Obituaries

Lawrence Vance Waddell Jr., 85, of Imboden, passed away June 10, 2022, at his daughter’s residence under Legacy Hospice care. Born Oct. 28, 1936, in Manila, son of the late Addie Mae Collins and Lawrence V. Waddell Sr., Vance was united in marriage to the late Iva Dell Downing on May 29, 1955. ...

Ben W. Harpole III passed away in Cape Girardeau, Mo., on June 13, 2022. He was born in Trenton, Tenn., on April 5, 1940, to Virginia and Ben Harpole, Jr. He was raised in Blytheville and graduated from Blytheville High School, University of Arkansas and University of Arkansas Medical School...

Thelma Virginia Gonzales, 85, of Lepanto passed away June 27, 2022 at Flo & Phil Hospice House in Jonesboro. She was a retired factory worker and a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Lepanto. Ms. Gonzales was born Oct. 5, 1936, in Jacksonport to Sylvester Moore and Mary Lowery Welsh. ...

Carolyn Sue Moss, 77, passed away Saturday, June 25, 2022, at the Heritage Square Nursing Home in Blytheville. Sue was born in Coushatta, La., to her parents Clyde and Mary Lou (Smith) Watson. She was a retired caregiver. Sue was an avid reader and enjoyed antique shopping with her best friend...

Christopher Jerome Finch, 66, of Blytheville passed away June 22, 2022, at Heritage Square nursing home in Blytheville. He confessed a hope in Christ at an early age at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under Rev. P.J. James. He was a retired factory worker of Maverick Tube Corporation. ...

Janie Battles, daughter of the late Clarence Renfro and Lula Mae White Renfro, was born Jan. 10, 1948, in Caraway and departed this life June 23, 2022, at her residence in Dexter, Mo., at the age of 74 years. Mrs. Battles was the first female police officer for Blytheville and the former city collector for Blytheville. She was of the Christian faith, enjoyed quilting and reading her bible...

Ella Ermilee Jackson, 91, of Leachville, widow of Mr. Lenard Jackson, passed from this life Thursday, June 23, 2022, at the Manila Nursing Center. Born in Peel, she was the daughter of the late Willis and Parazee Smothers Merriman and had been a Leachville resident the past 60 years. Ermilee was a homemaker and a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Leachville. She enjoyed working puzzles, word search and baby sitting children. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Barbara Jackson Woods; four brothers, George Merriman, Russell Merriman, Joe Merriman, Guy Merriman; and two sisters, Mary Alice Layton and Joyce Jackson.. ...

Edith Gail Henson, 73, of Blytheville, passed from this life on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at her home. Born to Vernon and Floye Mahan Green in Corning, she was a retired registered nurse who served her patients with comfort and care as a home health nurse. Gail was of the protestant faith, loved to read and work in her garden prior to her disability. Most important in Gail’s life was “hanging out” with her family as often as possible. Her parents preceded her in death...

James Lee Plunkett, 56, of Jacksonville, passed away Tuesday, June 21, 2022. He was born in Blytheville on September 10, 1965, to Dewey Plunkett and Linda Giles Plunkett. He graduated with the class of 1983 from Caraway High School. James had a contagious smile, and he loved his family dearly. He loved going to the beach, on cruises, and going to family gatherings...

Judson Lee Wright, infant son of Nathan and Nicole Wright, passed away in the arms of his father and mother Saturday, June 18, 2022, at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. During his too brief eight months, Jud brought love to his entire family...

Charlotte Lynn Carmichael, 65, of Leachville, passed from this life Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Born in Trumann and raised in Northeast Arkansas, she was the daughter of Carlene Collins and had attended Manila Public Schools. ...

Erica Prechae King, 38, of Blytheville passed away June 18, 2022, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church in Osceola. Ms. King was born Aug. 10, 1984, in Blytheville to Henry King Jr. and Deborah Ann Hopkins Weaver. She was preceded in death by one brother, Henry King III; one uncle, Thomas Holliday; and grandfather, Willie James. ...

Tyler Richard McComas, 17, of Leachville, passed from this life Friday, June 17, 2022, at his home. Born in Blytheville, he was a lifelong Leachville area resident and had just completed his junior year at Buffalo Island Central High School. He was employed at Jordan's Convenience Store in Monette and enjoyed hanging out with friends and playing video games and basketball. He was preceded in death by a sister, Cheyenne Spears, aunt, Amanda Ball; and uncle, John Ball...

