Stories from Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Alberta Miller, 68, entered eternal rest Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, due to complications from COVID 19. She leaves to cherish her memories her devoted husband, Curtis Miller, whom she wed in 2002; daughter, Quantia Fletcher (Derrick); son, J.D. Ronate Mills (Angela); three stepsons, Calvin Johnson, Michael Bingham, and Andre Miller; two stepdaughters, Tomika Seaberry (Robert) and Angela Miller; two sisters, Patricia Felix (Isaac) and Georgia Roy; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. ...

Tammy Lynn Carter, 51, of Manila, widow of Byron Carter, passed from this life Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, at the NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro. Born and raised in Manila, she had been a lifelong resident of Northeast Arkansas. She was a homemaker and enjoyed shopping and spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren...

Letroy Gathen was born April 18, 1951, in Osceola, the son of Roosevelt and Essie Mae Spencer Gathen. Growing up in Luxora, Letroy’s parents stressed the importance of hard work and and the value of a good education. While a student at Luxora High School, Letroy broke racial barriers, becoming the first African American to play on the football team. ...

James Roy Douglas, Sr., 71 of Bryant, departed this life Jan. 21, 2021, at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. He was born Sept. 22, 1949, in Jonesboro to Fred Durell, Jr. and Wanda Louise Roach Douglas. Roy is survived by his wife, Marian Miller Douglas, of 47 years; son, James Roy Douglas, Jr. ...

Rutha Mae Staten Brown was born July 4, 1951, to the late Andrew and Eva Staten in Lake Cormorant, Miss. Rutha departed this life Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021 at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Mo., at the age of 69. She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Eva Staten; her sister, Leslie Boyce; her brother, Andrew Staten Jr.; her son, Robert Earl Alexander Jr.; and her granddaughter, Alicia Alexander...

Lester Armstrong, Sr., 83, of Osceola died January 23, 2021 at his home in Osceola. He was a retired factory worker and a member of Tabernacle MB Church in Osceola. Mr. Armstrong was born Sept. 2, 1937 in Turrell to William Armstrong, Sr. and Ethel Mae Boyce Armstrong Beech. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and four sisters...

Melton A. Byerly, Sr. of Trumann departed from this life Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro at the age of 72 years, 11 months and 2 days. He was born Sunday, Feb. 22, 1948, in Trumann and lived most of his lifetime in Trumann. In his neighborhood the neighbors were known as his people and family was his upmost importance. He loved people and helping people from the bottom of his heart and it gave him the most enjoyment. Not only was he a great butcher, he was a great gardener and was always available to give free rides on his Ford tractor to his grandkids and great-grandkids. Melton was a retired business owner of Byerly’s Meat Market for over 40 years and attended First Assembly of God Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Alba Canamore Byerly.. ...

James Tharp of Monette peacefully passed away after years of failing health at the age of 64 with his family by his side, Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021. On Sept. 30, 1978, James married Robin Billingsley, together they had children, Misty, Gene and Zac. His family was everything to him. He tried to give them everything they wanted...

Monette City Council reviewed the past year during Monday night’s meeting. “I don’t know what else to say but wow what a year,” said Mayor Bob Blankenship. “Last year was definitely not what we anticipated it would have been. The Coronavirus put a stop to any of our planned projects for the first four or five months. ...

Elliot Shane Hill, beloved son of Duane and Angelyn Hill and brother to Lilian Arnold and Kenneth Hill, grandson of Terry Thomas, Jerry and Jeannie Hill, Darleen Hildebrand and great-grandson of Charles Thomas, was born sleeping on Jan. 24, 2021, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro...