Obituaries

Betty Sue Payne, 87, of Blytheville, passed away Sept. 27, 2022, at her home. Betty was born in Booneville, Miss., to Samuel and Emily Hughes Lauderdale and was retired from Family Medical Clinic. She was a member of North Tenth Street Baptist Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school. ...

Mary Helen Foster Blair, 66, of Blytheville, departed this life on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, in Jonesboro. She was born March 31, 1956, in Blytheville to Orville and Lavern Kight Holbrooks. She is preceded in death by her husband, Roy Blair; her parents; one stepson, Tederian “PJ” Blair; two brothers, Randy Holbrooks and Ricky Holbrooks; one sister, Susie Sanders; and three grandchildren, Codie Ryan Culp, Garrett Levi Culp and Reiley Alexis Culp...

Jennifer Ann Morris, 35, of Blytheville, passed away Sept. 27, 2022 at Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. She was a nurse at St. Bernards Urology Clinic in Jonesboro and was of the Baptist faith. Mrs. Morris was born Jan. 13, 1987, in Memphis, Tenn., to Jerry Gane and Betty Tiger Maness...

Melba Hill Justus of Blytheville passed away Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022. Melba, lovingly called Mimi, was born in Blytheville to Emmett and Flossie Hill. She was a lifelong resident of Blytheville and she worked at Randall Company in purchasing for over 30 years. ...

Funeral services for Kennoth Garner Gammill, 93, West Plains, Mo, will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Gammill passed away at 2:15 a.m., Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, at Ozarks Healthcare...

Mary M. Yankaway was born March 16, 1951, in Osceola to the late Freeman and Susie Lavada Reese. Mary or as many called her, “Tessie”, lived in Atlanta, Ga., and passed in Lafayette, Ala. Tessie was the oldest of four children. She went to Rosenwald High School. Growing up she worked at the steel mill and in the hospitality industry. She was kind, compassionate, generous, talented, brilliant, funny and beautiful. She loved to travel, dance and listen to the Blues...

Opal Bess Lambert, 96, of Paragould and formerly of Blytheville, passed away Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at The Greenhouse Cottages of Belle Meade in Paragould. Opal was born to Clarence and Erna Fisher Bess and was retired from Farmer’s Bank where she worked as a bookkeeper. ...

J.B. Sheofee, 95, of Kennett, Mo., formerly of Blytheville, passed away Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, in Kennett. J.B. was born in Conway to Sam and Cora Wilson Sheofee and was a 1945 graduate of Conway High School. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Central Arkansas, formerly Arkansas State Teacher’s College, where he received a Bachelor’s degree and two Master’s degrees in education. ...

Jerry Clay Groves, 83, of Little Rock, passed on Sept. 22, 2022. Visitation at 1 p.m. and service at 2 p.m. will be Sunday, Sept. 25, with Roller-Chenal Funeral Home. For details and guestbook, visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

Kenneth Ray Blair, 56, of Manila, passed from this life Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, at the Manila Nursing Center. Born in Indianapolis, Ind., he was the son of the late Donald and Norma Dildy Blair and was raised in the Manila area. Kenneth had worked for Western Geophysics and was a longtime employee of SAFE, a barge service company in Mobile, Ala. ...

Alan “Big Al” Spaulding, 64, of Blytheville, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, at his home surrounded by his wife and children. Alan was born to the late Marion E. and Glenda Lou Spaulding and retired from Phoenix. He was a 1976 graduate of Blytheville High School, and of the Baptist faith. ...

Hazel Mae Carson, 89, of Manila, departed this life Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, in Manila. She was born Sept. 6, 1933, to Earnest and Pearline Nichols Thomas. She was preceded in death by her husband, L.B. Carson; parents and one brother, James Edward Thomas...

Robert Daniel Hall, 68, of Blytheville, passed from this life Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born to William Noah and Mattie Lee Hall in Niles, Mich., he was the co-owner/operator of Maria’s Food Stand and a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church...

Bryan Shannon Saddler, 57, of Harrisburg, departed this life Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, in Jonesboro. He was born Sept. 30, 1964, to Johnny Charles and Eva Gail Barrier Saddler. Bryan was of the Baptist faith, he enjoyed working and loafing with his friends, he was a jack of all trades, easy-going and carefree...

