Obituaries

Robert (Bob) Griggs, 68, won his twenty-eight year war with Parkinson’s disease on July 12, 2019, at his home, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was born August 11, 1950, to Billy Joe and Reba Howell Griggs of Campbell, Mo. Bob attended Holcomb High School, where he graduated as one of the most loved in his class. ...

Raymond (Bubba) Jennings Yates 67, of Jackson, Mo., succumbed to Alzheimer’s at Lutheran Home on July 11, 2019. He was born Jan. 3, 1952 in Blytheville and was a 1970 graduate of Blytheville High School. Ray was a member of New McKendree Methodist Church in Jackson, Mo. Also, he was a member of the Masonic Lodge...

Melvin Dean Wood, 83, of Jonesboro passed away Friday, July 12, 2019, at St. Bernards Medical Center. He was born June 22, 1936, in Caraway to the late William and Pearl Brandon Wood. Melvin served his country proudly in the United States Air Force. He was a founding member of the Caraway Community of Christ Church. He had worked in the printing industry for Boeing Aircraft, McDonnell Douglas and locally for Forrest Office Machines for 40 years. ...

Mary Beth Anderson, 86, passed away on June 19, 2019, at Tobey Hospital in Wareham, Mass. Mary was born May 24, 1933 in Pollard. She was the daughter of Eva Hoggard and Leslie Gossett and spent her childhood in Piggott. When she was a teenager, her family moved to the Detroit, Mich., area. ...

Nancy Jean Myers, 79, of Gainesville, Ga., passed away Monday, July 8, 2019, at her residence. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, in the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with Dr. Tom Smiley and Dr. Jerry Gill officiating. Entombment followed in the Memorial Park Mausoleum...

Dorothy Fay Puckett, 77, of Caraway, passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Born in Leake County, Miss., on Dec. 24, 1941, Dorothy lived most of her life in Caraway and Keiser where she and her husband Jim Puckett owned and operated Puckett’s Grocery in both communities for many years. ...

Geraldine Wellchance was born Nov. 28, 1926 in Alamo, Tenn., to the late Will H. Holton and the late Tishey Holton. She was a homemaker, a member of The Golden Girls, she also served in the kitchen, as an usher, choir member and on the women’s board for New St. Paul M.B. Church. Mrs. Wellchance passed away on July 8, 2019, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville at the age of 92...

Allen Brown McRea, 90, of Blytheville passed away at home on Monday morning. He was born in Grenada, Miss., to W.T. and Emma Johnson McRea on Nov. 17, 1928. He served his country for three years in the Army National Guard. He and his wife moved to Blytheville 22 years ago and he was a proud member of the First Christian Church in Blytheville...

Billy Gene Lewis, 85, of Steele, Mo., departed this life on Sunday, July 7, 2019, at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro at 5:45 p.m. Billy Gene was born at Dell on Sept. 8, 1933. He was the first-born child of Cuthbert (Buss) Lewis and Mable Ester Simpson Lewis. ...

Robert Wayne Hicks of Portageville, Mo., passed away June 17, 2019, surrounded by his wife and sons in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bob was born May 21, 1940, in Holland, Mo., to the late Helen (nee Watkins) and Anderson Hicks. He married Deanna Pikey on Oct. 18, 1963...

Betty Jean Copeland, 76, of Leachville, passed away July 7, 2019, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was born Dec. 23, 1942 in Dell to Ambers and Nina Ross Eubanks. She enjoyed going to yard sales and she loved her weenie dog, “GiGi”. Survivors include her mother, Nina King; one brother, Charles Eubanks (Shirley) of Leachville; two sisters, Sharon Clark (Jessie) of Manila, Louanne Cagle (Wayne) of Leachville; three sons, Anson Holt of Holland, Mich., Donnie Holt (Jeri) of Stevensville, Mich., Jessie Holt (Wendy) of Southaven, Mich.; one daughter, Brandy Mitchell (Jason Bailey) of Leachville; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, and a host of other family and friends.. ...

Eva Alsup Bowling, 84, of Blytheville, went to be with the Lord Friday, July 5, 2019, at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Born to Levi and Edna Beaury Alsup in Etowah, she retired from Arkansas Department of Human Services where she worked as a case worker. ...

Charlotte Kelley, 53, of Manila, passed from this life Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. Born at Leachville, she was the daughter of the late Birlie "Bud" and Hazel Jeanette Russell Kelley. A lifelong Manila resident, Charlotte was a 1984 graduate of Manila High School and had been an employee of the former Arlee Manufacturing in Leachville, a job she thoroughly enjoyed and spoke of often...

