Billie Jean Keen

Mrs. Billie Jean Keene, 72, of Blytheville, died early Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, at Great River Medical Center. She was born in Blytheville March 28, 1941, to Polk and Gladys Hargett. She was of the Baptist faith and a former member of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary.

Her hobbies included Bingo, playing pool and watching Wheel of Fortune. In her younger days, she loved to cook. Her daughter-in-law especially liked her meatballs and spaghetti, and son Michael loved her chicken and rice.

She was always dressed up and ready to go places, with hair and make-up done perfectly.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Tommie Ann Parrish; three brothers, Jimmy Mack Hargett, Lynn (L.B.) Hargett and Ricky Hargett; two nephews, Brian Calvert and Mark Carver; her first husband, Jimmy Keene; and an infant son, Nick Keene.

She is survived by two sons, Michael (and Lauri) Keene of Blytheville and Clifford Keene of Little Rock;

One step-daughter, Jimmie Lynn Keene Richardson of Hot Springs;

Seven grandchildren, Jordan Keene, Coty Keene, Taylor Keene Fischer, Alex Keene, Miranda Cowsert, Ashlee Shell and Johnah Masse;

Four great-grandchildren, Bailee Keene, Brooklyn and Aidan Shell, and Charlotte Fischer;

Four sisters, Donna (and Gene) Rhodes of Steele, Sandy (and Mike) Chitmon of Russellville, Barbara Calvert of Mountain Home, and Mary Carver of Illinois;

Two brothers, James (and Elaina) Hargett and Tiny Joe (and Pat) Hargett, all of Steele;

One aunt, Dois Sinclair; and

A host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Carney Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Tommy Joe Carney officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. today. Burial will be in Carney Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at www.carneyfuneralhome.com