Obituaries

Blonetta Virginia Brown, 95, of Blytheville, passed away Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Virginia was born in Harrisburg to William and Frankie Ray Wyatt. She was a homemaker and was also a substitute teacher at Robinson School. ...

Sheena Faye Duboise Farmer of Trumann departed this life Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro at the age of 62 years, 3 months and 11 days. She was born Monday, July 7, 1958 in Trumann and lived most of her life in the Trumann area. Sheena was a homemaker and was called Mama Sheena by the family and of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by one brother, Jimmy Duboise, and her parents, Charles Ripley and Susie Fleming Duboise...

Melvin Carl Rieves of Trumann departed from this life on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro at the age of 88 years, 10 months and 21 days. He was born Sunday, Nov. 29, 1931, in De Witt. Melvin was a U.S. Army veteran of WW II, worked in maintenance and was a member of Trumann Missionary Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Pierce Rieves, and his parents, Harry Martin and Sue Odessa Ayers Rieves...

Lonnie L. Taylor of West Memphis departed this life Monday, Oct. 19, 2020 at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro at the age of 78 years and 7 days. He was born Monday, Oct. 12, 1942, in Monette and lived in West Memphis since 1969. He was a self-employed accountant, a veteran of the Army National Guard and a member of Trinity in the Fields Anglican Church in Marion. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Leon and Berlie Louise May Taylor...

Derrell Dee Carter departed this life Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020, at the age of 53 years, 1 month and 14 days. He was born Wednesday, Sept. 6, 1967, in Jonesboro and lived his lifetime in Trumann. He was a factory worker and of the Pentecostal faith. He was preceded in death by one brother, Dewayne Edward Carter, and his father, Delbert D. Carter...

Bill Dalton Walker, Jr. of Memphis, Tenn., formerly of Blytheville, passed from this life Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at St. Francis Bartlett Hospital in Bartlett, Tenn., following a long illness. He was born March 26, 1956, in Blytheville to Bill Dalton Walker, Sr. (deceased 2014) and Anna Bell (Garner) Walker. He grew up in Blytheville and graduated from Blytheville High School...

Michael Lynn Hill, 57, of Manila, passed from this life Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro. Born and raised in Manila, he was the son of the late Ira Arthur and Randle Irene Sweet Hill. Michael was a certified nursing assistant, having worked at Manila Nursing Center, St. ...

William Allen "Bill" Crowder, 62, of Blytheville, passed from this life Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, at his home. Born and raised in Blytheville, he was a 1976 graduate of Blytheville High School and was in the ROTC program where he was the first cadet to achieve the rank of Lt. ...

Alice Ethelene Coyle Powell, 86, of Hickory, N.C., formerly of Lepanto, passed away Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, at Trinity Village in Hickory, N.C. Born Sept. 14, 1934, in Caraway, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Nellie Long Coyle. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lendon Powell; and two sons, Lendon E. Powell and Jerry Powell. Alice was a member of First Baptist Church in Lepanto...

Blonetta Virginia Brown, 95, of Blytheville, passed away Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced when complete. Cobb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Helen Whistle Osborne, 93, of Memphis, Tenn., formerly of Blytheville, peacefully passed away on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, at South Breeze Assisted Living in Memphis. Helen was born in Dell to W. A. and Stella Crawford Whistle. She was a devoted sister, wife and loving mother to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. ...

James Wesley “Double” Cooper, 55, of Batesville and formerly of Blytheville, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville. Double was born in Blytheville to Billy Joe and Frankie Louise Johnson Cooper. He was a supervisor at Tenaris and was a member of Yarbro Baptist Church. Double was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish and raise Beagles. He loved the Dallas Cowboys and the Arkansas Razorbacks...

Shirley Dean Minirth, 73, of Manila, widow of Dan Minirth, passed from this life Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020, at her home. Born in Bay Village, she was the daughter of the late Tom and Albertine Shaver Clements and had been a Manila area resident since 1958. Shirley was a 1964 graduate of Manila High School and retired from the Arkansas Department of Human Services in 2003. She was a member of Westside Baptist Church in Manila and enjoyed cooking for her family. Shirley's favorite pastime was attending her grandchildren's sporting events, canning vegetables from her late husband's garden and camping. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, R.T. ...

Virginia Louise Cullum Milton passed away Oct. 20, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. Throughout her life she resided in Osceola, Hot Springs and Blytheville. She retired from the Planters Bank of Osceola and enjoyed retirement in Hot Springs. She was a member of Betty Stark’s Sunday School Class at Hot Springs Baptist Church...

