Obituaries

Angelica Faith Robinson, 28, of Osceola, died Jan. 21, 2020, at Baptist East in Memphis, Tenn. She was employed by Dillards department store and Teletech in Jonesboro and was a member of Green Acres Church of Christ in Osceola. Angelica was born Nov. 20, 1991, in Blytheville to Eddie L. Robinson and Gloria Dudley Robinson. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Toney Dudley, Sr., Elsie Dudley, Julia Chalk and Eddie Chalk...

Jeffrey Kenny Butler, 54, of Osceola, died Jan. 21, 2020 at his home. He was the shop manager for Jim Ross Tires in Osceola, an employee at Bowles Liquor in Osceola and of the Baptist faith. Mr. Butler was born May 25, 1965 in Osceola to Frank Jackson and Lyvarne Butler. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Leon Craft, Larry Marshall and Willie Jackson...

Bobby Joe Ashabranner, 71, of West Helena, passed away Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020 in Memphis, Tenn. He was born Oct. 6, 1948, in Buckhannon, W. Vir, to the late Elsie and H.C “Cutter” Ashabranner. Mr. Ashabranner retired the first of the year, after working for D.B.G Enterprises for over 40 years. He was also a veteran...

Mary Johnson Wright, 87, of Manila, widow of Lonnie Wright, passed from this life Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Born in Leachville to the late Frank and Maggie Trusty Johnson, she was raised in the Pawheen community and later graduated from Leachville High School. ...

Robbie Lynn Butler was born Sept. 13, 1968. She is the daughter of Robert Stiles and Cecelia Wiktorek and husband, Tom Wiktorek. She loved to watch wildlife and had a passion for animals. Robbie enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, reading and singing. She worked as a purchasing agent most of her life and was a member of Christ Church in Nashoba, Okla...

Jackie Lynn Cook, 67, of Dell, passed from this life Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, at her home. Born in Memphis, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Harold and Eula Jones Minyard and had been a longtime resident of California before making her home in Dell 11 years ago. She returned to school later in life and was a 1992 graduate of Central Union High School in Fresno, Calif. ...

Christopher Wayne Neisler, 43, of Manila passed away at home. He was born in Blytheville to his mother Linda Neisler on June 3, 1976. He received his GED and was an entrepreneur at heart. He was self-employed most of his life and worked as an auto body technician...

Barney Sanders, 79, of Osceola died Jan. 16, 2020, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. After 33 years he was a retired inspector for Ford Motor Company in Chicago, Ill., and a member of Bethlehem Temple Church in Harvey, Ill. Mr. Sanders was born March 19, 1940, in Chicago to Harvey and Dorothy Flenoy Sanders, Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Yolanda Wright; two brothers, Harvey Sanders, Jr. and Delbert Sanders; and one grandchild Stephanie Wright...

Ike Lee Caruthers, Jr., 61, of Osceola, died Jan. 15, 2020, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was the manager at the Shell station in Osceola, 33 year member of Bethel Church in Osceola, pastored Apostolic House of Worship in Turrell for one year, former Sunday school teacher at Bethel Church and prison ministry at ADC in Osceola. ...

Robert Edward Jones “Hobo” was born March 26, 1960, to Jimmy Jones of Wynne and the late Jimmie Doris Jones. He was a factory worker and a member of the Baptist faith. Mr. Jones passed away on Jan. 13, 2020, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro at the age of 59. He was preceded in death by his mother Jimmie Doris Jones, one brother Larry Joe Moore and one sister Brenda Johnson...

Catherine Lay Buck, 93, passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on Jan. 18, 2020, in Half Moon. Cathy was born in Pocahontas, Vir., to Michael and Pauline Danish. After the death of her father when she was 10, Cathy was blessed with a loving stepfather, Ernest Lay. She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather; and sister, Mary Millwood...

Anita Boyd Crick, 96, of Blytheville, passed away Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, at Gosnell Therapy and Living Center. Anita was born in Cleveland, Miss., to C.A. and Velma Crick Fletcher. She was a former cosmetic clerk at Super D Drugstore and a member of First Baptist Church. ...

Inez Adams Malone, 90, of Blytheville, passed away Jan. 16, 2020, at her home surrounded by her family. Inez was born in Roseland to Jack and Lena Williams Adams. She was retired from American Greetings and attended Fairview Baptist Church. Inez was a member of the Senior Citizens Center in Blytheville. She was devoted to her family and time with her grandchildren was most precious to her...

