Delores Carney

Delores Carney, 79, went to be with the Lord Friday, March 22, 2013, at St. Bernard's Hospital in Jonesboro.

She was born Sept. 4, 1933, in Manila to Francis Allen and Pearl Wright Donner.

Delores began her work career at Kroger in Blytheville many years ago, but education was the vocation that she dearly loved. She was a lifelong educator, beginning at Immaculate Conception School where she worked first as a classroom teacher and then as an administrator. After the Catholic school closed, she worked in Blytheville Public Schools with a group of teachers and paraprofessionals who were very special to her. Delores loved her "Lunch Bunch" from Franklin Elementary. She worked in the Blytheville Schools until this past Thanksgiving. Through the years, she has inspired and influenced many people. She loved her students and they loved and respected her, as well. She was the kind of teacher that every parent wants for their child.

Delores was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where she was a former member of the Altar Society. She practiced her faith every day, beginning and ending the day with prayers and devotions, using a recorder when she wasn't able to read. She truly lived her faith.

She was especially proud of her grandchildren, and was delighted to be called "MamMaw."

In addition to her church and her home, she enjoyed working in her yard. She was especially fond of working with flowers. She also got a lot of pleasure from feeding and watching the birds as she sat on her porch.

In her earlier years, Delores enjoyed taking long walks in the park. She also rode her bicycle, and was adamant about exercising.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Howard C. Carney; two sisters, Willadean McWilliams and Marlene True; and one brother, Buddy Donner.

She is survived by one son, Michael Carney, and his wife, Carrie of Blytheville;

One daughter, Marla Perkins of North Little Rock;

One granddaughter, Sarah Carney of Blytheville;

One grandson: Aaron Carney of Blytheville;

Two nephews, Larry Carney and Danny McWilliams; and

One niece, Amanda (and John) Mosley.

Visitation will be at Immaculate Conception Church from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday followed by Rosary.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Immaculate Conception Church with Father Tom Marks officiating.

Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

Carney Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Blytheville Humane Society.

Condolences may be offered at www.carneyfuneralhome.com