Obituaries

Robert Lynn “Bobby” Tate, 61, of Leachville, passed from this life Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville. Born in Paragould and raised in Manila and Leachville, he was the son of the late Cary and Linda Harmon Tate and had been a lifelong Leachville area resident. ...

Shirley Ann Brown of New Orleans, La., formerly of Osceola, was born June 22, 1954, to the late Hubert Brown Sr. and Lucille Wiley Brown in Osceola. Shirley departed this life Tuesday, June 11, 2019, in New Orleans, at the age of 64. She was preceded in death by her parents...

Marion Ernestine Stewart, 94, passed away comfortably in her sleep in Roswell, Ga., on Sunday June 9, 2019. She was born Aug. 30, 1924, in Blytheville to Ernest and Tina Mae Lyons Halsell. She often jokingly described the location as “Behind Flakes Fruit Stand”. But Ern was no Flake! Raised in Blytheville she would grow to become a spirited, devoted, loyal and loving daughter, wife and mother...

Flora Ann McGee, 65, of Osceola died June 7, 2019, at St. Bernards in Jonesboro. She was a CNA, worked for Home Health Care and was a member of Green Acres Church of Christ in Osceola. Mrs. McGee was born Feb. 2, 1954, in Pecan Point to John and Geneva Burns Williams...

Bobbie Gene Berry, 85, of Paragould, former Manila resident, passed from this life Sunday, June 9, 2019, in Jonesboro and entered into paradise. He became a Christian in 1981 and attended various churches, including Central Baptist Church of Jonesboro and Grace Baptist Church of Paragould. ...

James Ollie Smith, 57, of Osceola died June 11, 2019, at NEA Baptist in Jonesboro. He worked at Cyro and was an Air Force veteran. He was born April 9, 1962, to Fannie Mae Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his mother, Fannie Mae Mitchell; his wife, Verna Dean Smith; two sons, Samuel James Smith and Phillip William Smith; three brothers, Johnny Lee Mitchell, Larry Thomas Mitchell and Robert Smith Jr.; one sister, Jeannette Lewis...

Tammy Kay Anderson, 54, of Gosnell, passed away June 10, 2019, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was born June 2, 1965, in Osceola, to Roy Lee and Stella Margaret Medlin Anderson. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and friends, and she was a very giving person and was Momma to many...

Editha Martinez Tucker, 59, of Blytheville passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. She was born Feb. 15, 1960 in Manila, Philippines, to Loreto and Rosita Martinez Parenas. She was a member of Loving Jesus Ministry...

Douglas Eugene Milligan, 59, of Monette, passed from this life Monday, June 10, 2019, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Born in Jonesboro, he was the son of the late Bernard and Milladine Fortenberry Milligan and had been a lifelong resident of the Leachville-Monette areas. ...

LaRod Ellis Marshall, stillborn of Osceola, died June 1, 2019, at SMC Medical Center in Osceola. He was born June 1, 2019, to Larry Marshall Jr. and Denise Harris. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charlene Harris, Willie Brooks and Larry Marshall Sr...

Gwendelene Bernice Smith, 88, of Manila, widow of Mr. Clarence “Junior” Smith, passed from this life Monday, June 10, 2019, at her home. Born in Manila, she was the daughter of the late Edgar and Ethal Palmer Murphy and had been a lifelong Manila resident. ...

Leonard “Leo” Medlock, 82, of Blytheville, passed away Saturday, June 8, 2019, after heart surgery. He was born Oct. 30, 1936, to Nelson and Leona Medlock in Bono and was of the Baptist faith. Leonard was a retired Msgt. Crew Chief and a Purple Heart recipient in the U.S. ...

Newt Lamar Dunigan, 73, slipped quietly into eternity on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at his home in Hermitage, Tenn. Lamar was a proud husband, father, and grandfather, and faithful servant to Christ, being a proud member of Cornerstone Church in Madison, Tenn...

Gayle Garner Penter 72, a long-time resident of Gosnell, passed from this life on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at her home surrounded by the family she loved. Gayle was born in Blytheville in 1946 to Hershel and Mae Garner, both of whom preceded her in death. She was a member of Gosnell Baptist Church and a career banker who retired from First National Bank in 2004. Retirement took her to Tumbling Shoals, where she enjoyed life on Greer’s Ferry Lake...

Rev. Jewel Thomas "J.T."  Butler, 88, of Paragould passed away Thursday at Flo and Phil Hospice House in Jonesboro. He was born in Walnut Ridge, a former pastor of the Paragould Church of God, being one of the original members instrumental in starting services for Pentecostals serving in the military in Europe. He was a 16 year veteran of the Air Force and four year veteran of the Navy serving in the Korean War and the Vietnam era. He loved buying, restoring and selling old cars and trucks. ...

Charlie Weidman, 81, of Blytheville, passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019. Charlie was born in Blytheville to Robert “Rass” and Mary Henshaw Weidman. He was retired from South Pemiscot County Schools where he was the band director and counselor, and also taught band at Blytheville Junior High and Gosnell Schools. ...

Samuel Richard "Ricky" Sipes, Jr., 61, of Manila, passed from this life Tuesday, June 4, 2019. Born in Osceola and raised in Dyess, he was the son of the late Samuel Richard and Jewell Geraldine Hendrix Sipes and had been a Manila resident since 2015. Ricky had been a longtime resident of Dexter, Mo.; he had worked several years as a welder and was an avid fisherman...

Mia Aimaree Hannah, 6 weeks old, of Osceola, died May 25, 2019, at her home. She was born April 9, 2019, in Blytheville. She is survived by her mother, Nina Hannah of Osceola; her grandfather, Larry Hannah of Osceola; her grandmother, Maike Hannah of Baltimore, Md.; one brother, Ayden Hannah of Osceola; one aunt, Julia Hannah of Baltimore, Md...

Mary Evelyn Godsey, 80, of Blytheville passed away at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 4, 1938, to Bob and Sue Mason Hammock. She graduated from Dyess High School. Her husband of 57 years said he met Mary while she was a car hop at Kream Kastle. She later worked at Sterlings, TG&Y, and Walmart, where she retired after 20 years. She was a member of the Emergency Squad for over 50 years. She served as treasurer for several years...

Frances Ann Taylor, of Blytheville, was born Aug. 19, 1965, in Osceola to the late Eddie Taylor and Walterene Steele. She departed this life Thursday, May 30, 2019, at her home at the age of 53. She was preceded in death by her parents. She was a member of New St. Paul Church and was employed at EOC...

Harry David Parks, 85, of Manila, passed from this life Thursday, May 30, 2019, at his home. Born in the Lost Cane Community and raised in the Manila area, he was the son of the late John Samuel and Hallie Barger Parks. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War and was retired from American Greetings in Osceola. ...

His Lord said unto him, “Well done thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make thee ruler over many things enter thou into the joy of the Lord - Matthew 25:21 Visitation for the late Minister Jerry Thomas Evans of Blytheville will be held Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 9-10:45 a.m. ...

Zola Gladine Scott, 96, of Blytheville, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. Zola was born in Russellville to Ode and Ruby Dacuss Scott. She was retired from Bell Telephone Company where she worked for over 30 years and a former member of Aldersgate Methodist Church...

Michael Anthony Bell, 33, of Springdale, formerly of Blytheville, passed away Saturday evening surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Blytheville to Anthony Ray and Daphne Kay Simpson Bell on June 20, 1985. He graduated Gosnell High School, Henderson State College with his BA and MA, and UALR Bowen School of Law with his law degree. He practiced law for a few years in the Little Rock area before moving to be near family in Springdale...

Tynagus Antwion Mitchell, 43, of Jonesboro, passed away May 25, 2019, at SMC Medical Center in Osceola. He was a factory worker and of the Baptist faith. Mr. Mitchell was born Jan. 1, 1976 in Osceola to George Ray Mitchell and Deborah Jefferson. He is survived by his parents, George Mitchell of Waterloo, Iowa, and Deborah Jefferson Collins of Osceola; three sons, Dallas Mitchell of Dallas, Texas, Zane Mitchell and Mykal Mitchell of Jonesboro; one daughter, Tyler Mitchell of Jonesboro; three brothers, Christopher Jefferson of Osceola, Michael Mitchell and Ray Quawendis Mitchell of Waterloo, Iowa; five sisters, Kila Chew, Shakonda Hale of Osceola, Ragen Mitchell, Magen Mitchell and Morgan Mitchell of Waterloo, Iowa; special friend, Makayla Lee Waddell.. ...

Carl Vernon Randall, 79, of Trumann, passed away May 25, 2019, at his home. He was retired from Mid-South in Marked Tree. Mr. Randall was born March 29, 1940, in Pine Tree, to Carl Olive and Charlsey Curry Randall. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Annalean Randall; two sons, Ricky Dwight Stapler and Silas Ray Stapler; two brothers, J.D. Randall and Terry Randall...

Alvin Charles “Pete” King was born Oct. 4, 1952, in Tyronza, to the late Isadore King, Sr. and the late Richie Lee Johnson King. He was a carpenter and a member of the True Light Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. King passed away on May 22, 2019, at the Heritage Square Nursing Center in Blytheville at the age of 66...

Homer A. Smith, Jr., 89, of Blytheville, passed away Sunday, May 26, 2019, at his home. Born in Holland, Mo., to Homer A. and Oma Smith, he was the owner of Homer Smith State Farm Insurance Agency. He worked for State Farm for 57 years, in which he qualified for the Millionaire Club for 20 plus years in a row. ...

Larry H. Fitzgerald, 78, of Blytheville passed away Saturday morning surrounded by his loving family at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. He was born in Promiseland to William Franklin “W.F.” and Emma Lou Mick Fitzgerald on June 18, 1940. He was a graduate of Blytheville High School...

Marvin L. “Tussle” Grooms, 93, of Paducah, Ky., former longtime Leachville resident, passed from this life Saturday, May 25, 2019, in Paducah. Born in the Happy Corner community, he was the son of the late Edmond and Evah Jackson Grooms and had lived most of his life in the Leachville area. ...

Duey D. Hickman, 68, of Leachville, passed away May 23, 2019, at his home. He was born Jan. 11, 1951, in St. Louis, Mo., to Jeff Marcus and Varie Collins Hickman. He was of the Baptist faith, loved people, and enjoyed visiting with family and friends...

Gene Schrader Adams, 46, of Manila, passed from this life Wednesday, May 22, 2019, at Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Born in Jonesboro, he was a lifelong Manila resident and was a 1991 graduate of Manila High School. He later received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business from Arkansas State University in 1995. ...

Johnny Lee Thomas was born June 21, 1954, in Memphis, Tenn., to James Thomas of Milwaukee, Wis., and the late Rosie Lee Wood Miller. He was a farm worker and was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Thomas passed away on May 16, 2019, at the Great River Medical Center in Blytheville at the age of 64...

Lisa Anitte Rowe was born April 26, 1966, in Blytheville to the late Robert Davis and the late Mae B. Randolph Davis. She was a CNA for over 28 years, she completed the 12th grade and one year of college. Ms. Rowe passed away May 16, 2019, at the Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo., at the age of 53...

Derrell Turner, 39, of Osceola died May 20, 2019, at UAMS in Little Rock. He was a factory worker and a member of Tabernacle MB Church in Osceola. Mr. Turner was born Oct. 6, 1979, in Osceola to Ricky Williams and Lois Turner Jefferson. He was preceded in death by one brother, Tyrus Reel...

Sandra Kay Grimes, 58, of Osceola died May 16, 2019, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was a retired factory worker and of the Baptist faith. Ms. Grimes was born Feb. 1, 1961, in Osceola to Constantinos and Mary Guerin Zissis. She is survived by her parents; one son, Michael “Bubba” (Angela) Grimes of Dell; one daughter, Latasha Grimes of Luxora; one brother, Kenneth Brown of Navarre, Fla.; two sisters, LaDonna Moody of Holly Springs, Miss., and Mary Goforth of Luxora; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.. ...

Michael Leon Wilson, 55, of Blytheville, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2019, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. Born in Blytheville to Leon and Gail Wilson, Michael was a graduate of Blytheville High School, Mississippi County Community College and Arkansas State University. ...

Jerry Sue LaRue, 67, of Keiser, died May 19, 2019, in Jonesboro. She was a retired deputy clerk at Mississippi County Court House in Osceola of 15 years, the former mayor of Keiser, and a lifetime resident of Mississippi County. Mrs. LaRue was born Feb. 4, 1952, in Dyess, to Horace Hart and Mabel Jackson...

Roy Lee Allmon, 63, of Luxora, passed away May 19, 2019, at NEA Hospital in Jonesboro. He was born July 30, 1955, in Blytheville, to Gaston and Viola Allmon. He worked as a farmer for local farmers, enjoyed working on lawnmowers and tractors. Survivors include his daughters, Shirley Krech and Marie Allmon; grandchildren, Lexie A. ...

Sherry Diane Bennett, 66, of Joiner, died May 16, 2019, at her home. She was a retired cosmetologist, jewelry maker and a member of Wardell Baptist Church. Ms. Bennett was born Feb. 25, 1953, in Memphis, Tenn., to Edward J. and Elizabeth Anne Goudeax Adams, Sr...

Dale Blaylock, 72, of Manila, passed from this life Thursday, May 16, 2019, at his home. Born at the Crossroads community, near Dell, he was the son of the late Tom and Eula Banks Blaylock and was a 1965 graduate of Luxora High School. He was a U.S. ...

Robert “TUPAC” Staples of Blytheville was born March 21, 1962, to Willie Lee Staples and Lorine Greer in Marion. Robert started his education in the Marion School District and finished in the Blytheville School District after his family moved to Blytheville. ...

Tommy L. McCanless, 73, of Manila, formerly of Blytheville, passed away at home on Thursday morning surrounded by his family. He was born in Wilson on June 29, 1945, to Ernest “Bo” Franklin McCanless and Gladys Bernice Cissell McCanless. Tommy really enjoyed to BBQ. His specialties included smoked ham, butts, and drunk chicken. He also was a sportsman. He loved to watch baseball and football...

Jerry Wayne Bratton, 74, of Blytheville, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2019, at Gosnell Therapy and Living Center. Jerry was born in Gosnell to Homer and Mabel Ford Bratton. He was retired from Randall Company and attended Lone Oak Baptist Church. He loved being outside, tending to his garden and singing gospel music...

Elmer Jack "Leroy" Martin, 95, former longtime Manila resident, passed from this life Thursday, May 16, 2019, at Monette Manor Nursing Center. Born in Manila, he was the son of the late Robert and Elsie Baggett Martin and had lived most of his life in Manila and southwest Michigan. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and was a self employed millwright. Jack was a member of the American Legion, Herman Davis Post #197 and was of the Baptist faith...

Betty Lou Thomas, 92, of Marie passed away May 15, 2019, at SMC Medical Center in Osceola. She was retired from Wilson School Cafeteria and of the Baptist faith. Ms. Thomas was born April 22, 1927, in Carson Lake to Fred and Edith Adams Chamberlin. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marvin Thomas; two sons, Larry Thomas and Donald Thomas; one daughter, Betty Zieba; three brothers; one sister; and two grandchildren, Joshua Martin and Braiden Howard...

Charlean Heathcock, of Hayti, Mo., was born Nov. 24, 1983 in Kennett, Mo., to Savanah Hobbs and Roosevelt Hearod SR. Charlean departed this life at Pemiscot Memorial Hospital at the age of 35. She leaves to cherish his memories, her husband, Michael Heathcock Sr.; three daughters, Oranna Heathcock, Savanah Heathcock and Kaylee Heathcock; one son, Michael Heathcock Jr.; her father, Roosevelt Hearod; her mother, Savanah Hobbs; three sisters, Rose Lewis, Maratha Howell and Melissa Johnson; two brothers, Fredrick Hearod and Roosevelt Hearod Jr., and a host of family members and friends.. ...

Pauline Johnson Moore, 88, of Osceola died May 10, 2019, at her home. She was a homemaker, a member of Tabernacle MB Church and Motherboard in Osceola. Ms. Moore was born July 24, 1930 in Memphis, Tenn., to Paul Johnson and Littie Taylor Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Johnny Moore, Sr.; and one sister, Jewell Welch...

Quiara “Kiki” Dejour Razor of Little Rock was born March 18, 1997, in Blytheville to Odell Knowles of AL and Tonya Razor of Little Rock. She completed the twelfth and was a member of New Life Deliverance Temple Pentecostal Power Church in Caruthersville, Mo. Ms. Quiara Razor passed away on May 9, 2019, at UAMS in Little Rock, at the age of 22...

Jackie (Jack) Dale Hancock Sr., 93, departed this life on Feb. 19, 2019, in Grove, Okla. He was born Sept. 3, 1925, in Harrisburg, Ill., the son of Arthur and Emma Pearl (Darnall) Hancock. He served with the 6th Marine Division in the United States Marine Corps in World War II. ...