Obituaries

Frances Crews Thompson, 75, of Fayetteville, N.C., formerly of Leachville, passed from this life Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville. Born in Leachville, she was the daughter of the late Eugene and Ethel Pilgrim Crews and was a 1961 graduate of Leachville High School. ...

Archie Edward Ohler passed away Jan. 13, 2019, in Osceola, at the age of 55. He retired at American Greetings where he was a machine specialist for 23 years. He was born Sept. 14, 1963 in Wilson to Clinton Darrell Ohler and Marie Smithey Spence. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Denna Michelle Hurst and Melody Ohler...

Terri “Chrissy” Dampier Askue, 45, of Blytheville, passed away Jan. 13, 2019, at her home. Terri was born in Blytheville to Hoyt Dampier and Shelia (Brothers) Dampier. She was the special education instructor at Gosnell Junior High and was a member of Mary’s Chapel Baptist Church. ...

William Christopher (Chris) Clark was born Dec. 13, 1968. He graduated from North Arizona University in 1993. He is survived by his father, Dr. William Clark; his mother, Dona Sanders; his brother, Jason Clark (January); his sister, Carrie Spanagel (Dan) and Leigh Nyman; his grandmother, Helen Miller of Blytheville (where his mother was raised); one nephew; three nieces and many extended family members and friends...

Esther Lee Barker, 82, of Jonesboro, former longtime Manila resident and widow of Mr. Bobby Barker, passed from this life Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, at the Craighead Nursing Center in Jonesboro. Born in Leachville, she was the daughter of the late Aven and Ellen Poe Hodges and a 1954 graduate of Manila High School. She was a retired medical transcriptionist for the former George W. ...

Larry Quention Smith, 77, of Arbyrd, Mo., died Thursday, Jan. 10, at his home. Born in Monette, he was the son of the late Quention and Hazel Cornish Smith and was a 1959 graduate of Monette High School.Larry had been a Monette area resident for most of his life and had lived in Arbyrd for the past six years. ...

Hershel Wayne Ashabranner, 85, of Manila, passed away Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Born in Manila, he was the son of the late Homer Leroy and Mary Alice Dean Ashabranner and was a lifelong area resident. ...

James E. Thompson, 68, of Lakewood, Colo., passed away Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018. Jim was born Dec. 8, 1950, to George and Jean Thompson in Searcy. In 1962, the family moved to Blytheville and Jim graduated from Blytheville High School in 1969. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 11 years, then earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Colorado-Denver. He worked as an auditor in the oil and gas industry for over 20 years...

Wilbert Stone, Sr., 82, of Luxora, passed away Jan. 10, 2019, in Lake City. He was born Sept. 3, 1936, in Lucy, Tenn., to William and Eula Stone. He was a towboat captain for many years. Survivors include his wife, Edna Stone; sons, Billy Stone of Manila, Randell (Hideko) Stallings of Japan, Billy (Julie) Stallings of Savannah, Ga., and Wendell (Jan) Rackley of Keiser; daughters, Brenda Carson of Jacksonville, Terri Hoopingarner of Cave City and Wendy McCamey of Leachville; 20 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and a brother, Howard Stone of Rockford, Ill.. ...

Mike Connealy, 89, of Blytheville passed from this life January 8, at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. He was born in Decatur Nebraska on September 28, 1929, the third of six sons to Mark and Leona Ball Connealy. Moving from Nebraska to Baytown Texas he attended Robert E. Lee High School. He was voted “handsomest boy in school.” After high school, he joined the Marines serving with the 3rd Batallion 5th Marine Division for two years. He was a Korean vet...

Terrell Ray "Mule" Kirby, 83, of Manila, passed from this life Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, at his home. Born in Vail, he was the son of the late George and Ethel Brockwell Kirby and was raised in the Leachville area. An entrepreneur from an early age, Mule had owned several businesses in the Leachville and Manila areas. ...

Neal Wayne Oates, 81, of Manila, passed from this life at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro and went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. Born in the Black Water community near Manila, he was the son of the late Richard and Dovie Foresythe Oates and had been a lifelong Manila area resident. ...

Austin Jordan Johnson of Paragould was born Sept. 1, 1999, in Blytheville to Randy Johnson and Nancy Marie Ware. He was a welder and farmer. Mr. Johnson passed away Jan. 2, 2019, at his home in Paragould at the age of 19. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas James ‘Bill” Johnson and Charline Johnson...

Lessie B. Mashiya Wilson of Blytheville was born Dec. 28, 2018, in Blytheville to Darnell Wilson and Virginia Bailey. Baby Bailey passed away at her home in Blytheville on Jan. 4, 2019, at six days old. She is survived by her parents, Darnell Wilson and Virginia Bailey, both of Blytheville; six brothers, Jayshawn Brown and D’Aundre Davis, both of Blytheville, Travion Wilson of Madison County, Ill., Deaunta Carter of East St. ...

Patricia “Pat” Ecton of Blytheville suddenly departed her life Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, at her home. Pat was born on June 5, 1957, in Blytheville to the union of the late Essie Jones Mangum and D.C. Mangum, Sr. She was raised by loving parents that instilled strong Christian values and principles in her. ...

Beulah Mae Parks, 61, of Osceola, died Jan. 5, 2019, in Jonesboro. She was a homemaker and a member of Pilgrim Rest MB Church in Osceola. Ms. Parks was born June 1, 1957, in Osceola, to Henry and Thelma Edwards Childs. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ricky Parks, one brother, Lee Hodges...

Pamala Sue Cooper, 61, of Leachville, passed from this life Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, at her home. Born in Stuart, Fla., she was the daughter of the late Conrad Young and had been a longtime Florida resident before making her home in northeast Arkansas in 2000. ...

Cora Loretta England passed away Jan. 5, 2019, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro at the age of 63. Mrs. England was a housewife and a member of Bassett Church of God. She was born Jan. 22, 1955 in Lepanto to Elzie and Dovie Kester Frisbee...

Bernice Margaret Hill Broadway, 90, of Southaven, Miss., and formerly of Blytheville, passed away Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, at Diversicare of Southaven. Bernice was born in Dell to Jessie and Georgie Powell Cohea. She enjoyed raising a vegetable garden, canning and cooking. She loved her children and grandchildren, and was a great mother and grandmother...

Ellis Wayne Brister, Sr. 74, of Osceola, passed away Jan. 3, 2019, at his home. He was a farmer, welder and of the Pentecostal faith. Ellis Wayne Brister, Sr. was born Nov. 2, 1944 in Keiser to Edward D. and Mable Ruth Lawrence Brister. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Billy Brister, Alfred Brister, Dewey Brister and Gary Brister; two sisters, Betty Martin and Dorothy Gatewood...

Eva Dean Herron McMinn, 82, of Blytheville, passed away Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, at her home. Eva was born in Montgomery, Ala., to Frank and Ada White Herron. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. Eva loved animals. She had numerous animals and enjoyed raising horses, ducks, chickens and hogs. Eva loved and collected porcelain dolls...

Madgie Parker passed away Jan. 1, 2019, at SMC Regional Medical Center at the age of 73. She was a retired factory worker and a member of Nodena Baptist Church. Ms. Parker was born May 21, 1945 in Keiser to James Claude and Jennie Gertrude Poss Byrd...

Dianne Alsworth, 67, of Osceola, passed away Jan. 3, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. She was born March 20, 1951, in Atlanta, Ga., to Dr. Norman and Helen Saliba. Survivors include her daughters, Melanie Alsworth of Bakersfield, Calif., and Megan Alsworth of Osceola; grandchildren, Andrew Scott, Anna Scott and Hailey Scott; father, Dr. ...

Lana Kay Dewitt, 73, of Monette, passed away Friday, Jan. 4, 2019 at Monette Manor. She was born Oct. 27, 1945, at Hancock to the late Leahmon and Lois Bennett Baker. Lana was a homemaker who also worked at a nursing home and restaurant. She enjoyed listening to Elvis Presley and camping for weeks on end. She loved her children and grandchildren...

Owen “Buddy” Weston Harrison passed away Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at his home. There will be no formal service. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. He was born in Jonesboro, the middle son of the late Elizabeth Gann Harrison and William Owen Harrison. He graduated from Blytheville High School, where he played football and was active in student government. Owen proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1953 on assignment to Headquarters 12th Air Force Division Europe...

