Stories from Monday, June 8, 2020

Billy Wayne Atkinson, 73, of Osceola, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at SMC Regional Medical Center in Osceola. Billy was born in Blytheville to James and Ruth Jones Atkinson and was a retired farmer. He served his county with honor in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Billy was awarded a purple heart for his commendable actions during the war and risking his life to protect his brothers in combat along with his country...

Bertha Juanita Gray Murphree, 96, of Leachville, passed from this life Saturday, June 6, 2020, at the Craighead County Nursing Home in Jonesboro. Born in Leachville, she was the daughter of the late Harlis and Zona Alice Frew Roberts and had lived many years in Niles, Mich. In 1946 she married the father of her children, Mr. ...

Barbara Ann “Cissie Swift” Emmons, 82, of Blytheville passed away Saturday, June 6, 2020. She was born June 8, 1937, in Blytheville to James Leo Swift and Mary “Rilla” Sides Swift. Barbara had a full life and was loved by many. Her family was her life. ...

Charles Webber McClelland of Trumann departed this life Thursday, June 4, 2020, at the family residence, at the age of 81 years 11 months and one day. He was born Sunday, July 3, 1938, in Fredericktown, Mo., and lived in Trumann for the past 35 years and was formerly of Cuba, Mo. ...

Helen Jackson, 85, made her transition on June 1, 2020, at the Lincolnshire Health Care Center in Merrillville, Ind. Helen was born April 27, 1935, in Blytheville, to Hattie (Early) and Isaiah Okemos Jackson. Helen was the youngest of five siblings. ...

Jacqueline Gustava Dubinok, 79, of Blytheville, passed away Friday, June 5, 2020, at her home. Jacqueline was born in Blytheville to Jack and Gustava Prince Mayher. She was a retired waitress and attended Connections Ministry Church. Jacqueline was an ordained minister, and she loved her church and the Lord. She loved her family and spending time with her children and grandchildren...

Several Black Lives Matter protests have been held locally after footage of the death of George Floyd, by a Minneapolis police officer, went viral on social media...

Martha Holcomb of Trumann departed this life Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at Three Rivers Nursing & Rehab in Marked Tree at the age of 84 years, 7 months and 7 days. Mrs. Holcomb was born Sunday, October 27, 1935, in Weona and lived most of her life in Trumann. ...

Linda Joyce James, 75, of Blytheville, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2020, at her home. Linda was born in Dell to George and Ruthie Smith Johnson. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. Linda was a member of the American Legion and she loved to go dancing and to casinos. She enjoyed going to birthday parties and family events. Linda loved her family and was a wonderful mother...

James Russell Downing, 37, of Paragould, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2020. He was born Dec. 31, 1982, in Blytheville to John and Sally Skidmore Downing. James was a self-employed diesel mechanic. He loved to hunt and fish. He is survived by his children, son, Cody Downing of Manila; stepdaughter, Addison Davis of Paragould; daughter, Brooklyn Downing of Paragould; mother and stepfather, Sally Skidmore Handley and Mitchell Handley; two sisters, Krystal Roos (Dustin) of Holly, Mich., and Jennifer Pats (Alan) of Jonesboro; brother, Paul Handley (Christina) of Steele, Mo.; grandparents, Gene and Charlene Handley of Gosnell; several nieces, nephews and cousins.. ...