James Gordon Sherrod, 83, of Gosnell, former longtime Manila resident, passed from this life Sunday, June 19, 2022, at Harris Health Care in Osceola. Born in Marie, he was the son of the late Vernie and Mildred Bostic Sherrod and had been a longtime Manila area resident before making his home in Gosnell. ...

Matthew Stracener, 49, of Dyersburg, Tenn., passed away June 17, 2022. He was born Dec. 27, 1972, to William “Mac” and Earnestine Stracener. Matt was an employee at Tenaris-Hickman for over 20 years. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle for charity, attending Rivercrest Colts games, supporting San Francisco 49ers football and Golden State Warriors basketball. ...

Edward Lee Rowlett, Sr. of Trumann departed this life June 16, 2022, at NEA Hospital in Jonesboro. He was 80 years old. Edward was born July 29, 1941, and was one of nine children born to Ernest Elmer and Ida Katherine Rowlett. He was a lifetime resident of Trumann, as well as a retired bricklayer, after a career of over 40 years...

Jamé Lorene Pearce, 61, of Blytheville, passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville. Jamé was born in Providence, R.I., to Charles Lewis Weatherford and Norma Jean Kincaid Adams. She was a Gosnell Pirate, teaching French, business and computer science at Gosnell High School for 17 years and enjoyed watching her students' “light bulb” moments. ...

Robert Lloyd Jones, 67, of Lepanto passed away June 16, 2022, at Three Rivers Nursing Home in Marked Tree. He was a farm worker and of the Pentecostal faith. Mr. Jones was born Aug. 24, 1954, in Alabama to Jim and Pauline McLaughlin Goad. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Kenneth Jones; one sister, Shirley Duncan; and one grandchild, Daylin Richardson...

Twila Clarice Grimes Martin, 58, of Osceola passed away June 13, 2022, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was a retired CNA and of the Baptist faith. Ms. Martin was born Feb. 11, 1964, in Osceola to Jessie and Mickey Williams Grimes. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Wesley Martin; one brother, Robbie Eugene Grimes; two sisters, Patsy Ann Mason and Jesse Mae Overbey...

Rebecca Ruth Ann Welch, infant daughter of Bradley and Amanda Welch, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 12, 2022, at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Rebecca is survived by her parents, Bradley and Amanda Welch of the home; sisters, Hannah and Abigail Welch of the home; grandparents, Keith and Carolyn Welch of Blytheville and Melvin and Judy Ramsey of Manila; and aunts, Laura Bounds and her husband Cody of Little Rock and Bridgette Welch of Clarksville, Tenn...

Carl Henry Cook Sr., 84, of Payneway departed this life Sunday, June 12, 2022, in Harrisburg. Carl was born Jan. 14, 1938, in Hattieville, to George Thomas Cook and Lois Annie May Henderson Cook. Carl was one of 12 children. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; brothers, David Cook and Odell Cook; sisters, Mary Degraw and Marcel Williams...

Curtis Johnson Jr. was born June 8, 1941, in Columbus, Miss., to the late Curtis Johnson Sr. and Trilley Tate Johnson. He departed this life on June 7, 2022, at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., at the age of 80. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Tommie Johnson; two daughters, Margaret Hodges and Linda Ross; three sons, William Johnson, Curtis Johnson III and Doyle Johnson; one sister, Mary W. ...

Tannar Scott Miles of Keiser departed this life Thursday, June 9, 2022, in Etowah at the age of 37. He was born Nov. 23, 1984, in Jonesboro. Tannar devoted his love and life to his always and forever Tina and chosen son Jacob on June 16, 2009. His proudest moment soon followed with the birth of his son Jaggar. Never was there a more loving, devoted, hard working man. His love for his family and friends is endless. He is happiness and joy to every person that was lucky enough to have known him...

Janet Lou Lamb passed from this life June 3, 2022, at the age of 72. She was a 1969 graduate of Manila High School. At the time of her passing she resided at the Arkansas Health Center in Benton. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary “Pill” Lamb and Roy Lee Lamb, Sr.; one brother, Roy Lee Lamb, Jr.; and one sister, Shirley Britt...

Charles Edward Knight, 38, of Gosnell passed away June 3, 2022, at his residence. He was born Aug. 2, 1984, in Pontiac, Mich., to Charles Knight Jr. and Donna Rhone. Mr. Knight was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his two brothers, Isiah Burrow of Michigan and Sean Knight of Gosnell...

