

He is survived his wife, Patricia York of Rector; two sons, Clifton York Jr. of Hot Springs and William Benton York of Hughes; four daughters, Sherry York of Nashville, Tenn., Vicky York of Fairview, Tenn., and Mary Sanders and Jennifer Berry, both of Rector; and one brother, James Willie York Sr. of Rector.

Visitation is scheduled today at 6 p.m. in Irby Funeral Home Chapel at Rector.

The funeral is scheduled for Tuesday at 2 p.m. with burial following in New Liberty Cemetery near Marmaduke.

Euthel Walter

Funeral services for Euthel Walter, 98, of Kennett, Mo., formerly of Marmaduke, who died on September 7, 2007, will be Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the First Methodist Church in Marmaduke, with Lynn McClure and Willyne Jordan officiating. Interment will be in Cudd Cemetery with Irby Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will begin today at 6 p.m in the Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Marmaduke.

In addition to her parents, Wesley and Effie (Vaught) Houston, she was preceded in death by her husband, Coy Walter on September, 6, 1994; a son, Cleatis Walter; four brothers, Wilbur, Eulas, Latrell and Bernell Houston; and two sisters, Dee Houston and Ruby Clayton.

Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Coy “Jerry” and Anita Walter of Middleburg, Fla.; a daughter and son-in-law, Mavis and Bill Kildow of Kennett; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and one brother, Elton Houston of Waterford, Mich.

In Lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to the American Heart Association.

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

Douglas Coleman

Douglas Eugene Coleman, 74, of Paragould died Saturday, September 8, 2007, at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Mr. Coleman spent 22 years as a plant supervisor for Coca-Cola Company of Jonesboro. He was also an equipment appraiser and retired farmer. He was an active member of Bethel Church of Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, one sister and one daughter-in-law.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Marcella Coleman of the home; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Gary and Belinda Coleman and Jerry Coleman, all of Paragould; one granddaughter and her husband, Jennifer and Tom Miller of Greer, S.C.; three grandsons, Jeremy Coleman, Jason Coleman and his wife Laura, all of Paragould, and Josh Coleman of San Antonio; one great-granddaughter, Jaden Miller of Greer; two more great-grandchildren arriving soon; four brothers, J.D. Coleman of Black Oak, Aaron Coleman Jr. of Stanford and Glen Coleman and Frank Coleman, both of Paragould; one sister, Bonnie Cass of Niles, Mich.; and a host of family and friends.

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

His life will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Heath Colonial Chapel with L.R. Smith and Lonnie Pyle officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Church of Christ Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to the Bethel Church of Christ Building Fund.

Marie Annlee Powers

Marie Annlee Turner Powers, 73, of Paragould died Saturday, September 8, 2007, in Paragould.

She was born January 14, 1934, in Burnt Hill, AR., the daughter of the late Willie Alfred and Ruby Annlee Roger Turner.

She was also preceded in death by her sister, two brothers and several nieces and nephews.

She was retired from Ely and Walker shirt factory and a member of the Newton Street Church of Christ.

She is survived by her husband, Jay Powers of the home; sons, Mike McDaniel of Jonesboro and Kevin McDaniel of Paragould; stepdaughters, Debbie Powers and Brenda Powers; stepsons, Ricky Powers, Roger Powers and Gary Powers, all of Corning, Calif.; sister, Lou Ella Tedder of Paragould; brother, James Turner of Ninilchik, Alaska; and three grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to noon Monday in Heath Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be at Pine Knot Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Monday with L.R. Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Pine Knot Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to Newton Street Church of Christ.

Juanita Vowell

Juanita Rose Vowell, 85, of Paragould, died Sunday, September 9, 2007 at Paragould Health and Rehab Center.

Born September 23, 1921 in Flippin, AR., Mrs. Vowell lived in Lepanto, Rivervale and Caraway before moving to Paragould 20 years ago. She was a homemaker and a member of Eastside Baptist Church in Paragould.

Mrs. Vowell was preceded in death by her husband, O. Edgar Vowell; two sons, Marlon Vowell and Verlon Vowell; her parents, Alfred and Lucille Coy Rose; one grandchild; and three great-grandchildren.

