Obituaries

Mildred L. (Cromwell) Johnston, 95, of Red Bud, Ill., born July 9, 1925, in Harrisburg, Ark., died June 9, 2021. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Russell Cromwell and Mary nee Cleamer; a brother, Roy Cromwell; and a sister, Gladys French...

Herbert Douglas Marshall, 73, of Luxora died June 6, 2021. Herbert was born April 5, 1948, in Walnut Ridge to Douglas and Susie (West) Marshall, who preceded him in death. Also preceding in death was his brother Aaron, and three sisters, Deloris, Connie and Sentra...

Steven Michael Ada, 48, of Manila, passed from this life Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at his home. Born at the Columbus Air Force Base in Columbus, Miss., he was the son of the late Carolyn Hurst Ada and a 1990 graduate of Blytheville High School in Blytheville. He attended Albany Vo-Tech School near New Albany, Miss., where he earned his certification as a machinist. ...

Willie Jackson “Jack” Welch of Kennett, Mo., was born Nov. 15, 1938, in Monticello, Miss., to the late Wiley Marvin Welch and the late Bertha Givens Welch. He was a retired factory worker and was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Welch passed away June 9, 2021, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro at the age of 82. He was preceded in death by his father, Wiley Marven Welch; mother, Bertha Givens Welch; two brothers, Lucky Hedgepeth and Marvin Welch, Jr.; and one sister, Minnie Effie Byrd...

Rickey Dean Bush, 64, of Fisher went to be with the Lord on the morning of June 3, 2021. He was born July 2, 1956, and was raised in Napa Valley, Calif. Eventually he would move to Arkansas where he spent the remainder of his life. He loved his family, fishing, hunting, nature and animals...

Olga Sue Deaton Barfield, of LaGrange, Ga., passed away June 8, 2021. She was born in Columbus, Miss., Dec. 29, 1942, to the late Vivian Benjamin Deaton and Virginia Holman Deaton. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Barfield was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Terry Stratton. She was a graduate of Hinds Jr. College and George Peabody College...

Susan Houston Tusing, 65, of Dell, passed away Monday, June 7, 2021, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born in Blytheville to William Doyle and Betty Sue Hardin Houston, Susan was a retired registered home health nurse and was a member of Dell First Baptist Church. ...

Talisha Hawkins Taylor, 45, of Osceola died June 5, 2021, at SMC Medical Center in Osceola. She was a homemaker. Ms. Taylor was born Oct. 12, 1975, in Blytheville to Terry Hawkins and Loris Simmons. She was preceded in death by her mother. She is survived by her father, Terry Hawkins; three sons, Markeith Hawkins, Devarrious Hawkins and Zevarrious Hawkins of Osceola; four daughters, Santriana Hawkins, Breana Hawkins, Darriana Broadnax and Mriya Lewis of Osceola; and six grandchildren...

Margaret Ann Mitchell Swanigan, 75, of Blytheville passed away Monday June 6, 2021, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. She was born April 3, 1946, in Arkadelphia to Sammy Davis, Jr. and Georgia Beavers. She was of the Baptist faith and was a member of New Jerusalem Baptist under the pastorage of Bishop Brian Olden where she served on the Mother’s Board...

Carrie Bell Scott, 82, of Osceola died June 1, 2021, at her home. She was a retired CNA after 25 years, she had a bachelors degree in social work and was a resident of Mississippi county for 29 years. Ms. Scott was born May 3, 1939, in Rotan to OB Finnie and Mattie Dolittle. She was preceded in death by her parents...

Jacqueline Kimble Person, 52, of Jonesboro died June 4, 2021, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Person was born July 13, 1968, in Wilson to Gary and Christine Brown Gaston. She was preceded in death by her father and her husband, Johnny Person...

Viola Taylor Miller was born June 3, 1941, in Luxora, to Howard and Eliza Taylor. She was the baby of family. She was a graduate of Carver High School in Luxora. She met the love of her life, Billy Edward Miller, her senior year in high school. They were married Dec. 26, 1961. They shared 59 amazing years of marriage and countless memories together. They had two handsome boys that were her heart, her first and her baby...

William Clark Jackson, 68, of Trumann, died May 29, 2021, at NEA Hospital in Jonesboro. He was a truck driver, a U.S. Army veteran and of the Baptist faith. Mr. Clark was born Dec. 30, 1952, in Washington, D.C., to William E. and Fannie Nelson Jackson...

Geneva Ross Holder, 82, of Memphis, Tenn., died June 3, 2021, at her home. She was born July 27, 1938, in Tyronza to Craig and Nell Worley Ross. Mrs. Holder was preceded in death by her parents, Craig and Nell Worley Ross; six siblings, Horace Ross, J.C. Ross, Charles Lewis (Buddy) Ross, Dorothy Ross McGuire, Frank Ross, Wallas Ross; and her nephew, Heath Alan McGuire...