Michelle Lynn Stebbins, 55, of Gosnell, passed away Sept. 9, 2022, at Gosnell Healthcare in Gosnell. She was a retired factory worker. Mrs. Stebbins was born March 3, 1967, to Lane Behn. She was preceded in death by her mother and one brother, Jeff Behn...

James Franklin Brehm, better known to his family and friends as “Frankie,” resident of Blytheville, departed this life on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, at his home at the age of 37. Frankie was born in Blytheville on Oct. 25, 1984, the son of Ollie and Reaber Jeanette (Harris) Land...

Dorothy Faye Gray Lawrence, 83, of Gosnell, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022. Dorothy was born Feb. 21, 1939, in Etowak County, Ala., to the late Lena Mae Duwell and Otto Houston Gray. She has been a resident of Arkansas for the last 58 years. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends, gardening and yard work...

Vera Haynes Work, 86, of Blytheville, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, at Gosnell Therapy and Living Center. Vera was born in Blytheville to James and Zada Stallings Haynes. She was a graduate of Blytheville High School as well as Blue Mountain College in Blue Mountain, Miss. ...

Xuan Tan Nguyen, 61, of Blytheville passed away Sept. 11, 2022, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville. He was born Feb. 20, 1961, in Hue, Vietnam. He was a nail tech and of the Catholic faith. He leaves his wife, Cam Phan; a son and daughter, Huy Nguyen and Elizabeth Nguyen (Charles Massey); and five grandkids, Aysia Wright, Amiyah Turner, Carter Massey, Charles Massey Jr. and Cali Boone...

Franky Lee Washington of Blytheville was born Jan. 23, 1955, in Hughes to Doc and Laura Yancy Washington. Franky was a graduate of Rivercrest High School and honorably served his country in the United States Army. Franky was a dedicated and faithful member of Greater Jubilee Baptist Church where he served as a deacon under the pastorage of Pastor Lorraine Walker. ...

John Thomas Palmore Jr., 53, of Blytheville passed away Sept. 10, 2022 at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was a retired factory worker and was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Palmore was born Dec. 23, 1968, in Blytheville to John Palmore Sr. and Verlene Stancle Palmore. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Joseph Terrell Palmore; two brothers, Kent Palmore and Derrick Palmore...

Genova R. Blankenship was born May 25, 1983, in Blytheville, to Augustus Finch and Robin Blankenship. Geneva departed this life on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, at Dallas Regional Hospital in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 39. Genova leaves to cherish her precious memories two daughters, MaKenzye Blankenship and Nayla Hooper, both of Dallas, Texas; her mother, Robin Wilson of Little Rock; two sisters, Latoshia Blankenship Powell of Jonesboro and Clarissia Jones of Dallas, Texas; and a host of other relatives and friends.. ...

Betty Mora Henson, 89, passed away peacefully at NorthCare Hospice House in Kansas City, Mo., on Sept. 7, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was born in Escabosa, N.M., and was the youngest of 12 children. While visiting her sister in Los Angeles, she met a handsome marine and the love of her life, Harvey L. ...

Francisca Silvan Cruz, 50, of Manila, passed from this life Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born and raised in Las Chuapas, Mexico, she had been a resident of Manila the past 20 years. She was a homemaker and enjoyed cooking, doing things for others and spending time with her family. Francisca was a member of Doors of Heaven Pentecostal Church in Manila...

Emma J. DeGraffenreid was born May 31, 1947, to Lillie V. (Echols) Yarbrough and George McKelvey in Turrell, Ark. In 1960, her family moved to Blytheville, Ark., where she attended Richard B. Harrison High School. In high school, she participated in choir and Future Teachers of America. She graduated in the Class of 1965 with honors...

Jerry Maupin, 62, of Blytheville, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, at his home. Jerry was born in Blytheville to Richard and Mary Lou Riddle Maupin. He was retired from Nucor Yamato Steel as well as Blytheville Police Department. Jerry enjoyed watching reality television shows and Nascar racing. Jerry had a passion for the Arkansas Razorbacks. He was a dedicated fan and especially loved Razorback football...