Opal Eatmon, 98, of Blytheville, died Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at Great River Medical Center. Born to Nathan Walker (N.W.) and Vera Caviness in New Albany, Miss., she was a devoted homemaker and a charter member of the North Tenth Street Baptist Church. Opal loved to quilt, sew and cook...

Alexander Burks, known as “Dirty Red” to his family and friends, was born Jan. 15, 1974, to Charlie Burks Sr. and Joyce Carter Burks in Blytheville. Alexander departed this life Tuesday, June 25, 2019 in Blytheville at the age of 45. He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife Tara Burks of Blytheville; his mother, Joyce Burks of Jonesboro; his father, Charlie Burks Sr. ...

Eva Jean Wilson, 84, of Searcy, formerly of Marie, passed away June 27, 2019, at Unity Health Hospital in Searcy. She was a retired ward clerk at South Mississippi County Medical Center in Osceola and of the Baptist faith. Ms. Wilson was born March 27, 1935, in Muldrow Okla., to James Harrison and Sarah Ann Waters Wagers...

Niki Wisdom Nichols, born March 22, 1972, departed this life for her Heavenly home on Sunday, June 30, 2019, after her brave battle against cancer. She gave her heart to the Lord at Armorel Baptist Church shortly after graduating from Blytheville High School in 1990. ...

Earlene McCoy Strickland, 79, of Valparaiso, Ind., formerly of Blytheville, departed this life on June 21, 2019 at Porter Regional Hospital in Valparaiso. She was born Feb. 18, 1940, in Blytheville and was the daughter of Willie McCoy and Abbie Bell Wallace. ...

Mary Smith, 86, of Blytheville, passed away June 28, 2019, at Heritage Square Nursing Center in Blytheville. Born to Lewis and Ophelia Leslie Welch in Kensett, Ark., she was a cook at Mississippi County Nursing Home. She loved reading, fishing, and canning vegetables from the garden and an avid Atlanta Braves fan. Mary was a member of the Assembly of God church in Prescott and was generous, hardworking and devoted to her family and friends...

Kristopher Paul McNeely, 33, of Jonesboro, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House after a two-year fight with glioblastoma. Kris was a 2003 graduate of Gosnell High School. He earned a BA degree from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville in 2007 and a nursing degree from Arkansas Northeastern College in Blytheville in 2012. ...

Earl Ray Jones, 73, of Blytheville, passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at his home in Blytheville. Earl was born in Pocahontas to the late Troy and Grace (Manis) Jones. He shared 42 years of marriage with the love of his life and best friend Winifred (Winnie) Jones. ...

Donald Ray Ashley, "Duck", 77, of Cushman died June 24, 2019, at Harris Healthcare in Osceola. He was a retired construction worker and of the Baptist faith.  Mr. Ashley was born June 21, 1942, in Dyess to Charlie and Thides Jimmerson Ashley.  He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and three sisters. ...

Mr. Jessie O’Tea Hudson II of Blytheville was born Oct. 31, 1934 in Mississippi, to the late Jessie Hudson, Sr. and the late Nellie B. Mack. He worked as a farmer with Armstrong Farms in Dell and was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Hudson passed away on June 22, 2019, at his home in Blytheville at the age of 84...

Dorothy “Doll” Sharkey, 57, of Blytheville passed away Thursday, June 20, 2019, at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. She was born Aug. 30, 1961 in Osceola, to Lydia Wright, Jr. and Joann Stone Wright. She was a faithful member of Pentecostal Power of Everlasting Truth under the leadership of Bishop Johnson Stone where she served as a Drummer, Missionary, and Usher...

Lois V. Mason, 91, of Blytheville, passed away Friday, June 21, 2019 at Gosnell Therapy and Living Center. Born in Blytheville to Earnest and Betty Howell Vernon, Lois was a homemaker and a member of Bethany Baptist Church. She enjoyed traveling, working in her yard and playing Bingo. Lois was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother...

Tommy Swetnam, 70, of Monette passed away Thursday, June 20, 2019 at NEA Baptist Hospital. He was born June 15, 1949, in Jonesboro to the late Andrew and Era Clyatt Swetnam. Tommy graduated from Monette High School. He retired from the Monette Volunteer Fire Department after over 25 years of service. ...

Nathaniel Washington, 80, of Blytheville, passed away Thursday morning June 20, 2019, at his home. Born in Pinney Ridge on Oct. 23, 1938, he was the son of I.H. and Earlene Hooks Washington. Nathaniel was preceded in death by wife Selma and three sons, Isiah, Herman and Keith...