Skylar Chanel Hill, 1 year old , was born Nov. 17, 2019, to Elisha Brimlett. Skylar passed away Monday, May 30, 2021, at Great River Medical Center. She leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Elisha Brimlett of the home; one brother, Daylen Hudson, also of the home; her grandmother, Rochelle Gunby of Blytheville; aunts, Jameisha Brimlett and Quarneisha Brimlett; and her uncle Arterrius Anderson...

Charlene Ford was born March 13, 1956, in Yarbrough to Charlie Ford and Viola Williams Ford. Charlene departed this life Saturday, June 05, 2021, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro at the age of 65. She was preceded in death by her parents...

Jimmy Anderson was born March 30, 1936, in Lyons, Miss., to Alma Thomas and P.C. Foster. He attended school in Caruthersville, Mo., and was employed as a farmer and Cook County Hospital. Jimmy was a member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Brian Olden...

Anthony Laverne McDay, 62, of Osceola died May 30, 2021, at his home. He was a handyman and of the Pentecostal faith. Mr. McDay was born Oct. 5, 1958, in Osceola to Turner and Gladys Poston McDay. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandchild, Mykel McDay...

Patrick Wayne Hamlin, retired sheriff's deputy and longtime resident of Kingston Springs, Tenn., passed away April 29, 2021, at the age of 67. Patrick was born March 24, 1954, to the late Joey Wayne and Elizabeth Brooks Hamlin in Memphis, Tenn. After Patrick graduated from Blytheville High School in 1972, he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Business at Arkansas State University...

Linda Lou Cochran, 85, of Etowah died May 30, 2021, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was a retired factory worker and of the Pentecostal faith. Ms. Cochran was born Jan. 27, 1936, in Hughes, to H.R. and Cadis Martin Duncan. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Bill Cochran; three brothers, Charles Duncan, Blue Duncan and Herman Duncan; and one sister, Anna Velasquez...

Steve Alan Wansley, 69, of Osceola died June 1, 2021, at Encompass Health in Memphis, Tenn. He was a manager at Bunge North America and of the Baptist faith. Mr. Wansley was born June 29, 1951, in Jackson, Miss., to Julian and Mary Smith Wansley. He was preceded in death by his father, Julian Wansley, and one brother, Jack Wansley...

Zachary Allyn Riggs, 28, of Blytheville, passed away Friday, May 28, 2021. Zachary was born in Blytheville to Kevin Riggs and Patty Summers Cherry. He served his country with honor in the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne Division. During his time in the military, he fought for freedom and served a tour of duty in Afghanistan. ...

Felix Travis Kennedy, Jr. of Jonesboro was born April 20, 1999, in Blytheville to Felix Kennedy, Sr. of Blytheville and Ella Adams of Jonesboro. He was a factory worker and was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Kennedy passed away May 25, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn., at the age of 22...

Norma Jean Jones, 79, of Indian Mound, Tenn., went to be with the Lord May 30, 2021. She was born Feb. 8, 1942, the daughter of the late Rufus ‘Luke’ and Annie Forrest Ledbetter. She retired as a RN Civil Service from Ft. Campbell, Ky. She was a faithful servant and a member of Cross Creek Baptist Church, Indian Mound, Tenn., and worked with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief of Tennessee...

Mary Eidson, 84, passed away Monday, May 31, 2021 at Lakeside Nursing Center. She was born Oct. 24, 1936, in Allison to the late W.A. and Gertha Corter. She went to cosmetology school and received her license. She worked as a telephone operator in her youth, was an elevator operator in Oklahoma and also worked at Browns Shoe Factory in Leachville. ...

Sandra Louise Clark, 60, of Monette, passed from this life Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at St. Vincent Hospital-North in Sherwood. Born in Leachville to the late Pete and Tootsie Thomas Towell, Sandra was a 1979 graduate of Leachville High School. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, she especially loved her role as grandmother and cherished every moment with them. ...

Peggy Lee Carter, 67, of Manila, passed from this life Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at her home. Born in Detroit, Mich., she was the daughter of the late Gerald and Audrey Davidson Butler and was a 1972 graduate of Southeastern High School in Detroit. Peggy enjoyed reading, shopping and gardening as well as spending time with her family. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church in Manila. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Jason Carter, in 2000...

Eric Whitaker Sr. was born Sept. 22, 1976, to Cornelius and Catherine Whitaker in Chicago, Ill. Eric departed this life Sunday, May 23, 2021, at his home in Blytheville at the age of 44. He was preceded in death by his mother, Catherine Whitaker. Eric leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Lavonda Whitaker of Blytheville; his father, Cornelius Whitaker of Marion; two daughters, Endya Whitaker of Marion and Jamika Fowler of Bono; four sons, Eric Whitaker Jr. ...