Hattie L. Crenshaw was born Feb. 28, 1929 in Como, Miss., to the late Robert and Lucy Young Orr. She was a retired factory worker of ACCO Controls, and a member of God’s Holy Temple & Churches in Blytheville. Mrs. Hattie passed away on Jan. 10, 2020, at StoneBridge Senior Living in Blytheville at the age of 90...

Billy Stabbs, 73, of Blytheville passed away Jan. 12, 2020, at Heritae Square Nursing and Rehailitation Facility. He was born in Blytheville on Aug. 17, 1946, to J.B. and Mary Ellen Overton Stabbs. Billy never met a stranger. He had a gift of talking to people as if he had known them for years. ...

Tiquan Wilson was born Feb. 18, 1998, to Lenita Mays and Don Jackson in Blytheville. Tiquan departed this life on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro at the age of 21. Tiquan leaves to cherish his memories, a son Tylan Wilson of Fort Worth, Texas; his mother, Lenita Mays of State University; his father, Don Jackson of Blytheville; five sisters, Quiniecia Mays and Eboni Brown, both of Jonesboro, Rahsaana Bellany of Blytheville, Sequoya Virgies of Little Rock and Audrey Wynne of Paragould; and three brothers, Quincy Rainey Jr. ...

Ralph Wade Todd, 96, of Fort Smith and formerly of Blytheville, passed away Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, at Brookfield Assisted Living in Fort Smith. Ralph was born in Maverick, Texas, to Charles and Leora Carlton Todd. He was the former plant manager at Bush Brothers in Blytheville and a member of First United Methodist Church. ...

Virginia Ruth Gryner, 79, of Wynne died Jan. 4, 2020, at Crossridge Hospital in Wynne. She was retired from American Greetings. Ms. Gryner was born Dec. 11, 1940, in Kansas to William Leroy Stewart and Dorothy Wilson Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Bill Gryner...

Monnie Dee Daniels of Blytheville was born May 23, 1966, in Milwaukee, Wis., to the late J.C. Moore and the late Florida Tucker Moore. She worked in housekeeping and was of the Baptist faith. Mrs. Daniels passed away on Jan. 9, 2020, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville at the age of 53...

Edward Dean Cole, Jr. of Gosnell was born Dec. 12, 1970 in Blytheville to Edward Cole, Sr. of Marion, Vir., and the late Shirley Freeman Dingler. He was a carpenter and was of the Baptist Faith. Mr. Cole passed away on Jan. 7, 2020, at Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro at the age of 49...

Shirley Ann Aultman of Blytheville was born Sept. 30, 1939, in Tyronza to the late James McCorkle and the late Virgie Young McCorkle. She was a homemaker and the former owner of Ed’s Catfish House in Blytheville. Mrs. Aultman passed away Jan. 11, 2020, at her home in Blytheville at the age of 80...

Marveline Hillhouse Weatherford, 93, of Manila, passed from this life Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, at the Monette Manor Nursing Center. Born in Manila, she was the daughter of the late Robert Lee and Elsie Baggett Martin and had lived in Michigan before returning to Manila in 1972. She was a homemaker and a former member of the First Baptist Church in Manila where she taught a Sunday School Class and was active in the Woman's Missionary Union. She was a current member of the First Baptist Church in Caraway. . ...

David Flora, 63, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, with family by his side at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. David was born in Dayton, Ohio, to Albert and Gloria Gibson Flora and was a member of Gosnell Baptist Church. David was an avid gun collector who enjoyed restoring and repairing old guns. He enjoyed watching old westerns, listening to rock music, working outdoors, playing golf, and most of all, spending time with his family...

David Stephen Darney, 71, of Senath, Mo., passed from this life Monday, Jan. 6, 2020, at Saint Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born in Kittanning, Pa., he was the son of the late Leo and Evelyn Darney and had been raised in Tioesta, Pa. David was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had worked for Neumann Agriprises in Whitelaw, Wis., and BTC Trucking Inc. in Memphis, Tenn. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching television and working on cars...

Tracy June Rhodes, 51, passed away Monday, Dec. 30, 2019. Tracy was born Dec. 17, 1968. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, the late Donald and Wilma Burton and the late Robert and Violet Johnson, as well as her mother, Audra Francis Johnson, and her brother, Jimmy Alan Tucker...