Odell Mabins, 83, of Osceola died Friday, December 28, 2018 at his home. In his early childhood he attended Gospel Temple Baptist Church in Luxora. During his early twenties under the leadership of Pator Godfrey Holman, Church of God in Christ in Erie,PA, he professed Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Deacon Odell Mabins served as president and teacher of YPWW and was co-founder of Lighthouse Prayer Temple Church of God in Christ in Luxora...

Bonnie Jean Hood-Anthony of Miami, Fla., was born May 27, 1960 in Dunklin County, Mo., to the late Elmer Leonard Hood and Ruth Thomas of Burdette, Ark. On Monday, Dec. 24, 2018, Bonnie departed this life. She worked as a mental health professional for New Horizons Community Mental Health Center for 15 years. Bonnie was a very humorous person that would tell it like it is. She loved her family dearly...

Joel Page Carmichiel, 69, of John Day, OR formerly of Dyess, died December 8, 2018 at his home in John Day, OR. He was a retired electrician, a US Army Veteran that served 18 months in Vietnam and 12 months in Ethiopia. He was a lifetime resident of Mississippi County until he moved to Oregon 11 years ago. ...

Carla Jean Ferguson, 71, of Little Rock and formerly of Blytheville, passed away Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at St. Vincent’s Hospital under the care of Arkansas Hospice in Little Rock. Carla was born in Blytheville to Carl G. and Opal Bumbalough Blackard. ...

Darrell Lynn Denbow, 56, of Manila, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Born in Manila, he was the son of the late John Wesley "Bud" and Jo Andrews Denbow and had been a lifelong Manila area resident. Darrell was a valued employee of Boyd Turf Farms for over 23 years and later worked for Crafton's Commission and Jimmy Sanders Incorporated in Blytheville. He will be remembered as a loyal and faithful friend and will be deeply missed by many...

Melissa Cashion West, 57, of Jonesboro, former Leachville and Camden resident, passed from this life, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, at her home. Born in Leachville, she was the daughter of the late Joe F. Cashion, and was a 1980 graduate of Leachville High School. ...

Leslie Eugene Moody, 81, of Blytheville, passed from this life Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, at the Gosnell Health and Rehab Center. A lifelong Blytheville area resident, he was the son of the late Jack and Lucille Velars Moody and had attended Lonoke schools. He was the former co-owner and operator of Moody's Heat and Air and was a longtime member of the Lonoke Baptist Church. Les was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends...

Ricky Allen Gibson passed from this life on Dec. 29, 2018, peacefully at home with his loving family by his side. He was born in September 1952 in Lexington, Tenn., to Piercy and Alma (Wood) Gibson. He married his best friend Helen Ann Howard on Dec. 1, 1978. Ricky and Helen just celebrated 40 years of marriage. His life reflected his faith and his selfless love and devotion for his family...

Betty Lou Frasher, 83, of Arbyrd, Mo., passed from this life Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born at Arbyrd, she was the daughter of the late George Washington and Malinda Izora Troop Miller and was raised in the Arbyrd/Cardwell area. ...

Harvey Faulkner, 84, of Ravenden, passed away Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, at Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House. He was born March 12, 1934, in Caraway to the late Bud and Mahaley Ramsey Faulkner. He was a farmer, cattle rancher for his entire life and was of the Baptist faith. Harvey served on the school boards of Caraway and Riverside Schools. He was also a Monette Co-op board member and a Caraway Ambulance Board member...

Little Dock Broughman, 52, of Keiser died early Monday, Dec. 31, 2018, at the Grace Health and Rehab Center in Grenada, Miss. Born at Lake Village, he was the son of Doc and Myrtle Ball Broughman and was a lifelong Keiser area resident. He was a 1984 graduate of Rivercrest High School and was of the Christian faith. Little Dock loved fishing and camping...

Charles Wayne Brickell, 80, of Caraway passed away Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro with his family by his side. Charles Wayne was born March 17, 1938, to the late Charles and Lucille (Johnson) Brickell in Caraway, where he lived all his life. ...

Tappy Ann Bedwell, 64, of Brookland, passed from this life Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born in Leachville, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Margie Smith Carmichael and was raised in the Manila and Leachville areas. ...