Survivors include three daughters, Lois Mason of Rector, Wanda Vowell of Paragould, and Marilyn Thomas of Jonesboro; seven sons, Bobby Wortham of Brookland, Lloyd Vowell of Lexington, Tenn., Floyd Vowell, and Byron Vowell, both of Trumann, Owen Vowell of Marked Tree, Carlos Vowell of Alexandria, and Thomas Vowell of Edwardsville, Ill.; two sisters, Leota Perrin of Jonesboro, and Elizabeth Roach of Lepanto; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel in Jonesboro, with Rev. Dennis Scudder officiating. Burial will follow in Purcell Cemetery near Marmaduke.

Pallbearers include, Anthony Timms, Calvin Fletcher, Jimmy Rose, Raymond Miller, Jerry Gray, David Wortham and Justin Wortham.
Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro.

Online registry at: www.emersonfuneralhome.com

Pauline Pickett

Pauline Pickett, 90, of Paragould, died Sunday, September 9, 2007, at St. Bernard's Medical Center. Born August 18, 1917, in Greene County, she was a retired cook. Miss Pickett was a member of the First Baptist Church of Paragould.
She is survived by one brother, Billy Pickett of El Paso, Texas.
A memorial service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 14th, at the Paragould Mini-Rise, with Joe Marsden officiating.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Betty Almeida

Betty Stotts Almeida, 86, of Jonesboro, died Sunday, September 9, 2007, at NEA Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Born August 28, 1921 in Caraway, Mrs. Almeida lived several years in California before moving to Jonesboro 20 years ago. She taught elementary school for 44 years, much of that in California. She was a graduate of Arkansas State University and earned a master’s degree from UCLA.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro and was preceded in death by her husband, William Almeida; by a daughter, Cisy Lewis; and by a son, Bob Wallace.

Survivors include sister, Patsy Stotts of Jonesboro; two grandchildren, Kimmy Riehl of Clovis, Calif., and Michael Riehl of Malibu, Calif.; and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 in the First United Methodist Church Chapel with the Rev. Patty Soward officiating. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery with Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro in charge of arrangements.

There will be no visitation.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to First United Methodist Church, 801 South Main St., Jonesboro, AR 72401 or to Jonesboro Church Health Center, 200 West Matthews Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401.

Online registry at www.emersonfuneralhome.com

Hilda Shephard~Cochran

Hilda Elois Shephard Cochran of Corning, Arkansas, born June 6, 1925, departed this life on September 9, 2007 at the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould, Arkansas.

Mrs. Cochran was a homemaker who delighted in her extended family which included sons, Bill Shephard and his wife, Loma, of Millersville, MO., Jim Shephard and his wife, Charlotte of Eads, TN., and daughter Barbara Sears and her husband, David, of Springfield, MO. Her grandchildren and their families are, Mark and Shelby Sears and children, Michael and Maddie of Springfield, MO., Teri and John Taylor and children, Austin and Zane of Jackson, MO., Jon-David and Stephanie Smith Sears of Yellow Springs, OH., William Shephard of Republic, MO., Amy and Ryan Milzarek and children Joshua, Rachel and Joel of Bartlett, TN., Jason and Rachel Shephard of Memphis, TN., Joe Sears and his girlfriend, Tracy of Springfield, MO., and Sam and Kelly Sears of Springfield, MO. Mother and Nanny will be greatly missed by a family who loved her very much.

Mrs. Cochran is also survived by sisters, Helen Easterwood, Corning, AR., Dorothy Gerber, Poplar Bluff, MO; Doris Shephard, Jones, OK., JoAnn Kamerman, Corning, AR., Virginia Brumfield, Corning, AR., and Wilma Bauschlicher, Corning, AR., by brother, Jack Phelan, Corning, AR; and her sister in-law, Doris Jean Phelan, Corning, AR.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Marcus Shephard, (1976) and Charles Cochran, (1987), her parents, William Henry Phelan and Eathel Charity Gleghorn Phelan and her brother, Billie Phelan.

Services for Mrs. Cochran were conducted Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Ermert's Funeral Home, Corning, AR, with Pastor Michael Archer officiating. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. at Howell Memorial Cemetery, West Plains, MO., with Rev. David Sears officiating.

The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Corning First Baptist Church sent to Ermert Funeral Home, P.O. Box 65, Corning, AR 72422.