Johnny Keith, 66, of Osceola died Oct. 20, 2020, at Harris Healthcare in Osceola. He was a factory worker. Mr. Keith was born July 6, 1954 in Hoxie to Ed and Imagene Wynn O'Connor. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by one daughter Felicia King of Brookland...

Terry Eugene Manie, 81, of Steele, Mo., passed from this life Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020, at his home. He was born in St. Louis, Mo., and moved with his family to Osceola as a young child. He was a 1957 graduate of Osceola High School. A patriot all his life, Terry proudly served in the United States Army, and was a veteran of the Vietnam War...

Lulavine Jackson of Blytheville was born April 28, 1951, in DeSoto, Miss., to the late T. Slader and the late Birdie Lovelady Burnett. She was a homemaker and was a member of New Hope M.B. Church in Yarbro. Mrs. Jackson passed away Oct. 14, 2020, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville at the age of 69. She was preceded in death by her father, T. Slader, and her mother, Birdie Lovelady Burnett...

Loretta M. Brown was born to the late Frank Davis Sr. and Madelyn Moore on April 1, 1960, in Hughes. Loretta departed this life on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020, at Baptist Hospital in West Memphis at the age of 60. She was preceded in death by her parents...

Willie Ed Bullock of Trumann departed this life Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro at the age of 79 years, 10 months and 6 days. He was born Thursday, Dec. 12, 1940, in Booneville, Miss., and lived most of his lifetime in Trumann. He was a retired truck driver and a member of First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by one sister, Dorothy Bullock Halfacre; one brother, Jimmy Dale Bullock; and his parents, Willard Cecil and Lucy Lee Sanderson Bullock...

Chris England of Trumann departed this life on Oct. 14, 2020, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro at the age of 46 years and 2 months. He was born Wednesday, Aug. 14, 1974, in Jonesboro and lived most of his lifetime in Trumann. Chris was a Trumann High School graduate and a member of Viva Drive Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by one brother, Tim England, and grandparents, Ann Miller, Gene and Laura England...

Joseph Wayne Tucker of Frenchman’s Bayou was born Sept. 12, 1976, in Memphis, Tenn., to Ernie Tucker and Judy Ainsworth Tucker. He was a farm worker and was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Tucker passed away Oct. 16, 2020, at his home in Frenchman’s Bayou at the age of 44...

Barbara Jean Spencer, 75, of Leachville, widow of Tommy Spencer, passed from this life Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born in Leachville, she was the daughter of the late Leonard Ray and Syble Corene Adams Roberts and had been a lifelong Leachville area resident. She was a homemaker and truly enjoyed taking care of her family, cross stitching and reading. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Tracy Spencer Lasater; one son, Danny Spencer; one grandson, Landon Ray Spencer and her sister, Betty Virginia Roberts.. ...

Helen Whistle Osborne, 93, of Memphis, Tenn., and formerly of Blytheville, widow of Dr. Merrill Osborne, passed away Thursday, Oct. 16, 2020, at South Breeze Assisted Living in Memphis. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced when complete. A full obituary will follow. Cobb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements...

Lewis Benard Preston of Blytheville was born June 4, 1980, in Aurora, Ill., to Lewis McKenzly and the late Etta Miller McKenzly. He worked at the steel mill and was a member of Greater Jeremiah Temple. Mr. Preston passed away Oct. 10, 2020, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville at the age of 40. He was preceded in death by his mother, Etta Miller McKenzly; one daughter Annayia Preston; and his special cousin, Terrance Holloway...

Clarence H. Malone was born in Blytheville on Sept. 15, 1935, to Henry and Beulah Rice Malone. He was a graduate of Richard B. Harrison High School. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army where he was a supervisor of food service. ...

Eugene Martin, 87, of Monette, formerly of Manila, passed from this life Monday, Oct. 12, 2020, at Gosnell Health and Rehab Center. Born in Manila, he was the son of the late James William and Sinnie Sandusky Martin and had been a longtime Monette resident. ...

Danny Ray Spencer, 57, of Leachville, passed from this life Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020, at his home. Born in Monette, he was the son of the late Tommy Spencer and had been a lifelong area resident. Danny had been a longtime employee of Magnetek in Blytheville for 18 years before becoming an employee of Southworth in Manila as the shipping supervisor where he retired in 2007. ...

Travis Jerome Orr was born Dec. 10, 1990, in Blytheville, the son of Angela Orr and Rodney Walker. Travis grew up in Blytheville, but Dallas, Texas, was another place he called home. Travis was a loving person and a trusted and loyal friend. He was an awesome dad to his children and a devoted son and brother. ...

JP Jones, Jr. was born Jan. 18, 1947 in Blytheville, to JP Jones, Sr. and Dee Ella Johnson Jones. He attended Richard B. Harrison High School and worked in construction. J P was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Antonio Lacey; three sisters, Juanita Rogers, Martha Jefferson and Berna Jones; and his wife, Linda Robinson-Jones. On Monday, Oct. 12, 2020, JP passed away at Great River Medical Center at the age of 73...

Hayse Leon Daniels, 94, of Jonesboro and formerly of Blytheville, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020, at his home. Hayse was born in Pottsville, to Leonard and Hazel Hoffstetter Daniels. He was a retired farmer and worked for Haynes Farm in Yarbro. Hayse served his country with honor in the United States Army during World War II. He was a member of Yarbro Baptist Church and enjoyed woodworking...

Peggy S. Baker, nee Johnston, 84 of Beecher, Ill., formerly of Sauk Village, Ill., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. She was the beloved wife of the late Bobby L. Baker Sr., loving mother of Bobby “Butch” (Nancy) Baker, Steven (late Priscilla) Baker, Deanna (Chris) Baker, and Kathryn (Robert) Klinger, cherished grandmother and “Mimi” of 11 grandchildren six great-grandchildren, dear sister of Betty (late Billy) Minyard, late Ted (Joan) Johnston, Sherry (Wayne) Griffin, Bobbie Boyd, Ronnie (Sharon) Johnston, David (Ken) Johnston, and Jack (Joanie) Johnston. ...

Evelyn Sarah Pate, 91, of Blytheville, passed away Monday, Oct. 12, 2020, at Stonebridge Assisted Living. Evelyn was born in Casa, Ark., to Luther and Edith Wagner Fitch. She was retired from Mississippi County where she worked as a deputy tax collector. ...

Billy Wayne McIntare, 75, of Mountain View, gained his angel wings on Oct. 11, 2020, at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home. Billy was born April 13, 1945, in New Hope, Ala., to the late John Alvin McIntare and Virginia O’Neal Ayres. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and especially spending time with his family and friends. Billy was a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served his country in the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles)...

Billie Joyce Maloney departed this life Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro at the age of 82 years, 6 months and 29 days. She was born Friday, March 11, 1938, in Trumann and lived most of her life in the Trumann area. ...

James “Jim” Williams Harris II was born May 11, 1961 in Kennett, Mo., to Markus Harris and Wanda Trowbridge Harris. He passed away Oct. 7, 2020, in Blytheville at the age of 59. Jim was a member of the South Pemiscot Class of 1979, graduated from Arkansas State University in 1982, received his Master’s Degree in 1994, and graduated from Thomas Cooley Law School in Lansing, Mich., in 1997. ...

Elijah Anderson, 78, of Blytheville passed away on Oct. 6, 2020. Elijah was preceded in death by his mother, Catherine Anderson-Estes; brother, Freddie Estes; father, Robert Anderson Sr.; spouse, Beatrice Anderson; Robert Anderson Jr. (brother); Margaret Anderson-Keeley (sister); Ida Mae Anderson-Hobbs (sister); Eddie Estes (brother); Jessie Mae Anderson-Winters (sister); Howard Anderson (brother); Mary Catherine Anderson (sister); and Billy Anderson (brother)...

Charles Hubert Weathers departed this life on Oct. 3, 2020, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro at the age of 61. He was born Jan. 17, 1959, to James Thomas Weathers and Charlotte (Ferrel) Weathers in Osceola. On July 21, 1984, he married Beverly (Bell) Weathers of Doniphan at the Doniphan United Methodist Church. She survives...

Mary Lee Walker, 89, of Trumann departed this life Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, at Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. She was born in Lepanto and lived in the Trumann area most of her life. She was a retired factory worker, florist and homemaker and a member of the Viva Drive Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Morris Edward Walker, and was the daughter of the late Oscar Lee and Mollie Coats Conatser...

Lucille Parker Smith, 84, of Blytheville, died Oct. 7, 2020 at SMC Regional Medical Center in Osceola. She was a homemaker and a member of Pilgrim Rest MB Church in Osceola. Ms. Smith was born April 4, 1936, in Driver to Clarence and Lucille Branch Parker, Sr. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John L. Smith; and 11 siblings...

