Obituaries

David Franklin Haynes, 69, of Osceola, passed away Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. David was born in Luxora to Woodrow and Leora Mustion Haynes and was a retired tar pot roller operator for the Arkansas Highway Department. He was a hard worker and never missed a day of work. David loved his truck and riding backroads, and he enjoyed watching television...

Melissa Elizabeth Raney McKinney, 49, of Blytheville, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville. Melissa was born on Fort Carson Army Base in Colorado Springs, Colo., to Billy and Geraldean Richardson Raney. She was a member of Heartland PCG and a homemaker. ...

John Shelton Holmes, 60, of Monette, formerly of Leachville, passed from this life Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born in Paragould, he was the son of the late Dale and Hazel Wilborn Holmes and had lived in St. Louis before making his home in Northeast Arkansas in 1977. ...

Kadience Martin Woods, stillborn son of Joshua Edward and Mary Beth Ek Woods, Sr., passed away Jan. 28, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Flo Cassidy and Otis Gifford. He is survived by her parents, Joshua and Mary Woods, Sr. of Osceola; three brothers, Joshua Edward Woods, Jr., Swaylee Woods and Sawyer Woods of Osceola; one sister, Haislyn Woods of Osceola; and his grandmother, Evelyn Woods of Blytheville. Graveside services will be Monday, Feb. 6, at 3 p.m. at Manila Cemetery in Manila with Bro. Gary Andrews officiating.

Lavern White, 97, of Luxora, passed away Jan. 21, 2023, at GRMC in Blytheville. She was a homemaker, a member of Miracle Temple C.O.G.I.C. and motherboard in Luxora. Ms. White was born Jan. 4, 1926, in Memphis, Tenn., to Eddie Garner and Maggie Hartem Garner. ...

Richard Keller, 80, of Jonesboro and formerly of Blytheville, passed away Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Richard was born in Spartanburg, S.C., to Harold and Frances Whitlock Keller. He worked in maintenance at Baptist Hospital in Blytheville until retirement. ...

Brenda Diane Ware Lytle, of Camden, De., formerly of Blytheville, was born Sept. 9, 1958, in San Bernadino, Calif., to Russell Ware, Sr. and Vivion Brown Ware. Brenda was a 1977 graduate of Blytheville High School and also graduated from Cotton-Boll Vo-Tech with an LP certification. Brenda was employed as a private contractor for the United States Air Force in Dover, De...

Mrs. Patty Stovall Canada, 96, of Hot Springs and formerly of Blytheville died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023 at her home in Hot Springs. Born in Tulsa, OK to the late Capitola Glazner and Robert Glazner, she moved with her family to Hot Springs in 1928, graduated from Hot Springs High School with the class of 1945 and attended the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. While at the University, she met her future husband, Bill...

Shirley Ann Weatherspoon, 74, passed away Jan. 24, 2023, at UAMS Hospital in Little Rock. Shirley was born July 24, 1948, in Hughes to the late J.L. DeBose and Willie Mae Johnson. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, J.L DeBose and Willie Mae Johnson, and one sister, Leana Debose...

Tommy Joe Stribling, 88, went home to heaven Jan. 19, 2023. Born May 24, 1934, he graduated high school in 1952 in MacRae. He immediately went to boot camp for the U.S. Navy, serving as an aviation electrician. A son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and of course Papa Joe, he married Betty Smith in August 1952. ...

Paul Melvin Spears, 88, of Joiner, passed away Jan. 24, 2023, at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. He was a U.S. Marine - Korean War, a member of Wardell Baptist Church, he retired from heat and air and owned his own business for 17 years. ...

Norma Jean (Endicott) Woodard, 88, of Bonsall, Calif., passed away Jan. 15, 2023. Born Sept. 2, 1934, in Caraway, she grew up on a farm raising “hogs” and cotton. She was valedictorian of her graduating class at Manila High School in Manila. In 1953 she married Eukie Woodard and gave birth to their daughter in 1955. ...

Bernard Joseph “Joe” Stark Jr., 65, of Horseshoe Bend, formerly of Blytheville, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, at his home. Joe was born in Blytheville to Bernard and Mattie Capwell Stark. He graduated from Arkansas State University with a bachelor’s degree and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. ...

Jeanette Storey, 82, of Hazel Green, Ala., passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, at Bailey Manor in Fayetteville, Tenn. Mrs. Storey was born in Blytheville to the late John and Edna Bolin. She grew up in Gosnell, lived in Murray, Ky., for over 30 years, and lived in Alabama for 17 years. She was a retired professional fisherman, enjoyed being outdoors, and loved spending time with her family and friends...

Kenneth Allen Carmichael, 67, of Monette, passed from this life Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, from injuries received in an auto accident. Born in Leachville, he was the son of the late Vernie H. “Mutt” and Irene Wilson Carmichael and had attended Manila Public Schools. ...

Denise Catrice “Baby Doll” Johnson of Kennett, Mo., was born July 3, 1970, to the late George Jackson Sr. and Leella Grice Jackson in Osceola. “Baby Doll” departed this life on Jan. 16, 2023, at Pemiscot Hospital in Hayti, Mo., at the age of 52. She was preceded in death by her biological mother, Leella Grice Jackson, and her father, George Jackson Sr...

Lawrence Arnette Lane, 69, of Osceola passed away Jan. 21, 2023, at SMC Medical Center in Osceola. He was a transportation director for Osceola School District and worked for Chessie Jones for 25 years, was a member of Grace Temple and chairman of the Deacon Board. Mr. Lane was born March 5, 1953, in Dumas to McClinton and Mary Alice Whitfield Lane. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Lawrence Lane, Jr.; and one brother, Terrance Lane...

Oleeyer Johnson Smith of Blytheville was born June 13, 1961, to Roosevelt Johnson Sr. and Ella Mae Cole Johnson in New Madrid, Mo. She departed this life on Jan. 18, 2023, at her residence at the age of 61. She was preceded in death by her parents. She leaves to cherish her memories her husband, Minister Fred Smith Jr., of Blytheville; three sons, Fredrick Smith and Christopher Smith, both Grand Rapids, Mich., and Kendall Smith of Blytheville; six sisters, Sylvia Redmond of Blytheville, Bernice Gardner, Machelle Cox and Jacklin Black, all of Warner Robins, Ga., Ophelia Welch of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Florene Lewis of Pine Bluff; five brothers,Roosevelt Johnson Jr. ...

Garcia Dean Casey, 78, of Paragould, passed away Monday, Jan. 23, at her home. Garcia was born to Bert and Myrtle Warf Williams and was a member of Armorel Baptist Church. She was a homemaker and enjoyed painting and spending time with her grandchildren...

Barbara Ann DePriest, 80, of Jonesboro, formerly of Leachville, widow of Robin DePriest, passed from this life Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born and raised in Leachville, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Mary Ann Beavers Garrison and a 1960 graduate of Leachville High School. ...

D’Andre Whitfield of Blytheville, was born Aug. 10, 1997, to Larivva Whitfield and Jimmy Dority Jr., in Memphis, Tenn. D’Andre departed this life on Jan. 17, 2023, at Great River Hospital in Blytheville at the age of 25. He leaves to cherish his memories his mother, Larivva Whitfield, his father, Jimmy (Latricia) Dority Jr., both of Blytheville; three sons, Karter Hester of New Madrid, Mo., Taylon Holloway and Daylon Holloway, both of Blytheville; two grandmothers, Elnora Dority Warren and Linda Whitfield; great- grandmother, Luella Ross, all of Blytheville; six sisters, Savanna Whitfield, Shatiyha Luster and Adrianna Morgan, all of Blytheville, Charlene Okendu of Houston, Texas, Kelsee Walls of Bloomington, Ill., and Jemerika Williams of Conway; six brothers, Kaeson Whitfield, Julian Dority, DaShawn Dority and Adarius Williams, all of Blytheville, Jimmy Lee Dority III and Raheem Dority, both of Kassel, Germany; and a host of other family members and friends.. ...

Denise Weaver Lindsey was born on May 30, 1956, in Kennett, Mo., to Russell Weaver and Daisy Sharp Weaver. She passed away on Jan. 10, 2023, in Jonesboro at the age of 66. She had been employed at the Brown Shoe Factory and Randall Incorporated, both in Blytheville. She was united in marriage to Jackie Lindsey in Rives, Mo., on April 20, 1973. She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Daisy Weaver; one daughter, Tracy Forsythe; and one brother, Kyle Weaver...

Julia Ann Box, 72, of Manila, widow of Horace Box, passed from this life Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Born in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late Paul and Maxine Thompson Churchwell. Julia was retired from the United States Air Force and was a member of the First United Pentecostal Church in Manila. ...