Blaise William Henry Moore

Blaise William Henry Moore, two and one-half months old, of Beech Grove, died September 11, 2007. He was born June 20, 2007, in Jonesboro.

Survivors include his parents, Justin and Andrea Moore of the home; grandparents, Adren and Darlene Kent of Paragould, Billy and Trella Moore of Beech Grove; one sister, Alissa Haleigh Moore of the home; great grandparents, Robert and Betty Boling of Paragould, Pete and Opal Moore of Beech Grove, Wava Mitchell of Walcott, and Sue Smith of Paragould. She is also survived by an aunt, Jennifer Scorfina of Paragould; an uncle, Zach Kent of Paragould; and by cousins, Kolton and Kyle Brewer, and Chloe Scorfina.

 
He was preceded in death by great grandparents, Herbert Smith, Bud and Verdie Kent, and Euine Mitchell.
Funeral services will be Saturday, September 15th, 10:30 a.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, Paragould, with Dr. Kenneth M. Startup officiating. Burial will follow in Beech Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m., Saturday, until service time.

Mike Wess and Daniel Harmon will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Memorial fund at Unico Bank, or to the Benjamin Project, an organization to assist families in Northeast Arkansas who have lost young children, 2906 New Castle Drive, Paragould, AR 72450.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Ruth Dicus

Ruth Dicus, 78, of Paragould died September 11, 2007, at St. Elizabeth’s Place in Jonesboro.

She was born February 16, 1929, in Knobel, the daughter of the late Oscar Almus and Dicie Florence Garrison Dicus. Ruth was retired from Ely and Walker Shirt Factory and a member of Seventh and Mueller Church of Christ.

Ruth was also preceded in death by her brothers, Tom, Billy and Lorin Dicus; and one sister, Rosemary Gerdes.

Survivors include one son, Terry Dicus of Paragould; brothers, Lee Dicus of Houston, Howard Dicus of Jonesboro and Jimmy and Dean Dicus, both of Cahokia, Ill.; one sister, Lannie Haller of Paragould; a half sister, Mary Myers of California; and one granddaughter, Hannah Gray of Hope.

Memorials may be made to the Seventh and Mueller Church of Christ, Children’s Education Center.

Arrangements were made through Heath Funeral Home of Paragould. No services are planned at this time.

Hettie Grace Ogles

Hettie Ogles, 79, of Paragould died Wednesday, September 12, 2007, at her residence, she was born November 21, 1927. Mrs. Ogles retired from Emerson Electric, and was an Avon representative for over thirty years. She was a member of Second and Walnut Church of Christ.

Survivors include two sons, Wayne Ogles of Paragould, and Dwight Ogles of Natick, Massachusetts; and three daughters, Rita Greer and Vickie Ogles, both of Paragould, and Sheila Erby of Toledo, Ohio. She is also survived by a brother, Billy Stanfill of Georgia; one sister, Dorothy Mason of Gainesville; nine grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; and by two great great grandchildren.

Visitation will be 6:00-9:00 P.M., Thursday, at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.
Funeral services will be conducted 1:30 p.m. Friday, September 14th, at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with James A. Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Michael Ogles, Bryan Wilcox, Gerry Ward and Mike Erby will serve as pallbearers.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

John D. Evans

Funeral services for 81-year-old John D. “Bodie” Evans of Jackson, MO., formerly of Mounds Community, will be Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 10 a.m. in Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Rector with John Nimmo officiating. Interment will be in New Liberty Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday evening, September 14, 2007, at 7 p.m.

In addition to his parents, Marion and Ella Little Evans, he was preceded in death by a son, John Edward Evans, on April 7, 2002; brother, Leonard Evans; and sisters, Earline Oglesby, Orpha Hamelback and Hazel Evans.

Survivors include his wife, Verla Faye Mathis Evans of the home; son, Mike Evans of Arnold, Mo.; two daughters, Mickie Runyon of Festus, Mo., and Miranda Cox of Arnold; six grandchildren, Jason Runyon, Michelle Ivey, Shaun Evans, Joseph Runyon, Caleb Cox and Stephanie Missroon; and eight great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Marc, John, Jacob, Faith, Kyle, Skyler and Joy Marie.