Gerald Leo “Sonny” Donner, 86, of Manila, passed from this life Monday, June 24, 2019, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Born in Manila to the late Bill and Emma Barker Donner, he was a 1949 graduate of Manila High School and later served in the U.S. ...

Nanette Oliver, 63, of Wilson, died June 18, 2019, at Baptist East in Memphis, Tenn. She was employed by Gilster Mary Lee in Wilson and was a member of First Baptist in Joiner. Miss Oliver was born Dec. 27, 1955 in Wilson, to Otha Lee and Sarah Jane Latham Oliver...

Mabel Maxine Davis, 86, of Hornersville, widow of MSgt. Frank O. "Sarge" Davis, Jr., USAF, retired, passed from this life Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at Methodist-LeBonheur Healthcare in Germantown, Tenn. Born in Buckner, Mo., she was a graduate of William Chrisman High School in Indendendence, Mo., and had been a resident of Hornersville since 1963. Mrs. Mabel enjoyed spending time with her family, playing the piano and the accordian. She attended Trinity Community Church in Cardwell...

Alton Ray Thomas, 78, of Blytheville, passed away Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at his home. He was born on Feb. 27, 1941, in Manila, to John and Susie Jane McClish Thomas. He was of the Pentecostal faith, enjoyed working on cars, fishing, bowling, baseball, being on his tractor, and games shows, especially “Wheel of Fortune.”...

Ben Ervin Mosley, Jr. 70, of Osceola, died June 18, 2019, at Harris Healthcare in Osceola. He was a retired factory worker and of the Baptist faith. Mr. Mosley was born Sept. 11, 1948 in Osceola, to Ben and Lula Gary Mosley, Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Herbert Mosley; two sisters, Earline Jacobs and Joyce Marie Brown...

Brandon DeWayne Provow, 40, Pocahontas, was taken too early in a car accident on June 6, 2019. Brandon was born in Blytheville on June 5, 1979, to Steven and Sharon Provow. He is survived by his parents; daughter, Annabella Provow and her mother, Kristina Sullivan; brother, Steven (Jennifer) Provow Jr.; nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles; and a host of friends...

Linda Carol Smith, 71, of Black Oak, passed from this life Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. Born in Black Oak, she was the daughter of the late B.A. and Nola Morgan Grisham and was a lifelong area resident. Linda was a 1965 graduate of Monette High School and later received her B.S.E. ...

Ella Faye Sinclair Smith, 79, of Blytheville, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at Gosnell Therapy and Living Center. Born to Ellie and Daisy Newman Sinclair in Ripley, Tenn., she was a cook at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Blytheville for 23 years and a member of Gospel Lighthouse Church. On Nov. 14, 1958, she married the love of her life, Richard Smith. Ella was an amazing cook and loved to sew. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved taking care of her grandchildren...

Mary Robinson, 89, of Steele, Mo., passed away Monday, June 17, 2019, at her home. She was born March 16, 1930, in Neshoba County, Miss., and was the daughter of George and Pearlie Young Brookshire. Mary was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church in Steele, where she served as a Mother of the church...

Marilyn P. Lutes Shearin, age 81 of Blytheville, passed from this life on Sunday, June 16, 2019 at her home. Born to Harry Louis and Gertrude Lucille Voss Lutes in Blytheville, she was retired from the Blytheville School District where she was the Social Studies and Civics teacher for 33 years...

Ollieda “Leda” Rene Richardson, 71, of Gosnell passed away at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville. She was born in Memphis, Tenn., to Jess and Ruth Alton Moore on Feb. 2, 1948. She retired after 22 1/2 years with Cyro Industries. She loved her church and was very proud to be a long-time member of Bethany Baptist in Gosnell. Leda was known as a jokester and loved helping others as she did so on many occasions. She cared for everyone...

Francisco Gonzalez was born in Mexico City, Mexico, on Oct. 4, 1976, to Esteban Guadalupe Gonzalez and Arelinda Serrano. He was a cook. He departed his life June 15, 2019, at the age of 42. He was preceded in death by his father. He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Arelinda Serrano, in Mexico City, Mexico; two sisters, Maria Elena Gonzalez and Maria Guadupe Gonzalez of Mexico City, Mexico; five brothers, Esteban Gonzalez, Humberto Gonzalez, of Mexico City, Mexico, Ricardo Gonzalez, Jose Juan Gonzalez and Miguel Gonzalez of Blytheville; and a host of other relatives and friends.. ...

Dorris Laverne Stone Dean, 85, of Blytheville, passed away June 16, 2019, at Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville, Tenn. She was born in Oran, Mo., the youngest child of Rayburn Hodge Stone and Huelan Houston Stone. The Stone family moved to the Lone Oak community to be closer to the Hodge family. ...

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...