JB Taylor of Sikeston, Mo., was born Oct. 30, 1949, in Jericho, to the late Willie Taylor, Sr. and the late Orliner McGhee Taylor. He was a farm worker and was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Taylor passed away May 25, 2021, at Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo., at the age of 71. ...

Amanda Nicole Meacham, 36, of Manila, passed from this life Saturday, May 29, 2021, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro. Born in Jonesboro, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Gladys Cooper Whitehead and was a lifelong Manila resident. Amanda attended Manila High School and later attended Arkansas Northeastern College in Blytheville earning an Applied Associates Degree in Nursing. She had been employed by the Manila Nursing Center in Manila as well as Mid-South Health Systems in Paragould. She enjoyed reading and music, especially singing. Amanda truly loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and taking care of her patients. She most definitely had a "Servant's Heart" and was of the Pentecostal Faith.. ...

Gladys Ann Masterson, 80, of Leachville, passed from this life Friday, May 28, 2021, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Born in Leachville, she was the daughter of the late Roy and Hattie Wyser Wess and had been a lifelong area resident. ...

James Clay “JC” Lassiter, 81, of Trumann, formerly of Lepanto, departed this life on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 in Jonesboro. He was born on June 29, 1939, to Oscar Edward and Beulah Bell Lassiter in Lepanto. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley Lassiter; one brother, Edward Leon “Jack” Lassiter; and one sister, Nellie Jo Lassiter...

Katherine Louise Northern-Daniels of Wynne was born Nov. 9, 1959, in Blytheville to the late Eddie Northern and the late Kathren McLemore Northern. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. Ms. Northern-Daniels passed away May 29, 2021, at Cross Ridge Hospital in Wynne at the age of 61. She was preceded in death by her father, Eddie Northern; mother, Kathern McLemore Northern, and one daughter Crystal Daniels...

Cheryl Kaye Julian Brothers, 72, of Andalusia, Ala., formerly of Osceola, joined her heavenly father on Friday, May 28, 2021. Cheryl was born July 16, 1948, to John Roland Julian and Lucille Angelee Julian. Cheryl was a resident of Osceola until 2018, when she moved to Alabama to be close to family...

Gladys Faye Newman, 87, of Bryant, and formerly of Yarbro, passed away Monday, May 24, 2021, at Hospice Home Care in Little Rock. Gladys was born in Rector to Patrick and Elzita Ridout Fitzgerald and attended New Life Church in Bryant. She was the owner of Gladys Cake Shop and made the most delicious cakes. ...

Richard Frederick Weber, 73, of Blytheville died Tuesday, May 25, 2021, in Crystal City, Mo. Richard was born Aug. 22, 1947, in Michigan City, Ind., to Fred and Maurine (Ioder) Weber. After graduating from high school in Cary, Ill., Richard served in the Air Force and was a member of the Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps. After discharge from the Air Force in 1970, he went on to become a farmer and an agricultural business owner...

Dorothy Marie Carter of Blytheville was born June 20, 1950, in Osceola to the late Albert Carter and the late Lillie Edwards Carter. She was a hotel manager and was of the Baptist faith. Ms. Carter passed away May 21, 2021, at Baptist Memorial in Memphis, Tenn., at the age of 70. She was preceded in death by her father, Albert Carter; her mother, Lillie Carter; four brothers, Albert Carter, Jr., E.G. Carter, Charles Carter and Ronnie Carter; and two sisters, Verlene Stancle and Millicent Carter...

Connie Darlene Thompson was born Dec. 4, 1967, to the late Ruby Williams and Don Ray Moore. Connie, departed this life on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro at the age of 53. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruby Jean Williams; fathers, Don Ray Moore and Cornelius Williams; sister, Debbie Ann Hooks; grandmother, L.V. ...

Ray Bledsoe was born Nov. 18, 1962, in Turrell to Jerome Bledsoe and Judy Mae Conner. Ray departed this life Monday, May 17, 2021, at his home in Osceola at the age of 58. He was preceded in death by his mother. Ray leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Jeanette Bledsoe of Turrell; his father, Jerome Bledsoe of Benton Harbor, Mich.; one son, Regis Erwin of Blytheville; two daughters, Shaquitta Stewart and Jenifer Johnson, both of Memphis, Tenn.; eight sisters, Bernice Hopkins and Dell Bledsoe, both of Memphis, Della Hopkins, Barbara Hopkins and Delois Crayton, all of West Memphis, Judy Ogwin of Jonesboro, Sabrina Bledsoe of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Nina Byrd of Benton Harbor, Mich.; 11 brothers, James Hopkins of Memphis, Johnny Hopkins of Miami, Fla., Odell Bledsoe of Osceola, Jerry Bledsoe and Lonnie Hopkins, both of Blytheville, Don Bledsoe, Gernard Bledsoe, Shamal Bledsoe and Jackie Haskins, all of Benton Harbor, Craig Bledsoe of Little Rock and Jeff Bledsoe of Kansas City, Mo.; six grandchildren and a host other family members and friends.. ...

Leon Burrow, 85, of Blytheville, formerly of Milan, Tenn., passed away May 15, 2021. Mr. Burrow was born in Milan to Floyd and Mary Burrow. He graduated from McCallie Preparatory School in Chattanooga, Lambuth University in Jackson, Tenn., and Vanderbilt Law School. He was a former deputy prosecutor and practiced law in Blytheville...

Christine Doris Crosby Orr was born Jan. 2, 1955 in Osceola, the daughter of Thomas and Mary Tuggle Crosby. A 1973 graduate of Osceola High School, Christine continued her education at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, graduating with a BSA Degree in Secondary Education. ...

Cornelius Lee was born Sept. 13, 1954, in Tallahassee, Miss., to John, Sr. and Millie Calmese Lee. He attended school in the Promise Land and Clear Lake communities. Cornelius confessed his hope in Christ on Dec. 10, 2016, he became of member of New Faith Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Laddie Whaley. On March 12, 1999, Cornelius married Denise Cathey...

Kerry Duane Cooper, 60, of Blytheville passed away May 17, 2021, at Arkansas Continued Care Hospital. He was born on Oct. 24, 1960, in Lepanto to Cleo and Betty Lee Cooper. He loved his wife and enjoyed flying. He was also an excellent cabinetmaker. Survivors include his wife, Marcia Dean Cooper of the home; three sons, Ricky Dean Landrum (Brandy Lynn) of Heber Springs, Matthew Cooper (Kim) of Jonesboro and Trey Cooper (Valerie) of Blytheville; one sister, Debra Brim (Roger) of Jonesboro; one half-brother, Charlie Cooper of Jonesboro; six grandchildren, Danille Landrum, Whitney Landrum, Tye Landrum, Ethan Cooper, Brooklyn Rose Cooper and Chole Ashby; and a host of other family and friends.. ...

Carolyn Ann Robertson, 72, of Osceola died May 17, 2021, at her home. She was a homemaker and of the Pentecostal faith. She was born Feb. 4, 1949, in Newport to Steve and Gracie Overfield Brown. She was preceded in death by her father, Steve Brown; her husband, Bobby Floyd Robertson, Sr.; and one great-grandchild, Brylan Mason...

Ulysses Redd Sr., was born March 11, 1949 in Blytheville, to DeLove Redd and Pankie Newmy. Ulysses, departed this life on Thursday, May 13, 2021, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville, Arkansas at the age of 72. He was preceded in death by his parents...

Barry Lynn Cole, age 58, of Leachville, passed from this life Saturday, May 15, 2021, at his home. Born in Leachville, he was the son of the late Faburn and Wanda McDaniel Cole and had been a lifelong area resident. Barry attended Leachville High School and had been employed by Southworth in Manila, The Steel Yard in Paragould and Hooks Industrial of Blytheville. ...

Nancy Victory Davis of Blytheville was born July 28, 1961 in Blytheville, to the late Robert McClung, Sr., and the late Margaret Bell McClung. She was a retired caregiver and a homemaker. Mrs. Davis passed away on May 12, 2021 at St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro, at the age of 59. She is preceded in death by her father Robert McClung, Sr., her mother Margaret McClung, her son Taurus Sneed, one brother Terry McClung, and one grandchild Jordynn Victory...

On Thursday, May 13, 2021, God presented our beloved Annie Bell Barnes with a new body. She transitioned peacefully at the age of 108 surrounded by loved ones. Mother Barnes was born in Howell, Ark. on Nov. 24, 1912 to the late Alfred and Sarah Pope Sawyer. She was the first of seven children. She was united in Holy Matrimony on March 10, 1934 to the late Walter B. Barnes the love of her life...

Glenda Mae Coleman, 71, of Tyronza, died May 16, 2021, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was a retired LPN and of the Pentecostal faith. Mrs. Coleman was born Jan. 29, 1950, in Trumann to Fred and Christine Howell Revelle. She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Donna Sitzes, and one brother, Terry Buddy Revelle...

Sandra L. Smothermon, 85, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2021. She is survived by her loving husband and childhood sweetheart, Maj. Gen. (Ret) James P. Smothermon (Pat) and son, James M. Smothermon (Mike). Sandra and Pat were married in 1956 after meeting in fifth grade. ...