Vestele (Clester) Grimm

Vestele (Clester) Grimm, 90, was born March, 18, 1917, near Cardwell, Mo. and passed from this life on September 13, 2007, in Jonesboro. She was a member of the Village Creek Church of Christ in Paragould.

She was preceded in death by her parents Allen and Ruby (Krantz) Clester; sister and brother-in-law, Rachel (Clester) and Frank Henderson; sisters-in-law, Helen and Pauline Clester and nephew, Scott Clester.

She is survived by two brothers, L.T. Clester of Cardwell, Mo. and Charles “Gene” Clester of Phoenix, Ariz. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Clara Jones, Bud Henderson, Judy Wilkins, Tonya Phillips, Morris Clester, Jim Clester, Ronnie Clester, Jane Vines, Jan Rice, Wilma Bohlman, Paul Clester, and many great-nieces and nephews.

She blessed her family in many ways and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be Sunday, September, 16, from 1-3 p.m. and services will be at 3 p.m. in the Phillips Funeral Homes Chapel with Dwight Harrison officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens in Paragould with nephews serving as pallbearers.

Donald Dean Routon

Donald Dean Routon, 67, of Paragould died Sunday, September 16, 2007 at Paragould.

He was born February 7, 1940, the son of the late Pat and Pearl Johnson Routon. He was a retired equipment mechanic from Kirk Equipment Co.

He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Ethel Mallett, Beatrice Gibson, Wilmer G. Routon, Thelma Snider, Prather Routon, Paul Routon and Jerry Routon.

He was survived by his wife, Linda Routon of the home; stepson, Shannon Stage of Paragould; daughters, Cameo Meadows of Denton, N.C., and Sunny Chaddean Roberts of Chicago; brothers, Bob Routon of Leachville, Donnie Hall of Lepanto and Eugene Routon of Denver; and five grandchildren.

His life will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Heath Colonial Chapel with Lowell Ussery.

Leoma Vangilder

Leoma Vangilder, 94, of Marmaduke departed this world on Sunday, September 16, 2007, at the Arkansas Methodist Hospital.

Leoma was born to Ed and Minnie Wooten on September 14, 1913.

She was married to Jason Vangilder in 1934.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Minnie Wooten; her husband, Jason Vangilder; a granddaughter, Pamela Vangilder; one brother, Frank Wooten and one sister, Helen Wooten.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Mary Vangilder of Marmaduke; a daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Jim Reddick of Paragould; two grandsons and wives, Doyne and Charlotte Vangilder of Marmaduke, Carey and Jennifer Vangilder of Paragould; two granddaughters and spouse, Janet and Dennis Clayton of Mountain Home, Arkansas and Lanie Vangilder of Birmingham, Alabama; great-grandchildren, Mitch Vangilder and Amy, Jerry Vangilder, Brittany McClung and Matt, Kassie Thompson, Shea Ford, Lauren Clayton, Shawn Vangilder, Dalton and Samatha Pinkerton; great-great grandkids, Landon and Mattie McClung and Kaylee Vangilder.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, September, 18, 2007 at 3 p.m. at the Irby Funeral Home in Marmaduke with Brother Kim Bridges officiating. Interment will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. at the Irby Funeral Home in Marmaduke.
You may sign the online guest book at www.irbyfuneralhome.com

Mary Ellen Vaughn

Mary Ellen Vaughn, 65, of Brookland died Monday, September 17, 2007, in St. Bernards Medical Center of Jonesboro.

Born in Jonesboro on February 24, 1942, to William and Gladys Kelley Gregson. She retired from General Electric and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. She loved watching them every opportunity that she had. She was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Carl Vaughn of the home; one son, Scott Vaughn of Jonesboro; two daughters, Tammy Harmon of Bella Vista and Kelly Stevens of Jonesboro; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Melvin Gregson and Perry Gregson, both of Flint, Mich.

Graveside services will be Thursday at 10 a.m. in Brown’s Chapel Cemetery with Bill Thornton Officiating.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday in Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home.

Active pallbearers will be Luke Vaughn, Adam Harmon, Chad Harmon, David Vaughn, Jeff Stevens and Scotty Stevens.
Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

Lee H. Parr

Lee H. Parr, 33, of Jacksonville, Texas died Sunday, September 18, 2007. He was born on October 23, 1974 in Nashville, Tenn. He was a long time resident of Paragould and a Manager of Corinth Road Church of Christ in Jacksonville, Texas.