Brenda Carol Ashmore, 68, of Blytheville, passed away Sunday Jan. 5, 2020, surrounded by her friends and family at Arkansas Continued Care Hospital in Jonesboro. Brenda was born in Blytheville to Gerald and JoAnn Tankersley Cassidy and was a member of Armorel Baptist Church and attended Bethany Baptist Church. ...

Kathryn Hawk Belew, 85, died Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Walter Jerrell Belew; parents, Clifford and Pearl (Headley) Hawk; and brother, Robert (Phyllis) Hawk of Russellville, AR. She leaves five children, Jerry (Anita) Belew of Trumann, Teresa (John Sproles) Belew of Little Rock, Robert (Mary) Belew of Saltillo, Miss., Rebecca (Michael) Burrier of Mountain View, and Carrie (Scott) Fraley of Earle; along with 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, 13 nephews and 16 nieces to continue her legacy. ...

Tony Lynn Kennedy, 47, of Blytheville, left this earth peacefully Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020 at his home with his wife by his side. Tony was born in 1972 in Blytheville, to Kenneth and Phyllis Kennedy. He graduated from South Pemiscot High School in 1990. ...

Evangelist Betty Lee Owens, 76, passed away Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, at McLaren Hospital in Flint, Mich. Betty Lee Owens was born Nov. 27, 1943, in Earle to Viola Duncan and Dick Owens. She grew up in Earle and then as a young adult moved to Memphis, Tenn. ...

Anita Rumph Stewart was born Jan. 5, 1968, to the late Abbie Rumph Sr. and Rosetta Whitlow Rumph, in Blytheville. Anita departed this life on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at Great Rivers Medical Center in Blytheville at the age of 51. She leaves to cherish her memories, her husband, David Stewart of Chicago, Ill.; one daughter, Lynita Cox of Blytheville; three sons, Donte Ormond of Detroit, Mich., Jeremy Cox of Austin, Texas, and Jervontae Cox of Blytheville; two sisters, Linda Rumph of Flint, Mich., and Shelia Rumph of Blytheville; one brother, Abbie Rumph Jr. ...

Susie Pearl Grisham, 87, gained her angel wings on Dec. 19, 2019, in Bandon, Ore. She previously had her home in Blytheville for 47 years. Pearl was born to James and Annie Smith on April 2, 1932, in Statesboro, Ga. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, Wildon Smith, Paul Smith, and her one and only true love, Raymond “Arnold” Grisham. ...

Tommye Jean Williams, 82, of Osceola, died Dec. 31, 2019, at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. She was retired from American Greetings and a member of Westside Baptist Church in Osceola. Ms. Williams was born April 23, 1937, in Tyronza, to Tom Greene and Blanche Howard Dunnam...

Earl F. Tubbs, 90, of Blytheville passed away Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in his home. He was the husband of Martha Pierce Tubbs. They shared 69 years of marriage together. Born Nov. 6, 1929, in Oklahoma, he was the son of Ollie and Grace Hill Tubbs. Earl held many positions over his lifetime. ...

Janice Stark, 53, of Blytheville, passed away Dec. 30, 2019, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro. She was born June 8, 1966, in Piggott, and was the daughter of Patsy (Huneycutt) Forrest. Janice was united in marriage to Joe Stark on Dec. 31, 2015...

Mamie Sanders, 69, of Blytheville passed away Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Mamie was born June 2, 1950, in Hernando, Miss., to Willie and Elnora Mobley Sanders. She was employed at Blytheville Nursing and Heritage Square Nursing and Rehabilitation Center as a nursing assistant...

Carolyn Weeks Abbott Omillian, 86, of Blytheville, passed away Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville. Carolyn was born in Vance, Miss., to Leon Alvin and Eva Allie Higginbotham Weeks. She was the former owner and bookkeeper of Delta Auto Parts and a member of Gospel Lighthouse Church. ...

James "Carl" Davidson, 68, of Manila, passed from this life Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, at Heritage Square Nursing Center in Blytheville. Born in Manila, he was the son of the late Leslie Everett Davidson and had been a longtime Manila resident. Carl was a 1969 graduate of Manila High School and had attended Cotton Boll Vo-Tech in Burdette before joining the U.S. ...