Martha Ruth Andrews, 83, of Alton, Ill., passed away June 7, 2022, at River Crossing of Alton Nursing Home in Alton. She was a housewife and of the Christian faith. Mrs. Andrews was born Nov. 2, 1938, in Corinth, Miss., to Elmer and Minnie Cobb Davis. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Andrews; two sons, Larry F. Andrews and Bobby Wayne Andrews; two brothers, William Davis and JR Davis; and two sisters, Bee Green and Jennie Davis...

Mary Jean Trapp, 60, of Marked Tree departed this life Friday, June 10, 2022, in Jonesboro. She was born April 20, 1962, in Tyronza to Herbert and Bertha Dickerson May. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Tony Trapp; and several brothers and sisters...

Gearldine Murphy, 83, of Blytheville passed away Thursday, June 9, 2022, at Manila Nursing Center. She was born in Little River to William and Violet Stepps on Nov. 6, 1938. Gearldine retired from American Greetings and was a member of Clearlake Baptist Church. She enjoyed working in the yard and doing crossword puzzles...

Calvin J. Wilhoite, 70, of Turrell passed away June 8, 2022, at Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. He was a farm worker and of the Baptist faith. Mr. Wilhoite was born May 31, 1952, in Manchester, Tenn., to Howard and Lizzie Daniels Wilhoite. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Mary Wilhoite...

Jheri Latoya Ballard, 41, of Blytheville passed away May 31, 2022 GRMC in Blytheville. She was a dietician at Gosnell Healthcare in Gosnell. Miss Ballard was born June 18, 1980 in Memphis, Tenn., to Pete Ballard and Freddie Mae Hardin. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Peggy Williams...

William “Bill” Edward Colston, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away Monday, June 6, 2022, in Huntsville, Texas, surrounded by family. He was a resident of Blytheville and a member of Main and 13th Church of Christ...

Rebecca June Lovelace, 83, passed from this life at General Baptist Nursing Home in Piggott on June 8, 2022. June was born June 10, 1938, in Deering, Mo.,, to Annie Lois (Ramey) Neel and A.L. “Bill” Neel, Jr. She was united in marriage to William L. “Bill” Lovelace on June 27, 1959, and to this union two children were born. She was a member of the Church of Christ...

Bonnie Ferne Hamilton, 89, of Manila, widow of Albert Hamilton, passed from this life Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the Manila Nursing Center. Born in Monette, she was the daughter of the late Lonnie Talmadge "Pat" and Hattie Slayton Copeland.  Bonnie was a longtime Manila resident and had been employed at the garment factory in Manila for several years. She later worked for Dr. ...

Gracie Lee Vance, 80, was born Jan. 18, 1942 in Sumner, Miss., to O.C. Morris and Georgia Martin. As a child, the family moved from Mississippi to Arkansas. Gracie attended Richard B. Harrison High School and was a successful business owner. In 1970 Gracie married James Vance. She enjoyed gardening, working crossword puzzles, reading and fishing...

Catherine Lynn Mayes, “Cathy”, of Blytheville, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2022, in the comfort of her home. Born in Birmingham, Ala., to Ervil Harper and Charles Edward Mewbourn, she graduated from Walker County High School in Jasper, Ala., in 1965 and graduated from Walker College in 1967. ...

Michele Charmaine "Micki" Gott of Jonesboro, formerly of Leachville, widow of Dan Gott, passed from this life Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at the NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro. Born in Memphis, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Jettie Douglas and Nanetta "Pat" Staudenmayer Hodges and had been a longtime Leachville resident before making her home in Jonesboro in 1972. ...

Rosa Lee Bollinger, 90 of Manila, widow of Sam Bollinger, passed from this life Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at her home. Born in Bay to the late L.K. and Clara Grace Isbell Holt, she moved to Manila as a child with her family in a horse-drawn wagon. A 1950 graduate of Manila High School, she later attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. ...

Linda Joan Brown, 79, of Blytheville, passed away Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at her home. Linda was born in Bogota, Tenn., to Edgar and Erma Hamilton Brim and was a retired nurse’s aide at Parkview Nursing Home. She was an excellent cook and was best known for her biscuits, chicken and dumplings and chocolate cake. ...

Edward Hugh Atkinson, 72, of Gosnell, passed from this life Monday, June 6, 2022, at his home with many of his family present. Edward was born in Blytheville in the Promised Land community to James and Ruth Jones Atkinson, one of 11 children. Edward was of the Pentecostal faith, having been a member of Gospel Lighthouse Church where he served on the Deacon Board. ...