Survivors include his wife, Misty Hoggard Parr, and two daughters, Kaylee Nicole and Allie LaDaugn Parr of the home. His mother and father, A.L. and Christine Landrum Parr of Jacksonville, Texas. Paternal grandparents, Marvin A. Parr of Lebanon, Ind. and Drucilla McIntire of Port Richey, Fla. Maternal grandmother, Lillian Landrum of Florence, Ala.; one brother William Parr of Tyler, Texas and one sister, Angela Babenko of Sherwood.

Visitation will be tonight from 5-7 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home in Paragould. Funeral services will be Thursday, September, 20 at 11 a.m. at the Center Hill Church of Christ in Paragould with Jon Binkley and A.L. Parr officiating.

Pallbearers will be Will Parr, Oleksandr Babenko, Eric Reddick, Brett Richardson, Keith Milligan, and Kevin Brehmer. Honorary pallbearer is Brian Sowell.

Burial will follow at Harvey’s Chapel in Marmaduke.
Online guest book: www.phillipsfuneral.net

Ernest Arthur Roberts

Ernest Arthur Roberts, 80, of Paragould died Tuesday, September 18, 2007, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould.

He was born November 26, 1926, at Cash Lake community, the son of the late Ernest Leroy and Laura Bell Roberts. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Leroy Roberts; and his son-in-law, Leon Pitcher.

He was a retired machine operator for Emerson Electric and a Mason.

He is survived by his wife, Evalene Roberts of the home; daughters, Kay Newman of Paragould and Peggy Pitcher of Memphis; sons, Leon Roberts, Edgar Byers and Dennie Byers, all of Paragould; sister, Dorothy Miller of Eureka, Ill.; special friend, Kaye Rogers; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends today from 9 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. in Heath Colonial Chapel with the Rev. Trumann Wycoff officiating. Burial will follow in Shiloh Cemetery.

Marty Lane, Terry Kipner, Bradley Rogers, Ronnie Pitcher, Brian Pitcher and Jacob Pitcher will be pallbearers.

Maxine Fletcher

Maxine Fletcher of the Finch Community passed away Tuesday, September 18, 2007, at the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center at the age of 84 years.

Mrs. Fletcher was born Feb. 28, 1923, and retired from the Ely Walker Shirt Factory. She was a member of the Clarks Chapel Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Boss and Pairlee Stricklin; her husband, Stirl Fletcher; and by a daughter, Bonnie Kay Garner.

She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Radus Mikel; one granddaughter, Tracy Garner; and by a great grandson, Colton Hardin, all of Paragould.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., today, at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Wilburn Griggs and Jon Stricklin officiating. Burial will follow in the Finch Cemetery. Visitation began Wednesday evening at Mitchell Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Bill Stricklin, Richard Hardin, Colton Hardin, Rosco Wood, Corey Fletcher, and Nathan Fletcher.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Fannie Margaret Wallace

Fannie Margaret Wallace ,87, of Marmaduke passed and joined her loving husband Wednesday, September 19, 2007. She was born August 11, 1920, in Mt. View, Ark. to the late Willie and Julie Cooper Wilson. She was a member of Providence Baptist Church.

Survivors include, sons, Carlos and Clifford Wallace of Marmaduke; sisters, Allene Watkins and Lorene Weatherly of Beebe; five grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

She is preceded also by her husband, King Bridges Wallace; five brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m., Saturday, September, 22, at the Heath Colonial Chapel with Reverend Laramie Lequieu officiating. Burial will follow at Providence Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Friday at Heath Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Providence Cemetery fund.

Charlotte E. Miles

Washington Post, The (DC) - September 23, 2007

contributed by: Wm. Dunavin

Michael David Burton

Michael David Burton, 28, of Rector, died Saturday, September 22, 2007 in an automobile accident.

Born March 22, 1979 in Paragould, he was an extrusion operator at Anchor packaging in Marmaduke, and a life long member of the community.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Ebert Burton in 1998 and James Morgan in 2005.