Aleda Anderson, 90, of St. Louis, Mo., and formerly of Blytheville, passed away Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. Aleda was born in Steele, Mo., to Ernest and Beulah Lewis Howard. She was a retired sewing machine operator from Serta-Royal Bedding Company and a former member of Trinity Baptist Church. Aleda loved her family, especially her grandchildren...

Wayne Alexander, 82, passed from this life peacefully at home Dec. 30, 2019. He was born in Milledgeville, Tenn., April 28, 1937, to James Leonard Alexander and Cora Olena (Hughes) Alexander. He made his home in Blytheville with his family. He leaves his wife of 50 years Betty Alexander; his son, Greg Alexander (Rene) of Blytheville; his daughters, Ashley Hopkins (Marcus) of Daphne, Ala., and Lindsey Wicker (Jeff) of Blytheville; his grandchildren, Mandy and Molly Alexander, Stanton and Spencer Guest, Blane Howard and Olivia Malone.. ...

Mamie Sanders, 69, of Blytheville passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro. Mamie was born June 2, 1050 in Hernando, Mississippi to Willie and Elnora Mobley Sanders. She was employed at Blytheville Nursing and Heritage Square Nursing and Rehabilitation Center as a Nursing Assistant...

Violet Evelyn Carney, 99, of Blytheville passed away Dec. 26, 2019, at Gosnell Healthcare and Rehab. She was one month away from her 100th birthday. She was born Jan. 26, 1920, in Holland Mo., to Henry Willard Ladd and Gertie Jones Ladd. She was Church of Christ all of her life...

Kathryn Martin Simpson passed away peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Little Rock. She was born in 1932 in Blytheville to Hilda and Sterling Martin. She graduated from Blytheville High School in 1950 and attended the University of Arkansas. She married Russell Simpson on May 18, 1952...

Gwendolyn Harrison, 87, of Jonesboro passed away Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. Born at 40 & 8, Arkansas, she was a retired registered nurse and had worked in various areas of nursing during her career. She was a graduate of Arkansas State University College of Nursing, Jonesboro, was a member of Bethany Baptist Church, Gosnell, and attended Nettleton Baptist Church, Jonesboro...

Irene Bass, 92, of Blytheville passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019 at her home. Irene was born in 1927 in Lancaster, Ohio, to Joseph and Jeanette Feldman. She attended Ohio State University. Irene was a lifetime member of Temple Israel of Blytheville where she was a member of the Temple Sisterhood. ...

Mrs. Rosie Lee Johnson, 92, of Blytheville, departed this life on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, surrounded by her family at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Mrs. Johnson was born in Dell on Feb. 20, 1927. She was one of nine children of the late William Jefferson and Lucy Spears Jefferson...

Beulah Hardesty Thompson, 90, of Brentwood, Tenn., and formerly of Blytheville, passed away at Brighton Gardens in Brentwood, Tenn. Beulah was born in Blytheville to Cairl and Mattie Walker Nunnery. After 44 years of teaching, Beulah retired from South Pemiscot County School District. She attended First Baptist Church in Steele from 2005 until 2012. Beulah was a former member of the Blytheville Women’s Club and the Steele Book Club...

Charles Edward Crigger IV, 65, of Blytheville, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019, at his home. Charlie was born in Fort Benning, Ga., to Charles Edward III and Patricia McKenzie Crigger. He was a lifelong Blytheville resident and a member of First United Methodist Church. ...

Viola Brown, 77, of Joiner, died Dec. 12, 2019, at her home. She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church in Frenchman Bayou. Miss Viola was born March 26, 1942, in Frenchman Bayou to XL and Willie B. Johnson Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Sammie McNeal and Billy Brown, and one sister Leola Turner...

James William Brooks, 63, of Blytheville, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019 at his home. James was born in Chicago, Ill., to John William and Mary Ennis Brooks. He was a retired sales rep for Motion Industries and affiliated with First Assembly of God Church in Leachville. When James was in good health, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a very family oriented man who loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much...

Violet Jane Walker Pannell was born June 16, 1940, in St. Louis, Mo., to the late George K. Politte and the late Patricia Wooten Politte. She was a factory worker and a member of Keiser First Baptist Church in Keiser. Mrs. Pannell passed away on Dec. 19, 2019, at Arkansas Continued Care Hospital in Jonesboro at the age of 79...