Charles Everette Freeman, 78, of Paragould, passed away Monday at St. Bernard's Medical Center. He was the son of the late Louis and Sarah Freeman. Charles was a Marine veteran who was retired from Frito Lay. His hobbies included fishing and driving back roads. He was a member of The Rock church in Jonesboro. Also preceding him in death is his wife, Claudia Freeman; and brothers, Tim Freeman, Richard Freeman, and Albert Freeman...

Barry Hughes, 74, passed away at his home December 23, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Vivian Hughes of Nesbit, daughter, Leigh Saucier (Steve) of Hernando, step son, Kevin Riggs of Blytheville, step daughters, Dana Riggs of Blytheville and Kandy Bryant of Hernando, brother, Douglas Hughes (Pearl) of Missouri, grandchildren, Hughes, Sam, Mac and Vivi Saucier; Blake, Austin and Taylor Bryant; Zach Riggs; and Misty, Joey and Brandon Hicks and many great grandchildren. ...

Kenny Pate, 59, of Manila, AR passed away December 28, 2018 at his home. He was an auto body shop technician and of the Pentecostal faith. Mr. Pate was born April 6, 1959 in Lepanto to Earl and Rachel Morrison Pate. He was preceded in death by his parents. ...

Missions and Community Outreach Pastor Kristie Angela Stokes passed away on December 30, 2018, at the age of 44. Kristie grew up in Dell and attended school in Gosnell. She attended Arkansas State University for her undergraduate studies and Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary for graduate studies where she earned her Master’s of Divinity. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Jonesboro...

Mildred Faye Rodriguez "Milli", 44 of Jonesboro died December 30, 2018 at Baptist Memorial in Memphis. She was a homemaker and a member of Revival Center in Lepanto. Milli was born August 15, 1974 in Hot Springs to Jerry and Mildred Sheppard Collins...

Mr. Dezzie Bee Henderson of Blytheville was born in Mississippi on September 10, 1929 to the late James Henderson and the late Angenora Stokes Henderson. He was a member of Mt. Nebo M.B. Church in Blytheville and was retired from the Blytheville Road Dept. Mr. Henderson passed away on December 26, 2018 at Heritage Square Nursing Center in Blytheville at the age of 89...

Roderick Sean Turner was born December 10, 1982 in Blytheville to the Eddie Lee and LeAnna Turner. Sean (as he was known by many) had a great love for worship music. He was a member of H.I.S. Ministries under the leadership of Dr. Terri Brassfield. Sean departed this life on Tuesday, December 25, 2018 at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Hospital in Jonesboro at the age of 36...

Gerald Wayne Blagg of Jonesboro passed away December 29, 2018 at the age of 75. He was born November 21, 1943 in New Albany, MS to Marion and Frankie Kelly Blagg. He was a retired mechanic. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jewell Blagg, one son Gene Blagg, four brothers, Heckle Blagg, Marvin Blagg, Billy Blagg and Kelly Blagg, and two sisters Shirley Wren and Ladell Blackwood. ...

Mr. Perry Clyde Rothrock Jr., 87, of Blytheville passed from this life on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at his home. Born to Perry Clyde and Lillian Boyd Rothrock in Blytheville, he was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and retired owner/operator of Rothrock Drug Company. Perry also served his country with honor in the United States Army during the Korean War...

Pastor David Lee Corns, 68, of Blytheville transitioned to his heavenly home on December 28, 2018. He was born, June 29, 1950 in Dewitt, Arkansas to L C Corns and Verdia Swift. David accepted Jesus at an early age. He was an anointed singer and an organist/pianist of substantial skill. ...

Paula Ann Cleveland, 54, of Gosnell passed away on the morning of December 31, 2018. She was born on April 16, 1964 in Osceola Arkansas to Carl and Marie (Shatwell) Lindsey. However, she spent most of her life in Gosnell. She worked for Bush Canning for 13 years until the company moved away from Blytheville. She’s been a homemaker most of her life...

Bernard Wesley King was born on February 29, 1968 to Edward Powell and Gloria King in Brooklyn, NY. He is preceded in death by his mother Gloria King and grandparents Cleo and (Jesse) King and Carl (Louise) Powell. He was a longtime member of Open Door House of Prayer in Blytheville. ...