Hazel B. Walters Williams was born Sept. 20, 1947, to the parentage of Willie B. and A.D. Robinson in Burdette. She departed this life Jan. 19, 2023, at NEA Hospital in Jonesboro at the age of 75. She was preceded in death by her parents. She leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Annie (Arthur) Watts of Luxora; stepsons, James Walker Walters of Osceola, Adrian Williams of Luxora; stepdaughters, Felicia Byrd of Luxora, Roshell Williams of Osceola, Connie Williams Blackwell of Pittsburg, Pa., Vivian Williams and Melanie Williams, both of Denver, Colo.; two sisters, Lena Gibson of Burdette and Rosie Robinson of Blytheville; one brother, Eugene Robinson of Blytheville; grandchildren, Alexiuse Manning Walters of Jonesboro, Latoria Grant and Alaysia Stewart, both of Blytheville, Tamika Fowler, Bruce Fowler Jr., Shamariya Depriest and Antonio Watts, all of Luxora; a host of great-grandchildren and other family members and friends.. ...

Myron Demetrius Allen, 47, of Washington, D.C., formerly of Osceola, passed away Jan. 4, 2023, at his home. He was a program control manager for Take 2 Consultant LLC and of the Pentecostal faith. Mr. Allen was born Nov. 16, 1975, in Osceola to Melvin Allen and Jacqueline Darkins Lewis. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jasper Nalls, and his sister, Elfreda Nalls...

Sarah Bevill, 84, of Blytheville, passed away Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Sarah was born in Waldo to Rollie, Sr. and Blanche McClure Flaherty and was a member of Northside Church of Christ. She taught business at Gosnell School District for 40 years and was an avid reader. Sarah loved her family and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother...

Brian Neil Pate fought many battles during the Persian Gulf wartime era, but unexpectedly lost his war at home with PTSD on Jan. 5, 2023. He was 53. Brian proudly served in the United States Army as an M48-M60 armor crewman for two years and five months. ...

Jim Wilks Oates, of North Granby, Conn., passed away on Jan. 17, 2023, just short of his 94th birthday. He was born in a small town in southeast Missouri on March 10, 1929, to James and Lavina Oates. Shortly after, they moved to Blytheville, Ark., where he was raised. ...

Joann Jarrett, 82, of Manila, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, at Manila Nursing Home. Joann was born in Blytheville to C.L. and Hazel Aycock Jarrett and was a graduate of Blytheville High School. Joann worked for GMAC in Blytheville until the office closure, and then moved and worked in the GMAC office in Jonesboro until her retirement...

Norma Jean Westbrook, 93, of Jonesboro, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, at The Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. She was born Aug. 18, 1929, to Claude and Fonnee Simpkins. Norma’s passions in life were her faith, family and friends. Her signature gift of joy shown through her constant smiling, laughter and her joking around will never be forgotten...

Raymond Marshall was born May 27, 1928, to Dillard and Annie Mae Marshall in Joiner. He traveled the world as a truck driver for over 70 years with a trade and hobby of small engine repairman until retirement. We will miss the wisdom and jokes that he always gave us. He will be greatly missed...

Larry Calvin Hannah, 71, of Osceola, passed away Jan. 7, 2023, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville. He was an IT specialist, a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Masonic Lodge. Mr. Hannah was born April 25, 1951, in Osceola to Halbert Hannah and Minnie Lee Norris. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Dean Halbert Hannah; and one sister, Bonnie Hannah...

Juanita Earline Berry Blevins, 99, of Manila, widow of Robert Blevins, passed from this life Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, at the Ridgecrest Nursing Center in Jonesboro. Born in Manila, she was the daughter of the late Balyous and Ida Scott Berry and was a 1941 graduate of Manila High School. ...

Lucy Laverne White, 83, of Blytheville, passed away Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, at her home. Laverne was born in Blytheville to Bernard and Mattie Capwell Stark. She retired from Blytheville Air Force Base as the personnel supervisor, and later worked for Gosnell School District. ...

Ulas F. (Sonny) Nash was born May 5, 1953, in Little Rock to Mr. Ulas Daniels and Ms. Lorene Butler. He was preceded in death by both of his parents. Ulas (Sonny) transitioned this life on or around Dec. 25, 2022, Christmas Day in his home at the age of 69. Well-known throughout the city of Blytheville, Sonny was loved by many...

Gerald Wayne Carmichael, 74, of Leachville, passed from this life Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at his home. Born in Searcy, he was the son of the late Vernie “Mutt” and Irene Wilson Carmichael and was a 1967 graduate of Manila High School. He had lived most of his life in the Manila and Leachville areas. ...

Roger Dean Thorn, 68, of Manila, passed from this life Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at the Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Born in Manila, he was the son of the late Orlan “Bill” Thorn and had been a lifelong area resident. Roger was a 1972 graduate of Manila High School and had been a longtime employee of the EIS brake factory, formerly of Manila, before he began working for Tenaris in Blytheville, retiring in 2009. ...

Richard Russell Phillips Jr. died peacefully Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Philadelphia, Pa., six days shy of his 91st birthday. Russell was with family, friends and longtime companion Jean Haskell. Until the last he was smiling with curiosity and had that glint in his eye...