Mary Beth Weidman, 85, of Rogers passed away Sept. 6, 2022, in Bentonville. She was born May 13, 1937, in Pottsville to Leonard and Hazle Hoffsteter Daniels. She was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister. She is survived by her husband of 65 years James “Jim” Robert Weidman; children, Jami Weidman, Chris Weidman, Andy (Renee) Weidman; brothers, Bruce E. Daniels, Bill R. Daniels; two grandchildren, Ashlynn and Andrew...

Mary Katherine “Kathy” Tucker, 69, of Dell, passed away Monday, Aug. 22, 2022, at her home. Kathy was born in Chicago, Ill., to Billy Joe and Dorothy Roehrig Bradford and was a homemaker. She enjoyed being outdoors and working in her garden. She was preceded in death by her parents...

Curtis Ray Seymore, 80, of Jonesboro passed away Sept. 4, 2022, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, surrounded by his loving family. Curt was born in the Cothern community outside of Lake City on Nov. 2, 1941, to Melvin and Lorene Seymore. In addition to his parents, Curt was preceded in death by his in-laws, Frank Sr. and Nettie Oldham; brothers-in-law, Frank Oldham, Jr. and Mark Oldham; and his beloved dog Winky...

Charles Edward Green Sr., 76, of Blytheville passed away Aug. 26, 2022, at the NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. Charles was born Oct. 13, 1945, to Etheral Green and Annie Mae Green. He was retired from the Oscar Mayer Company and was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Etheral and Annie Mae Green; four brothers, James Thomas Green, John Edward Green, Ethreal Green Jr. and Morris Clayton Green; one sister, Sara Vaughn...

J.W. Carder, 88, of Conway, went to be with his Lord on Sept. 2, 2022, at Salem Place Nursing Home in Conway. J.W. was born June 23, 1934, to the late Homer and Arnie (Howard) Carder-Hill in Leachville. At a young age J.W. began working for United Telephone Company, from 1954-1995. ...

Carol Ann Thompson Zangerl, 82, of Blytheville, passed away Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro.  Carol was born in Galveston, Texas, to Jack Thompson and Emma Jean Surratt Thompson. Her mother died when Carol was only 19 days old. ...

Florine Owen Wood, 96, of Dell, passed away Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Florine was born in Dell to Bob Alvin “B.A.” and Cora Sue Seymore Davis and was retired from Borg Warner. She lived in Paragould for many years. ...

Charles Ray "Jeep" Thomas, 76, of Monette, passed from this life Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.  orn in the Turkey Run community near Monette, he was the son of the late Filo and Cordie Miller Thomas and had been a lifelong Northeast Arkansas resident. He had been a longtime employee of several area shoe factories including Brown Shoe Company, Frolic Footwear and White Shoe Manufacturing. "Jeep" enjoyed fishing, sitting on his porch, playing music with his brothers, working in his garden or yard and riding the levees and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Dennison Thomas; seven brothers, Jack, George, Danny, Bo, Larry and Shot Thomas and Albert Dow; five sisters, Tootsie Towell, Bug Woodward, Doodle Irvin, Linda Dow and Anna Mae Dow; and one great-grandson, Elliot Shane Hill.. ...

Francis Carl Sheppard, 75, of Caraway, passed away Sept. 1, 2022, at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. He was a retired U.S. Army veteran, a truck driver and of the Pentecostal faith. Mr. Sheppard was born Aug. 30, 1947, in Cash to Oscar and Tommie Meeker Sheppard. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, James Burrow; and one sister, Wanda Mae Kidd...

Jackie Moody, 73, of Blytheville, passed away Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Jackie was born to Jack and Lucille Vellars Moody and was a retired farmer. He was a member of Lone Oak Baptist Church and attended Aldersgate Methodist Church before its closing. Jackie served his country with honor in the United States Army where he served 14 months in Vietnam...

Elsie June Lindsey, 80, of Marmaduke passed away Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, at her home. Elsie was born in St. Louis, Mo., to Lobert and Amelia Turner King and was a homemaker. She adored her family very much and they always came first in her life. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and she loved all of her babies as she always said. Elsie enjoyed sewing and especially loved to make quilts...

Charles Willis Afflick, Jr., 96, of Blytheville, passed away Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, at his home. Charles was the second child born to Charles and Frances Afflick in Memphis, Tenn., and was raised in Blytheville. He graduated from Kemper Military Academy in Booneville, Mo. ...

Vanessa Gray, 65, of Osceola, passed away Aug. 29, 2022, at Baptist Health in Little Rock. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. Ms. Gray was born March 4, 1957, in Osceola, to David Gray and Montetz Hollis. She was preceded in death by her father David Gray; her mother and stepfather, Montetz Hollis Bailey and Robert Bailey...

Layne Rayder passed away Aug. 29, 2022. She was born to Jan and Nancy Rayder on Sept. 15, 1962. She is survived by a brother, JW Rayder, his wife Helene, and a niece, Virginia, of Maryland. She is also survived by an aunt, Linda Hicks, of Gosnell, and a cousin, Trudy Landry, of Blytheville...

LeFaye King Jr., 19, of Blytheville passed away Aug. 27, 2022, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville. LeFaye was born June 1, 2003, to LeFaye King Sr. and Idella King. He attended Blytheville High School, then worked at Pizza Hut as a cook. He was preceded in death by his father, LeFaye King Sr. ...

Marsha Dianne Edmonson, 66, of Blytheville passed away Aug. 27, 2022, at her home. Marsha was born Dec. 3, 1955, to John James and Alice Stokes. She was retired from Omnium (chemical plant) and was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, John James and Alice Stokes; two brothers, Curtis Brown and Michael Gray; one sister, Lajuanna Stanton...

Cynthia Helton, 67, of Katy, Texas, and formerly of Blytheville, passed away Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, at Methodist West in Katy, Texas. Cynthia was born in Blytheville to Thomas and Dorothy Duck Tegethoff. She worked at LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center in Memphis for over 25 years before retiring in 2017...

Roderick (Mohammad) Jimel Hale, Sr. was born May 16, 1980, in Blytheville to the late Delia Hale and Wiley Hale, Jr. He had accepted Christ as his personal savior. Roderick departed this earthly life on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, at Titus Regional Medical in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. He was preceded in death by his mother, Delia Hale; one son, Roderick Hale, Jr.; and his grandparents, Sine and Hattie Mae Woodard, Frankie Gray and Rosa Hale...

Cleda F. Powell of Blytheville, passed away Friday, Aug. 26, 2022 at her home. Cleda was born in Paneway to Johnny and Martha McDaniel Gilbert. She was a homemaker and was a member of Dell Methodist Church. Cleda was a member of the Mississippi County and Craighead County Fair Associations. ...

Lorene L. “Dottie” Johnson was born Sept. 17, 1948, to parents Lacey and Emma Atkins in Hermondale, Mo. Lorene departed this life Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, at NEA Hospital in Jonesboro. She was preceded in death by both parents and three siblings. Lorene accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Macedonia MB Church, she later became a member of Mt. Moriah MB Church and now under the leadership of Pastor Clark Phillips of New St. Paul MB Church. She was a member of the choir...

R.A. Davidson, 91, of Manila, passed from this life Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, at his home. Born in Thida, Ark., he was the son of the late Robert Allen and Laura Jane Bonum Davidson and had been a longtime Manila resident. R.A. began working with his family when they would travel to Michigan to pick apples. ...

Theressia Lee Cooper, 82, of Luxora, passed away Aug. 26, 2022 at NEA Hospital in Jonesboro. She was a retired shipper with Texas Instruments and of the Baptist faith. Ms. Cooper was born April 7, 1940 in Kansas City, Mo., to Clarence Eugene Asher and Frances Faye Dunbar Stradley. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard Cooper; her son, Gregory Allen Bright; one daughter, Judith Ann Bright May; and one brother, Ralph Asher...

Susie Naomi Ashmore, 75, of Blytheville, passed away Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, at her home. Susie was born in Blytheville to Wilmer Ray Ashmore and Margie Lois Wilson Ashmore and was of the Pentecostal faith. She worked with the public at Blytheville Country Club, Katz Jewelry and spent her final years of employment at Hays. Susie loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She especially loved baking and always baked desserts for her family and friends during the holidays...

Floyd Williams Jr., 71, of Blytheville, passed away Aug. 28, 2022, at Heritage Square Nursing Center in Blytheville. He was born March 27, 1951, to Lloyd and Norma Patterson. He was a retired salesman for the Dr Pepper Company, EOC bus driver for seven years and was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Norma Patterson...