James Nelson "Joe" Cooley, 81, of Caraway, formerly of Joiner, died Oct. 11, 2020, at Lakeside Nursing Center in Lake City. He was a retired farmer and of the Baptist faith. Mr. Cooley was born Nov. 19, 1938, in Bull Mountain, Miss., to Jesse and Sally Cooley. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Effie Cooley; four brothers, Hoss Cooley, Virgil Cooley, Tom Cooley and Homer Cooley; three sisters, Johnny Cooley, Virgie Cooley and Faye Cooley...

Wanda Mae Brandon, 92, of Leachville, widow of Floyd Brandon, passed from this life Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Born in Williford, she was the daughter of the late John Wesley and Virgie Yates Ladd and had been a Leachville area resident since 1945. She and her late husband owned and operated several establishments over the years, including the former Brandon's Do-Nut Shop in Leachville, Jessie's Do-Nut Shop in Paragould and Brandon's Log Cabin in Manila, to name a few. Wanda was a charter member of the Happy Corner Assembly of God Church and after it closed, she attended the First Assembly of God Church in Leachville. She enjoyed quilting and working crossword puzzles. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Chris Brandon and Darrel Brandon, and one granddaughter, Tonya Brandon.. ...

Susan Jeanette Gillette, 70, of Little Rock, formerly of Leachville, widow of Phillip Gillette, passed from this life Friday, Oct. 2, 2020, at The Springs of Batesville. Born and raised in Leachville, she was the daughter of Charles Edward and Mildred Williams Wells and had been a Little Rock resident for 40 years. ...

Sam Singleton, 72, of Conway, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, with his loving family by his side. He was born Jan. 6, 1948, in Burdette, to the late Charles Thomas and Lora Clark Singleton. Sam was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Samuel Morris and Frankie Singleton and J.W. and Anna Lee Clark...

Dorothy Ann Baker, 74, of Osceola, died Oct. 5, 2020, at her home. She was retired from Baptist Hospital, a homemaker, a member of Bethlehem MB Church and Motherboard. Mrs. Baker was born May 19, 1946, in Osceola, to Robert Richard and Sadie Woods Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother Calvin Williams; four sisters, Jessie Mae Johnson, Elizabeth Williams, Roberta Conners and Linda Mitchell...

James Kenneth Ward, Jr., 54, of Osceola died Sept. 28, 2020, at SMC Medical Center in Osceola. He was a construction worker. Mr. Ward was born July 20, 1966, in Osceola to James and Emma Woodson Ward. He was preceded in death by his father, James Ward...

Don Earl Turner of Blytheville was born July 1, 1949, in Fort Smith to the late Leonard Turner and the late Beatrice Hamm Turner. He was retired from his job as a truck driver for Sullivan Farms in Burdette and was of the Lutheran faith. Mr. Turner passed away on Oct. 5, 2020, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro at the age of 71. He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Turner; his mother, Beatrice Hamm Turner; and three brothers, James Turner, Buddy Turner and Phillip Turner...

Ronald Dewayne Dawson, 49, of Manila, passed away Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020. He was born on May 23, 1971, in Osceola to Donald Ray and Deborah Faye Dawson. He worked in the steel industry the majority of his life. He is survived by his wife, Melissa Baker; sons, Austin Dawson of Bono, Zach Dawson of Bono, and Garrett Baker of Kingwood, Texas; daughters, Makenna Baker of Paragould and Andi Jo Baker of Manila; father, Donald Ray Dawson of Osceola; sister, Laura Nelson of Spring Hill, Tenn.; and niece, Zoe Nelson of Spring Hill, Tenn. ...

Olean Stewart of Blytheville was born Jan. 8, 1933, in Smithville, Miss., to the late Jessie Carter and the late Earlie Carter. She was a retired factory worker. Mrs. Stewart passed away Oct. 3, 2020, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro at the age of 87. She was preceded in death by her father, Jessie Carter; mother, Earlie Carter; her husband, Billy Stewart; two daughters, Willie Ann Jones and Lessie B. Coleman; and her brother, Jack Carter...

James Larry Sledge of Blytheville was born March 30, 1957, in Madisonville, Tenn., to the late James W. Sledge and the late Judith Brown Campbell. He was a mechanic. Mr. Sledge passed away Oct. 2, 2020, at his home in Blytheville at the age of 63. He was preceded in death by his father, James W. Sledge; his mother, Judith Brown Campbell; one son, Kevin Sledge; and two sisters, Mary Sue Flowers and Katie Sledge...