Johnny Lee Meadows of Osceola was born July 5, 1961, to W.C. Meadows and Ruby Lee Meadows in Jackson City, La. Johnny departed this life on Jan. 1, 2023, at Great River Hospital at the age of 61. He leaves to cherish his memories two daughters, Stacey Rogers and Vadell Jackson, both of Osceola; one son, Steven (Sharelle) Fowler of Minneapolis, Minn.; five sisters, Alice Johnson, Shelly Meadows, Tina (Keith) Keys of Blytheville, Trudy Jones of Osceola, Juanita (Louis) Jones of Joiner; two brothers, David Meadows and Ricky Meadows of Blytheville; and a host of other family members and friends.. ...

Alexander “AJ” Dewitt Smith Jr. was born April 1, 1996, to Alexander Smith Sr. and Rosalind Smith in Blytheville. At the age of 26, AJ passed away on Dec. 29,2022, in Aurora, Colo. He was a member of the Baptist faith. He survived by his parents, Alexander Smith Sr. ...

Michael John Ledbetter, 75, of Blytheville, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville. Mike was born in Blytheville to Sonny and Bette Davis Ledbetter and was a graduate of Ouachita University. He retired from Gosnell School District where he was a teacher and coach for the junior and senior high school for 25 years. ...

Johnny Lee Meadows of Osceola was born July 5, 1961, to W.C. Meadows and Ruby Lee Meadows in Jackson City, La. Johnny departed this life on Jan. 1, 2023, at Great River Hospital at the age of 61. He leaves to cherish his memories two daughters, Stacey Rogers and Vadell Jackson, both of Osceola; one son, Steven (Sharelle) Fowler of Minneapolis, Minn.; five sisters, Alice Johnson, Shelly Meadows, Tina (Keith) Keys of Blytheville, Trudy Jones of Osceola, Juanita (Louis) Jones of Joiner; two brothers, David Meadows and Ricky Meadows of Blytheville; and a host of other family members and friends.. ...

David Monroe Chapman, 65, of Jonesboro passed away Jan. 8, 2023 at his home. He was a construction worker and of the Baptist faith. Mr. Chapman was born Dec. 13, 1957, in West Memphis, to William and Iona Laster Chapman. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Pat Baker; one nephew, Eric Baker; and one niece, Stacy Lemmons...

Donald Richard “Duck” James, Sr., 53 of Osceola, passed away Dec. 31, 2022, at Covenant Health Center in Lubbock, Texas. He was a steel mill worker and of the Baptist faith. Mr. James was born Dec. 2, 1969, in Osceola to Jessie Parks and Rosemary James Dunn. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rosemary Dunn; two brothers, Roosevelt Dunn, Jr. and Robert Dunn...

Barbara Ann Boatman of Blytheville was born Jan. 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tenn., to Aubrey Boatman and Lenten Grayson Boatman. Barbara was a graduate of Blytheville High School and was employed at Abilities Unlimited. She was a member of True Gospel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Carl Rogers...

Graveside services for Ruby Inez Pease, 99, were held Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at 2 p.m. with Revs. Neil Chathum and Marcus Hoover officiating. Services and burial were in the Friendship Cemetery. Mrs. Pease died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, at the CHC Gosnell Health and Rehab after an extended illness. ...

Doris Malone “Boots” Richardson, 84, of Big Sandy, Tenn., passed away Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, at AHC in Paris, Tenn. Born in Tomato to Avril and Lavelle Malone, Doris was of the Baptist faith. She loved sewing, fishing, crossword games and puzzles. She especially loved her family...

Barbara Cook Lacer, 76, of Cooter, Mo., passed away Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, at her home. Barbara was born in Kennett, Mo., to Fred and Mamie Scott Cook. She was a homemaker and attended Cooter United Methodist Church. Barbara was very active in her children’s school activities and she enjoyed time around the pool with her family and friends...

Frances England Dozier, 86, of Valrico, Fla., passed away peacefully on Jan. 6, 2023, in Plant City, Fla. She was born in Blytheville to the late James Elec England and Millie Bivens England. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Aubert (Al) E. Dozier; her brother, James L. England; her sister, Ramona Cain Guizar; nieces, Deborah Cain Bader, Pamela England Prudhomme; and nephews, Rusty Allen Dozier and Terry Lloyd England...

Louise Boyle, 91 of Batesville passed away Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at Batesville. She was born March 30, 1931, at Dell to Louis Bryan Turner and Johnnie Mooney Turner. She was an accountant/bookkeeper and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Blytheville, later in life she joined the Ramona United Methodist Church in California. Louise enjoyed her family, painting, quilting and giving to others...