He is survived by his parents, Mickey and Mary (Morgan) Burton of Paragould; one brother, Mickey Gene Burton of Rector; his fiancé, Shalon Owen and children, Devon and Madison of Paragould; grandmothers, Pat Burton of Paragould and Maxine Morgan of Piggott; and a host of other relatives and friend.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, September, 26 (today) at Irby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mike Book officiating, burial will be in Rock Springs Cemetery in Knob with Irby Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Mickey Burton, Drew Lucy, Steve Smith, John Midkiff, Justin Midkiff, Aaron Midkiff, Kameron Rosendahl and Brandon O'Neal.

Frankie L. Hammon

Frankie L. Hammon, Jr, 43, of Paragould, died Monday, September 24, 2007, at his home. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sandra Hackworth; his maternal grandmother, Emaline Newsom and his paternal grandmother, Tennie Hammon. He was survived by his children, Felicia and Owen Hammon; father and stepmother, Frankie and Sue Hammon, Sr; paternal grandfather, Lester Hammon, all of Paragould; brothers, Todd Hammon of Jonesboro and Ian Hammon of Vilonia; uncle, Gary Reeks and several other aunts and uncles.

The family will receive friends tonight from 6-8 p.m. at the Heath Funeral Home. His life will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Heath Colonial Chapel with Les Payne officiating. Burial will follow at Brown’s Chapel Cemetery.

Royce Earl Midkiff

Royce Earl Midkiff, 70 died September 24, 2007 at the General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell, Mo. He was formerly of Greenway.

He was born July 11, 1937, in Rector to the late William Roy and Johnnie Pearl Reynolds Midkiff.

He was married in 1957 to Jessie Warren and was a member of the First General Baptist Church in Rector.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Johnnie Midkiff; two brothers, James and Billy Ray Midkiff and one sister, Wilma Sue Whitworth.

He is survived by his wife, Jessie Midiff of Rector; three sons and their wives, Byron and Jill Midkiff of Piggott, Lavon and Patty Midkiff of Piggott and William and Melanie Midkiff of McCook, Neb.; three brothers, Lindol Midkiff of Kennett, Roy Odean Midkiff of Mountain Home and Harold Midkiff of Greenway; two sisters, Mary Morrisett of Rockford, and Wanda Morrisett of Rector; nine grandchildren, Justin and wife Mia, Aaron and wife Ashley, John Kyle and wife Summer, Morgan, John Troy, Ethan, Emily, Jessica and Chase, and two great-grandchildren, Justice and Hunter.

Funeral services will be Friday, September, 28 at 10 a.m. at the First General Baptist Church in Rector with Brother Marston Carpenter officiating. Interment will follow at Harvey’s Chapel in Marmaduke.
Visitation will be Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the church also.
You may sign the online guest book at www.irbyfuneralhome.com

Vera Laverne Lindsey

Vera Laverne Lindsey, 90, of Paragould and daughter of the late John Elmer Jones and Minerva Samford Jones, born July 4, 1917 in Pemiscot County, Mo., died September 24, 2007, in Paragould at the age of 90 years.

On Nov. 28,1940, in Caruthersville, Mo. she was united in marriage with Elmer Edison Lindsey, who preceded her in death.

She was a member of the Commissary Church of Christ in Paragould.

She was also preceded in death by one grandson, Thomas Gerald Lindsey, II, and two brothers, Vermon “Bub” Jones and Vernon Jones and one infant brother.

Survivors include two sons, Thomas Gerald Lindsey and wife, Pat and Rayburn Gale Lindsey and wife, Delores, all of Paragould; one sister, Virginia Tyler of Memphis, Tenn.; five grandchildren, Renee Lindsey Wallace, Deric Lindsey, Eric Lindsey, Daniel Lindsey and Amber Lindsey; and five great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Steve Worrell, Tim Howard, Rance Daniels, Howard Henry, Michael Jones, and Ricky Jones.
Funeral services were held at Powell Funeral Home in Steele, Mo., at 11 a.m. September, 29, 2007. Mr. Darrell Austin and Mr. Phil Wilkerson officiated.

Visitation was September, 28, 2007, at Powell Funeral Home in Steele, Mo. from 6-8 p.m. Burial was at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Steele, Mo.

Darlene Louise Boyd

Darlene Louise Boyd, 65, of Paragould, died Tuesday, September 25, 2007, at her home in Paragould.