Dr. Gary James Taylor (Doc T) passed away peacefully on May 28, 2022, at the age of 89 in Blytheville. Dr. Taylor was born in Blytheville to James Marcus Taylor and Wilsie Hassell Taylor, where in his words, the delivering physician (grandfather of actor George Hamilton interestingly enough) “conspired with my father and mother to name me ‘Gary’ after the taciturn movie star Gary Cooper.” Dr. Taylor was an avid reader from a young age, a habit which he cultivated his entire life...

Della Faye Lesley, 84, of Blytheville, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2022, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Della was born in Wilson to Joe and Goldie McGill Strop. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed sewing and collecting dolls. Della loved her family and was always taking care of them in any way possible...

Regginald D. Thomas was born April 4, 1986, in Osceola. He departed this life on May 30, 2022, at SMC Regional Medical Center in Osceola at the age of 36. He leaves to cherish her memories his mother, Loretta Rubin, and his stepfather, Marvellers Rubin, both of Osceola; his father, Jessie Brown Sr., and his stepmother, Shirley Brown, both of Armorel; one daughter, Reginanae Thomas of Osceola; six brothers, Antonio L. ...

Elizabeth Raye "Betty" Caldwell, 72, of Osceola passed away at SMC Medical Center in Osceola. She was a homemaker, enjoyed her horses, taking trail rides, making miniature dolls and was of the Baptist faith. Mrs. Caldwell was born Oct. 4, 1949, in Blytheville to Charles Ray and Dorothy Goodrich Newcomb. She was preceded in death by her parents; one stepson, Timmy Caldwell; one daughter, Becky May; one sister, Rebecca Newcomb; one grandchild, Ashlie May...

Terry Thomas, 71, of Springfield, Mo., passed away Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, at Mercy Hospital. He was born on July 26, 1950, to Martha Jean Thomas and Ernest C. Thomas in Helena. Terry grew up in Caruthersville, Mo., and graduated from Arkansas State University in 1972. ...

Edna Louise Peeples Branscum passed away peacefully at her home in Little Rock on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, just days after her 91st birthday. Edna was born and reared in Dell, but she spent most of her life in Blytheville. She married Jim Branscum in 1951 and enjoyed a beautiful marriage for 61 years. He preceded her in death in 2012...

Kathleen (Katy) Ward, 93, of Blytheville, passed away Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Gosnell Therapy and Living Center. Born in Kensett, Kathleen was a retired nurse’s aide and was of the Methodist faith. She enjoyed tending to the flower beds and watching the birds. She was a true lover of books, dogs, and peanut butter shakes. Kathleen never met a stranger. She always had colorful stories to share with everyone...

Shirley Ann Vandergriff Smith, 79, of Paragould passed away May 31, 2022, at NEA Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was a homemaker and of the Pentecostal faith. Mrs. Smith was born April 24, 1943, in Ripley, Miss., to William Henry and Winnie King Vandergriff. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Roy Kenneth Tice Jr.; one daughter, Denita Dawn Foreman; six brothers; three sisters and one grandson, James Daniel Chase Elrod...

Robert Baker, 73, of Osceola departed this life Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Dorothy Baker; mother, Luetta Bradley of Key Largo, Fls.; give daughters, Sharlette Taylor, Shalonda Baker, Brandi Baker and Chondria Baker of Conway, Kristie Baker of Maumelle; one son, Avery Baker of Little Rock; six sisters, Lena Matlock and Ella Seals Baker of Osceola, Wilma Baker, Leocia Bradley, Patsy Johnson, Mary Lou Taylor of Key Largo, Fla.; four brothers, Ronnie Bradley, Larry Baker, Alfred Bradley, and Clifford Baker of Key Largo, Fla.; six grandchildren, Jezreel Taylor, Jessica Taylor, Mahari McGowan, London McGowan, Brayden Baker and Kingsley Shumate; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.. ...

Sandra Stanley, 64, went to be with the Lord on May 29, 2022, in Benton. Visitation is to be held, Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 6-8 p.m. at Roller Alcoa Funeral Home. Funeral services are to be held Friday, June 3, at 10 a.m. at Roller Alcoa Funeral Home, Benton, with burial to follow at Kensett Cemetery in Searcy...

Joseph Leroyal Nichols, 37, of Osceola passed away May 18, 2022, in Blytheville. He was a construction/steel mill worker. Mr. Nichols was born April 2, 1985, in Osceola to Leroy Chandler and Barbara Nichols. He was preceded in death by his father, Leroy Chandler...