She was born January 4, 1942 the daughter of Mathel Tennison Brummett and the late Robert Brummett.

She was also preceded in death by her son, Greg Boyd. She was a homemaker and a member of the First United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her husband, Gwendol Boyd of the home; mother, Mathel Brummett of Paragould; daughter and son-in-law, Darla and Darrell McCreless of Paragould; son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Karla Boyd of Owasso, Okla.; daughter-in-law: Dawn Adams Boyd of Paragould; sister, Shirley Levins of Paragould; and her grandchildren, Chase and Addison McCreless of Paragould and Anna Claire and Evan Boyd of Owasso, Okla.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today at Heath Funeral Home. Her life will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday morning at the Heath Colonial Chapel with Reverend Royce Boling officiating. Burial will follow at Greene County Memorial Gardens.

Leda Marie Collier

Leda Collier, 61, of Paragould, formerly of Marmaduke, died September 27, 2007 at her residence after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.

Leda was born on Jan. 1, 1946, to Wolford and Beulah Henson. She was married in 1966 to Charles Collier and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She was a retired teacher of Marmaduke and belonged to Marmaduke Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Lydia Roberts and Lillian Johnson.

Leda is survived by her husband, Charles Collier of Paragould; two daughters and their husbands, Cindy and Steve Lovell of Paragould and Mandy and Brian Mansdoerfer of Franklinville, N.J.; three grandchildren, Winnie and Emma Lovell and Maggie Mansdoerfer; one brother, Ted Henson of Fresno, Calif.; one sister and husband, Lyndall and A.D. Reynolds of Marmaduke; along with a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services will be Tuesday afternoon at 2 at the Irby Funeral Home in Marmaduke. Interment will be at Harvey’s Chapel.

Visitation will be Monday night, 6-9, at the chapel also.
Those wishing may sign the online guest book at www.irbyfuneralhome.com

Irene Lucy Lafferty

Irene Lucy Lafferty, 72, of Paragould, passed away September 28, 2007.

She is survived by her children, Danny Duckworth of Paragould, Dennis Duckworth, of Paragould, Darlene Best of Attica, N.Y. and Debra Lowery of Stafford, N.Y.; one great-grandson of N.Y.; four great-granschildren of N.Y. and one granddaughter of Ariz.

Arrangements are by Griffin Leggett Healy and Roth, 5800 West 12th, Little Rock, (501) 661-9111.

Charles Woods Welch

Charles “Bully” Woods Welch, 84, of Paragould died Saturday, September 29, 2007 at the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould.

He was born June 11, 1923, in Jacksboro County, Texas, the son of the late Marion Charles and Bertha Francis Garner Welch. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Titus Welch, and sister, Drusilla Bowlin Ward.

He was a farmer in the Stanford community, a Navy World War II veteran, a member of the American Legion and a member of Commissary Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Helen Welch of the home; sisters, Talmadge Billingsley of Jonesboro, Irwauna Haun of Mountain Home, Lenora Smith of Paragould, Marian Alice Mangrum of Jonesboro and June Harvill of Paragould; brother, Maurice Welch of Stanford; and several cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

The family will receive friends from 5-8 Monday night at the Heath Funeral Home.

His life will be celebrated Tuesday, October 2, at 1 p.m. at the Heath Colonial Chapel with Phil Wilkerson and Darrell Austin officiating. Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Commissary Church of Christ or the Children’s Home of Paragould.

Donald Wayman Maple

Donald Wayman Maple, 59, of Brookland, AR., died Saturday afternoon, September 29, 2007, at his home.

Born October 4, 1947, he had lived in the Jonesboro area most of his life. He was a member of Brookland Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Debra Maple; his son, Anthony Maple of O’Kean; daughter, Angie
Peterson of Jonesboro; brothers, Glen Maple of Light and Leonard Maple of O’Kean; sisters, Peggy Whitlow of Black Rock, Dottie Gossett of Jonesboro and JoAnn Miller of Light; and his grandchildren, Tyler Knell, Tanner Maple, Lillian Maple, Lauren Knell, Anna Claire Maple, Laci Peterson and Caleb Maple.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Buster and Lida McCarty Maple; and brothers, Bob Maple, Alvin Maple and William Maple.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Lorado Cemetery with Richard Williams officiating. Emerson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Active pallbearers will be Larry Jones, Sonny Crain, Barry Fielder, Jason Lamb, Eddie Tate and Buddy Ivy.

Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Miller, Jim Miller, Buck Bounds and Ronnie Bounds.

Visitation will be held Monday evening from 5-7 in the funeral home.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to the American Cancer Society, 1205 South Madison St., Jonesboro 72401, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis 38105.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.emersonfuneralhome.com

Darrell Wayne Childress

Born April 23, 1940, Darrell Wayne Childress, age 67, of Paragould passed away Saturday, September 29, 2007 at St Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro. He is survived by his wife, Sherry Childress.


Visitation will be this evening from 5:30 to 8 in Phillips Funeral Home at Paragould.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Phillips Funeral Home Center Hill Chapel at Paragould with Royce Boling, Jim Fowler and Mayor Mike Glaskill officiating. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery.
Online guest book: www.phillipsfuneral.net

Carvin George Whelchel

Carvin George Whelchel, 83, of Paragould, formerly of Marmaduke, died Sunday, September 30, 2007, at Greene Acres Nursing Home. Born June 24, 1924, at Murphysboro, Illinois, he retired as a steelworker from Rockford Drop Forge, Rockford, Illinois. He was a member of the United Pentecostal Church of Oak Grove.

 
Survivors include four sons, Carl “Donnie” Whelchel of Lafe, Mark Whelchel of Sterling, Illinois, Butch Whelchel and Tim Whelchel, both of Paragould; and two daughters, Linda Brady of Paragould, and Teresa Duke of Marmaduke. He is also survived by two brothers, Lehman Whelchel of Rogers, Arkansas, Alvie Whelchel of Rockford, Illinois; two sisters, Viola “Sis” Thompson and Phyllis Dalton, both of Rockford, Illinois; nineteen grandchildren; and by twenty-two great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alford and Theresa Whelchel; five brothers; two sisters; and by one grandson, Jeffrey Adams (Whelchel).

Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 3rd, 2:00 P. M. at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, Paragould, with Edgar Humphrey, and Clarence Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be Tuesday, 6:00 P. M. until 9:00 P. M. at Mitchell Funeral Home.
Brad Whelchel, Doug Lewis, Bryan Easley, Randy Easley, Chad Sain, and Rick Humphrey will serve as pallbearers. Michael Brady will be an honorary pallbearer.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Connie  Ballew

Connie   Ballew passed away quietly after a short illness on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007.  Connie was born in Paragould, Arkansas on May 10, 1921.  She graduated from Ward - Belmont School for Girls, where she participated in several organizations.  Noted alumnae include actress Mary Martin, and 1932 grad Sarah Colley Cannon, famous as Minnie Pearl.   A natural artist, Connie then took an art major at George Peabody College in Nashville, Tenn.

She was the daughter of noted Paragould merchant George W. Bush and Bertha Shane Bush, late of Memphis, Tenn.

Her first husband, Edmund Palmer Camps, deceased, was the son of Louis Disraeli Camps of New York, a Spanish-American War vet and a Vice President and General Manager of Royal Typewriter Company, and Maude Elizabeth Palmer of Framingham, Mass.Connie and Edmund met in the Navy Department during World War II, where she was a draftsman and he a lieutenant.

 Connie and Ed had one son, Edmund Palmer Camps, Jr., a graduate of Memphis State University and father of one daughter, Carole Ann, and a son, Gregory Palmer.  Ed Jr.’s current wife is Patricia J. Williams Camps of Memphis.

 Connie’s Second husband – Lt. Cdr. John Lloyd Ballew (b. Aug.31, 1919  d. 1981) was raised in Wanilla, Miss. and joined the Navy in World War II, retiring from the service to Memphis.  Among his medals is the Distinguished Flying Cross.  John’s four children are Mrs. Joyce Arlene Buchanan of Orlando, FL, Mrs. Mary Virginia “Ginger” Mills of Amelia Island, FL, John “Jack” Lloyd Ballew, Jr. of Kentucky, and Robert “Robbie” Bradford Ballew of Cabot. 

A memorial service will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Saturday, Oct. 6 at 3 p.m.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers please send donations to the American Red Cross.